Getting your hair cut, colored, straightened and who-knows-what-else can cost a bundle. If you're trying to cut costs, it might feel like you have to run around town with a head full of frump. But if you're willing to give up fancy interior design and just get the job done--there are options.

One of the best ways to get your hair done is to go to one of many beauty schools right here in Brooklyn and allow one of the students to practice on you. Don't worry--they are supervised. Here are a few of them:

• Elite Academy of Beauty Arts does cuts for $10 and one-process color for $20.They are on 426 Kings Highway. 718-998-8182.
• Empire Beauty School has cuts that start at $5 and color that starts at $20. They are on 2384 86th St. 718-373-2400.
• Hair Design Institute does cuts for $5 and color for $10. They are on 6711 5th Avenue. 718-745-1000.

Here are a few more tips for saving money:

• If all you need is a trim with no layers, or to have your bangs cut, try your local barber. They can do this as well as any fancy salon and aren't likely to charge you more than $10.
• Specifically ask for ideas on getting a cut that grows out well so that you don't have to go as often.
• Consider alternating professional hair color with do-it-yourself products at home. There is no question that a salon can do it better--but if you do it on your own every other time, the results should be fine. Unfortunately this doesn't really work for highlighting, which is very hard to do at home.
• Okay--it isn't really kosher, but you could ask your favorite stylist or colorist if they are willing to come to your house to do your hair. You can pay them in cash and they don't have to give any of it to the salon. Everyone saves (well, except the salon...).
• You could get really brave and try to cut your own, or your family's, hair. WonderHowTo has a bunch of videos that guide you through the process.
• Salons that participate in the Locks of Luv program will cut your hair for free if you donate it. See the Locks of Luv website for guidelines on what type of hair is acceptable and look for the logo on the windows of local salons. Some may do the cut at any time, others have certain days when they will do it.
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