Here’s the scenario: My calendar for the coming weeks has happy words scribbled all over it… Here’s the scenario: My calendar for the coming weeks has happy words scribbled all over it in red marker, words complete with exclamation points, words such as: Graduation! Summer! Job Interview! Vacation!

Now, red marker and happy faces aside, there is some preparation that should go into these things. You know what I’m talking about: a haircut, highlights, various waxings (don’t act like you couldn’t use one) and a manicure. Stuff that makes you look and feel good, makes you happy, and puts you on top of your game. As naturally beautiful as we all may be, how great would a facial feel right now?

Let’s look at our options: Do-it-yourself could be a disaster. Ask-your-roommate-for-help could be a disaster. Take-out-a-loan-to-go-to-the-salon could be financially ruinous. Or – pay attention to this one – take a trip to the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy. Pause for a second and push the visions of a Kelly Bundy chomping away at her gum and mutilating your good looks, to the back of your mind.

The Pittsburgh Beauty Academy offers all services at a low cost, just to cover supplies and to help support the school. The academy offers a wide range of spa services, including everything from basic hair care to waxing to facials, to hot stone treatment. On top of all that, students who bring their ID cards get an extra 20 percent off all skin and nail treatments everyday, and an extra 20 percent off all hair services Monday through Wednesday.

The academy itself is just that – a school. It has lockers, trophies, students, teachers and an administration. But the cool part is that this really gives it a comfortable atmosphere, none of that snotty industry feel.

The students at the academy are putting their time in because they need to record a certain amount of hours before they are able to obtain their licenses. They also need to practice the theory that they are learning in classes, explained Patty Roberts. Roberts is one of the many instructors at the academy who teach classes and must supervise all services performed by the students.

While I was waiting for my manicure, I was presented with a little white slip of paper. This paper was the only scary thing there – no Kelly Bundy types or anything like that. It was a liability waiver. With a teeny adrenaline rush to the heart I signed it. Then I remembered I was getting a manicure, not going skydiving. It’s just a legal thing, no biggie.

My manicurist went by the name of Snow. Her real name, though, is Tuyet Tran. She’s from Vietnam and came over to the United States because she married an American man. Now she’s going to the beauty academy in order to start a career for herself. As a student, she was really easy to relate to, none of the usual salon-talk awkwardness.

As Snow began her manicure, I felt amazingly comfortable. Roberts was there to give advice and encouragement, and Snow really took her time: an experience often lacking at a professional salon.

Snow used new techniques for hand massage, one of the major benefits of going to a beauty academy. The students there stay right on top of technique, because the school is responsible for teaching the latest methods. And I ended up with a manicure just as good as, if not better than, the ones I have received from fancier places, all for a total cost of $5.60. The price is worth it just to get pampered.

On my way out, Supervisor Dennis Kisner assured me that for anyone coming in to get beautified, “We’ll take care of them.” And I believe it.

Before departing, I went into the hair care section of the school and arranged to get some highlights done next week. I’m already convinced they’ll do a great job. But instead of wondering how mine will turn out, I suggest you give them a call or stop by and see for yourself.

Pittsburgh Beauty Academy is located at 415 Smithfield St. For more information, call (412) 471-0270.