Some people would rather stick their eyeball under a chili shaker than let a student come near their hair.

Not me. My momma raised me on the Principles of Cheapskatism, and I know a good deal when I see one.

Aveda Institute is one of those deals I swear by. $18 plus tax and tip for salon care and the lovely smells that go with it? Bring it on.

However, saving money for this luxury comes at a cost. Typically, the cut services last around an hour and a half, sometimes longer, so I avoid scheduling time during regimented lunch breaks.

It’s not the actual haircut that consumes the most time; it’s the consulting and approval by the student’s educator, who usually runs around the floor, ten students waiting in line for five minutes of his time.

Depending on the confidence level of the student, the educator may come around two or three times during the haircut. Sometimes there’s just head-nodding and congratulating; other times, the educator picks up scissors himself to frame the cut. Not sure if the student learns much from this, but as long as I’m involved and my hair turns out, I’ll return again and again.

(Four times and counting.)

Above all, my favourite part is the pre-cut hair-wash. I don’t know how these kids are trained, but when I lay my head back and expose my scalp to their magic fingers, it makes me forget about that awkward neck-breaking position. Plus, the massage oils they use are delicious and lift my spirits into spa heaven.

Some argue that hair schools don’t provide consistency; after all, once your favourite stylist graduates, you may never feel his or her hands ruffling through your locks ever again.

But given the four cuts I’ve had here and my concurrent satisfaction, I challenge the inconsistency debate. With the intimate supervisor interaction and the Aveda name at stake, there are standards.

And for the cost, how dare you complain.

My cheapskate momma is proud. And as much as I don’t need her approval, it helps to know that her little girl has finally made the right decision about something.

If only I could just coast through life on a haircut.