You have probably been in the same situation as myself: You really need your haircut or color retouched but are feeling kind of cheap. You rethink this very simple concept over and over again. Do I spend my money on getting pampered and feeling relaxed (while getting that awesome haircut and color you see on every Hollywood A-lister) and go to that kind of pricey spa salon or do you say "What the heck I'll just make the appointment at that regular salon and be done with it". Even though you swore a month ago you'd never go back there even if your life depended on it. (Bad choice.) So, here you are again in the same chair with the same unfriendly, no personality stylist you've had before, asking you the same question about 3 times now. You reply "Well as I said BEFORE I'm going out this weekend with my girlfriends." All of a sudden you feel a slight tug on your head while she's cutting it. Your thinking, "She better have done that on accident or no tip for her!" Then a smile comes across her face and she starts making small talk. You wonder if she read your mind when you said "No tip for you!" Anyways, the time has finally come to look in the mirror at your new do. It's....good, you reply. Not the fabulous cut or sparkling color I showed you in that hairstyle magazine but I guess I can't expect wonders. (I said to myself of course, I'm not that rude!) But, it will do for now. And yes, I gave her a tip.

Or you could of chose option B: Making your appointment at a spa salon where all of your every beauty wishes will be fulfilled. Really! As you walk in you are greeted by a friendly receptionist and offered a drink of your choice. Then she kindly offers to take your coat (if the weather is necessary.) So, your all ready to feel like a princess( or prince) by one of the highly trained stylists that have a passion for what they do and know how to create your desired hairstyle. They are well practiced with the most current techniques so you are getting some of the best hair care possible. Your really surprised that the stylist actually talks about things other than the weather or "What you doing this weekend?" conversations. Now you are getting ready to be shampooed (Yes I said shampooed only for a haircut.) Stylist at spa salons always shampoo their clients whether it's a haircolor or just a trim. Shampooing and massaging the scalp cleanses the hair from dirt, oils, and product buildup. It's healthy for hair growth and nourishing for the scalp as well. And it's way more luxurious than that cold, dirty water being sprayed on your head (and face) at other salons. You show your stylist what haircut and color you want. They are willing to do whatever you want, hey it's your hair. They will guarantee you will be pleased in the end. Well the time is going pretty fast now and your really don't want to leave. The salon has great color schemes and relaxing modern music playing all around you. The smell of all the high end hair products used on you make you want to buy every single one, and yes, respectfully priced. It's now time to get going and show everyone you know the great hair you never had before. You will NEVER go anywhere else again! After starting my new job a spa salon. I began to realize the big differences between regular "discount chain salons" and "private spa salons". Spa salons offer a variety of services like massages, body wraps, facials, waxing, foot soaks, pedicures, manicures, acrylic nails etc. while the salon down the street usually just offer hair services and lip and eyebrow waxing. I am not saying these salons aren't good, everybody has their personal taste, and if your use to where you have been going for 10 years, you probably won't want to even think of a change. But if you want to be adventurous and try something truly indulgent then go to a spa salon where they will have some of the most well trained, experienced stylists using the best products available for all your little beauty desires. That's why so many people are regular clients and come in often at my work. They treat you how you want to be treated and understand you're here to feel relaxed. This is your time, no one else's, and they get that. I am a firm believer in the saying "You get what you pay for." It's so true. In the end you might be paying a little more for your service but to me, it's money well spent!

Michelle is a beauty professional at Salon Destino in Strongsville, Ohio and a contributing writer for Beautykazoo.com