Junior Mike Hamidi got his first facial today, and he didn’t have to pay a penny for it.

“I… Junior Mike Hamidi got his first facial today, and he didn’t have to pay a penny for it.

“I feel excited,” Hamidi said. “School is tough right now and I just really wanted to relax.”

Several Pitt students joined Hamidi in a quest for stress alleviation by attending a spa, held in the Assembly Room of the William Pitt Union, Wednesday afternoon. The spa, sponsored by Pitt Program Council, gave students and faculty the opportunity to indulge in haircuts, facials, manicures, and massages free of charge.

Mercedes Brown, PPC’s leisure learning director, said the spa provides both relaxation for Pitt students and valuable experience for the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy students who contributed the services.

“It’s an event we do annually for the students,” Brown said. “It’s a rest and relaxation kind of thing we do to prepare students for the stresses of finals week.”

Students such as senior Laura Hepler, who enjoyed a haircut and a massage, appreciated the event and the professional attitude of those involved.

“I think it’s a nice break to know that students can be pampered for a day,” Hepler said. “The hairdresser was nice, friendly, and did exactly what I wanted.”

Other students, like freshman Carmen Clark, were concerned that the quality of the services may be subpar, or could deplete over time considering the number of students who attended during the six-hour event.

“I definitely am wary of letting these people cut my hair not knowing their credentials or where they come from,” Clark said. “But it’s coming to the point where money is more of an issue … or at least saving money is more of an issue.”

Professional masseuses from the O2 Group performed their services alongside students from the PBA, who performed facials, manicures and haircuts at the event. According to student teacher Amanda Laface, most of the students enjoyed their work, and valued the experience.

“It’s fun and most of us volunteered to do it,” Laface said. “I think they would work just as hard if they were getting paid to do it.”

Stacee Yeager gave many facials throughout the day and noted their respective individuality.

“Every face is different,” Yeager said. “It stays interesting because I’m learning new things every single time I give a facial.”