Take advantage of local beauty bargains because a slumping economy is no excuse for a bad hair day

Remember that Pantene commercial in which a showering, toweling and blow-drying Kelly LeBrock begged us not to hate her because she was beautiful?

I couldn't stand those commercials, but not because LeBrock was gorgeous. They irked me because I knew that LeBrock wasn't lathering, rinsing and repeating at home with Pantene.

No ma'am. She was parking her Whitesnake-lovin' behind in some one-named New York stylist's swivel chair and using fancy shampoo made from pygmy goat milk or some such exotic ingredient.

But we can surmise by her appearance on Celebrity Fit Club 3 that LeBrock's glory days have passed, and like most of us, she can probably appreciate a good deal. Too bad she doesn't live in Seattle, because there are lots of great beauty deals and discounts being offered at local spas and salons this summer.

Three local academies offer beauty services at bargain rates. Of course, the stylists and technicians don't have a ton of experience (most still use both first and last names), but if you're just looking for all-over color or a basic manicure, the prices can't be beat.

• The Gene Juarez Academy has branches in North Seattle and Federal Way, and offers hair and nail services Monday through Saturday. Haircuts cost $12.95; all-over color starts at $44.95; and a classic pedicure is $19.95.
• The Gary Manuel Aveda Institute on Capitol Hill offers skin, hair and makeup services Tuesday through Saturday. Facials start at $40, haircuts are $14-$20; and makeup application is $15.

The NWsource Neighborhood Deals promotion offers great discounts in 10 Seattle neighborhoods, including many at local boutique salons. Download your discount card and enjoy these great beauty bargains through Sept. 1:

• Happy hour prices all day Tuesday on waxing services at The Wax Bar in Ballard
• 25 percent off any color with Quint Eby at the Quint Eby Salon in Belltown
• 20 percent off any retail purchase at Vain in Belltown
• A complimentary color and cut consultation or skin analysis; 15 percent off your first service and a 10 percent discount on a product the day of your service at Benedetto Salon on Capitol Hill
• 20 percent off all cuts at Columbia City Cuts in Columbia City
• A complimentary service add-on with any booked service at Spa Blix in South Lake Union
• $5 off any service of $20 or more at Lily's Pampering Salon in Queen Anne
• 25 percent off any boutique item (except skin care) at Spa Scotta in the University District
• 20 percent off for first-time clients at Swoop Salon in the University District
• 20 percent off all services at Beehive Salon in Wallingford
• $45 Brazilian waxes on Mondays, and 15 percent off facials any day at Beauty Bar Spa & Boutique in West Seattle

Mode Organic Salon, which has outposts downtown and in Roosevelt, is offering 10 percent off all Phyto hair products, as well as a complimentary glycolic peel when you schedule a 90-minute Mode Organic Facial.

Habitude salons in Ballard and Fremont are offering a handful of deals through Sept. 30: $10 off any purchase of $100 or more; a free Green Science eye cream with any age-defying facial; a free Aveda Chakra body mist with any deep tissue massage; and a half-price deep conditioning treatment when you get a haircut at the same time.

At Red, clients receive a complimentary 30-Percent Glycolic Treatment or Miracle C Firming treatment in their next facial when they purchase any three full-size Castagnola products in August.

On the Eastside, the Spa at Willows Lodge in Woodinville offers a 90-minute service that includes a body scrub, hydrating mask and scalp treatment for $125 Mondays through Thursdays in August. In Kirkland, enjoy a free mango smoothie with any tropical coconut scrub treatment (45-minute body scrub, $80; 60-minute pedicure, $70) at The Spa at the Woodmark Hotel.

You'll find numerous specials at Gene Juarez spas and salons throughout the Puget Sound area, including:

• $20 off a revitalizing facial, intensive anti-aging facial or back treatment,
• $30 toward makeup products with a Simply Summer Makeup Lesson,
• a complimentary conditioning treatment with any hair service,
• $5 off a classic manicure,
• $20 off a botanical body care treatment,
• $5 off any facial waxing service.

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