$7.50 for a haircut? Yes, please! A $15 pedicure? Sign me up!

City College’s Cosmetology Academy, located in the Magnolia Center, offers everything from eyebrow tints to back facials, all for budget-friendly prices.

Members of The Channels staff were able to sample an array of the services offered at the Academy.

The Academy offers both cosmetology and esthetician programs. Cosmetology students learn various hair, makeup and nail care techniques. Upon completing 1,800 hours of work, students are eligible to take the California State Board Exam.

The Esthetician Program requires students to complete 600 hours of preparation before the exam. Students learn how to perform facials, and how to apply makeup.

We arrived 1:30 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon. We were greeted with a warm welcome as students in white lab coats bustled around the room.

After I filled out a medical form, esthetician student Michelle Joyce, 21, whisked me away to begin my facial. The treatment room’s dim lighting and serene music created a relaxing environment. I changed into a towel and crawled into my given bed.

The facial included a back and chest massage, complete with coconut body oil. In total, my service took an hour and a half.

Instructor Potjanee Rios overlooked the entire process, making sure Joyce was providing top-notch services. A combination of Dermalogica and Murad products are used on clients.

Joyce graduated from the Cosmetology Program in January and decided to enroll in the esthetician program.

“Having this kind of work experience is great,” Joyce said.

The facial was great, and Joyce was professional, yet personable. Her skill level was a bit lacking, but that is expected from a student.

After my facial, Joyce transformed my face with makeup. She used

Sugarpill Cosmetics to create a dramatic look. Joyce emphasized my eyes using gold glitter and blue eye shadows, and completed the look with black winged liner.

The makeup was not my taste, however, Joyce’s skills were undeniable.

Editor in Chief Ana Mezic, received a facial and makeover from esthetician student Molly Polo, 35. Mezic said she enjoyed the facial, but could have done without the makeup.

“I would definitely get a facial from her again, but I would not get my makeup done,” Mezic said.

News Editor Rachel Zemanek, was pampered with a pedicure from Kenia Banvalez, 24, and a manicure, followed by a makeover.

“The pedicure was nice, but the polish she used on my fingers seemed old,” Zemanek said.

Mezic and Zemanek agreed that the heavy makeup did not reflect their natural preferences.

Lab Teaching Assistant John Rose, got his eyebrows waxed by Alyssa Reinhardt, 24, and his haircut by Claire Creighton, 20.

Although the haircut was not what he wanted, Rose said Creighton was skilled and gave him a proper haircut.

“My eyebrows look great, but my hair just doesn’t suit me,” Rose said.

Overall, everyone agreed the experience at the Cosmetology Academy was positive. The atmosphere was inviting and the students were greatly skilled.