Quick Picks: The bast places to get a new hairstyle

The materialistic and somewhat vain side of me has always wanted to have hair like Meg Ryan. Meg Ryan is cute. Meg Ryan is American. Meg Ryan may have had an affair with Russell Crowe but Meg Ryan is blonde. I can’t fight it. I’ve always wanted to be blonde. I am unwilling, however, to bleach all of my dirt-colored tresses golden out of fear that those dreaded roots would drive me to pull a Sinead O’Conner. Until recently, blonde highlights have been my answer. But keeping up a head full of blonde streaks can be expensive. The following list of salons, barbershops and beauty schools is not a list of greatness, people. It is a descending list of cost: Five salons in order of expense beginning with the poshest.

5. Kakoi Kakoi is not just a salon. It’s a day spa and a boutique. After walking in and being surrounded by wreaths and candelabras filled with dried flowers, racks of semi-precious jewelry, cases of high-end hair care products, you know why you came. You came for the experience and the free drink they offer you. But, the downside is you end up paying for it. The stylists all charge different prices. But with a cut, color and generous tip, you could spend upwards of $100 for your new coif.Grade: 3 hairdryers

4. Hair Studio 170 Hair Studio 170 has a more laid back feeling. You aren’t surrounded by the dried flower arrangements, but you still get the free drink. Another plus is the full-service tanning salon right next door, if you’re into that – which I am. For a cut, color and generous tip you will spend around $80.Grade: 3 1/2 hairdryers

3. MastercutsMastercuts, in the Cache Valley Mall doesn’t have the decorations or the free drink, but they do have student discounts. Students get 10 percent off any service. Yahoo, we love discounts. And right now they are having a special where you get 25 percent off highlights, my personal favorite. A cut, color and tip will cost you $35 to $40 depending on how dense you want your highlights.Grade: 4 hairdryers 2. New Horizons Beauty College New Horizons Beauty College is also a great place to go for those of us on a budget. Don’t let the sign on the wall as you enter the building that says, “All services are performed by students in training,” scare you. There are licensed instructors milling about the place. A cut, color and tip (yes, you have to leave a tip) will cost $25 to $30.Grade: 4 1/2 hairdryers

1. The Utah State University Barbershop The Utah State University Barbershop is located on the bottom floor of the Taggart Student Center. Forget looking like Meg Ryan, they don’t do color, but there is a stylist there who is famous for her neck massages – if you leave the right tip. Haircuts cost $8, and don’t forget the tip. Grade: 5 hairdryers