The Pros and Cons of a Beauty School Hair Appointment in 2026

A haircut at PJ’s College of Cosmetology‘s student salon costs less than a professional salon because the service is performed by a student in PJ’s cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology program under the supervision of licensed professionals, not a working stylist. That’s the trade behind booking at a beauty school: a lower price in exchange for a training environment. Here’s what that actually looks like at PJ’s, and how to get the best result from it.

Salon prices keep climbing. The national average for a women’s haircut is now around $75, and men’s cuts average $45, before tip, according to Beauty Playbook’s 2026 salon pricing data. Add a customary 15 to 20 percent tip and a routine haircut can run past $90. Anyone weighing a beauty school appointment against a full-service salon needs to know what they’re actually trading, not just the price difference.

How much can you save at a beauty school student salon?

That $75/$45 national average is the baseline you’re comparing against when a PJ’s campus quotes you a price. The exact number depends on where you book, since salon services and prices vary by campus across PJ’s 11 locations. Call your local campus directly to ask about current pricing before your appointment. The savings come from who’s performing the service: a student rather than a working stylist. 

What actually happens during a student salon appointment?

You can book two ways: walk in, or call ahead to schedule. Either is accepted at PJ’s student salons. Once you’re in the chair, the person working on your hair is a student in PJ’s cosmetology program, which trains students in cutting, coloring, texturing, and styling over 1,500 hours, with a licensed instructor overseeing the work. That training happens on real clients in an operational student salon, which means your appointment is part of the student’s hands-on coursework, not a demonstration.

Is it safe to get your hair done by a cosmetology student?

Sanitation is part of the cosmetology curriculum itself, taught alongside the rest of the program’s technical training, so it isn’t treated as a separate concern from the work happening on your hair. All student salon services are provided under the supervision of licensed professionals, meaning your appointment isn’t left entirely in a student’s hands.

How do you get the best results at a beauty school salon?

Come prepared to communicate clearly, since a student is still building the shorthand a working stylist develops over years of client visits. Bring one or two reference photos rather than describing a style verbally. Mention any chemical history (color, keratin treatments, perms) up front, since that can affect what a student can safely do. If something feels off partway through, say so immediately rather than waiting until the end. And because timing at a student salon can vary, build in some flexibility rather than planning around a tight window.

Which PJ’s campus has student salon services near you?

PJ’s operates 11 campuses across Indiana and Kentucky, including Indianapolis, Louisville, and Brownsburg, each running its own student salon open to the public. Gift cards are also available at every location.

The Bottom Line on Booking a PJ’s Student Salon Appointment

Booking with PJ’s student salon means being part of how a cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology student learns their craft, with a licensed instructor supervising the whole appointment. It’s a different experience than a typical salon visit, and for a lot of people across Indiana and Kentucky, that trade is worth it for the price. If it sounds like the right fit for your next appointment, Call your nearest PJ’s campus to book your student salon appointment. 

FAQ

Can I walk in for a student salon appointment, or do I need to schedule ahead?
Either works. PJ’s services page states walk-ins are welcome, or you can call ahead to schedule.

Are student salon prices the same at every PJ’s campus?
No. Salon services and prices vary by location, so check with the specific campus you plan to visit.

Who supervises the students providing salon services?
All student salon services are provided under the supervision of a licensed instructor at PJ’s.

What programs are the students in who provide these services?
Students across PJ’s cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology programs provide the hair, skincare, and nail services offered in the student salon.