By Elizabeth McIff
Late nights, early mornings, tests, research papers and dating all contribute to the stress students are forced to endure daily. A trip to the spa can cure these ailments, but what student can afford it?
In celebration of Spa Awareness month, The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake is having its grand opening of The Grand Spa, but very few students will find the funds to bask in this serene and spacious environment.
However, there is an alternative. Beauty and massage institutes offer the same variety of treatments at a fraction of the cost.
Tiffany McLauchlin, director of esthetics at Bon Losee Academy of Hair Design, said the treatments clients receive from the students are almost the same they would receive at a spa.
'Esthetics is the study of beauty,' McLauchlin said. 'Therefore, our services are all encompassing. For the most part, anything that has to so with the skin we treat.'
Upon comparison with local spas, the prices at the academy for facials, waxing, and nails is on average 40 to 50 percent less.
Massage treatments are another form of stress relief that a student can easily get at a reduced price.
According to a representative of the Utah School of Massage Therapy, anyone can receive a 50-minute massage on Saturdays by students at a rate much less than that of a spa.
Candice Woodworth, 24, a senior majoring in marketing from Texas, finds the spa experience worth the time and money.
'I go to the spa as a way to be pampered,' Woodworth said. 'I love facials because they clear and air out the skin.'
Woodworth is also a strong advocate of the benefits of regular massages.
'Massages are essential because they help your body get rid of all the lactic acids and other different toxins,' said Woodworth. 'They are also the best form of relaxation.'
While it would seem the spa experience caters exclusively to women, McLauchlin said a large number of clients who come in for esthetic treatments are men.
'The spa industry itself within the male clientele is growing extremely rapidly because men are now realizing they want to look good just like women,' McLauchlin said. 'Because of that, we make many of our services not gender specific.'
Popular treatments for men include enzyme and back treatments, waxing, and pedicures, McLauchlin said.
Nick Losee, 22, a junior from Provo majoring in psychology has received esthetic treatments before.
'Being the family business, I thought I would give it a try,' Losee said. 'I have been only once since then, but I think we men should have the excuse to do something for ourselves once in a while too, whether it consist of going to a salon for some or playing football.'