I haven't in quite a while, but when I was in college I used the beauty schools for all my styling. Most places you can request a certain student, or ask for someone that is about to graduate. You can also ask to have the top in the class for color, cut, or whatever it is you are having done. Most of the receptionists know who the best students are. When I would go, I would call ahead so I knew when the best students were going to be there. I mean, chances are if you go to Fantastic Sams or the like, you'll be getting someone fresh out of school anyway, so the experience factor is about the same. And, most of the time the students are getting graded on the work they do, so they pay a little more attention than someone that has 4 more clients to finish before they can break for lunch. I never had a problem and it was the only way I could afford the looks. Give it a shot.