HOW many times have you visited a hairdressers, beauty salon or treatment centre and left thinking 'wow, that was just too expensive'?

Well, there could be a solution right here in Barry.

'New Beginnings' at Barry College is offering many fantastic different types of services by talented students, for brilliant, low prices.

There are so many different things on offer, from facials to eyebrow tinting, aromatherapy massage to Indian head massage, or cut and blow dries to permanent colouring.

On the ground floor, in the hair studio, you will be treated to top quality styles to make you feel funkier than Kylie, Jennifer Lopez or Anastacia, while upstairs in the beauty salon you will be given a service to make you feel like you're relaxing in paradise.

Students are always glad to have lots of clients to work on, and offer low prices in return. A basic shampoo and set costs £2, while a blow-dry costs £2.50. Highlights or lowlights by cap cost £10, while the woven method is an incredible £17.50.

So what education do the staff have? Or what can Barry College offer you if you want to be the next Charles Worthington or Vidal Sassoon?

Well, a one year Foundation Programme in Hair and Beauty leads to a hairdressing NVQ1 and Beauty Care OCN, while a two year Hairdressing Course for people aged 16 and over leads to a hairdressing NVQ2.

There is a two year HTB/C&G Foundation Course in Ladies Hairdressing NVQ2, a one year NVQ3 Hairdressing Course, a Gent's 12 Week Cutting Course, a Gentleman's Barbering NVQ2 Course, as well as updating and taster courses covering colouring, hair care, skin care and nail care.

For mature students there is a two year hairdressing course which runs 16 hours per week over three days and leads to an NVQ2.

An advanced course (NVQ3), on Wednesdays until 9pm, is attended by people already working in top salons, but getting extra training. It means you can have your hair done by a working professional for a really low price.

Lecturer Louise Judd, said: "It's very important to get customers in here. They will get an excellent service."

Students also have the benefit of access funds. This is funding through Student Services for people who are on benefits or for young students, for example, if their parents can't afford to pay the costs. It is means tested, but can be a real benefit.

The college really cares about its students, especially those who might need a bit more help.

Louise said: "We've got foundation courses for people with learning difficulties at NVQ Level 1 for one year. They learn basic skills, English and maths, as well as hairdressing. Students can go on to do other things after that."

Gillian Judd, 18, is currently working towards NVQ2. She has dyslexia, but has not let it hold her back.

She said: "When I was in school it was really hard, because teachers didn't spot I was dyslexic. I couldn't read or spell. But the teachers have been wonderful here. I'd like to go to a hairdressers and then go on a cruise ship, or go mobile."

Mature student, Toni James, 25, of Barry, will finish her two year course in June with an NVQ2.

She said: "It's been really good. My favourite part is colouring. When I finish I'm going to be working in Nikki's Nut House."

Upstairs in the Beauty Salon there are beauty, holistic and sport's therapies courses for full-time students.

There is an IHBC Beauty Therapist Diploma in Beauty therapy, also an IIHHT Holistic Therapy Diploma, an Introduction to Basic Beauty Techniques, a Body Massage Certificate, and Diplomas in Body Massage, Reflexology, and Aromatherapy. Students will treat clients to a range of treatments, with mani-cures for £2.50, body massages for £6 and reflexology for £8, and so on.

Louise Dixon, a lecturer there, said: "I love working here. You never know what you're going to be faced with and it's very rewarding. You can help the students with so much, and a lot of them have gone on to open their own businesses."

Contact New Beginnings on 01446 734764.

* You can get 10 percent off any hair or beauty treatment at New Beginnings by buying this week's Barry and District News and cutting out the coupon on page 14!