Volunteer as a hair model to get high-quality cuts and color for free

Given the state of my dwindling bank account, it's been hard to justify an expensive haircut and color this summer. So when my editor suggested that I volunteer as a hair model at a local salon and write about my experience, I jumped at the opportunity.

When you volunteer as a hair model, you receive high-quality hair services at a well-established salon from a supervised stylist in training -- for free. The model gets a great cut and color she might not have otherwise been able to afford, and the budding stylist gets a chance to build clientele (along with his chops).

If you have patience (you'll be in the chair longer than usual) and the ability to turn off your Blackberry for a few hours, then read on. Why is the latter important? Because you're not really a customer. The stylist-in-training counts on your attention and feedback throughout the session.

For my experience, I chose Seven in Pacific Place for color, and Coupe Rokei near Pike Place Market for a haircut. Both salons are always on the lookout for models to satisfy the demands of their rigorous 18-month advanced training programs.

At Seven, I was taken under the wing of Siobhan Rivera, an energetic young stylist who began by analyzing my face shape (rectangle), skin tone (olive), bone structure and undertone (apparently green).

She recommended a deep chestnut-brown formulation, which she reviewed with her instructor prior to mixing. She expertly pulled the color though my hair, taking extra care to make sure nothing dripped on my face.

The result was gorgeous color and nary a gray hair, making me cringe to think how much I've paid in the past for lesser results.

Because Rivera was at the end of her training, she required less scrutiny from her instructors than a newer trainee would have. They subtly monitored her from another area of the salon and occasionally walked by for a closer look.

With newer trainees, you can expect more intensive interaction between stylist and instructor. In addition to cuts and color, Seven needs models for shampoos and blowouts, and if you're happy with your results, you can request the same stylist-in-training on repeat visits.

After the thumping energy of Seven, I entered the laid-back sophistication of Coupe Rokei for a haircut that was a masterful duet between trainee Eric Wennberg and co-owner Keith Funai, who first asked what I like about my hair.

Next came an analysis (with plenty of gentle tugging) of my curls. They also inquired about previous haircuts and discussed how to address my halo of frizz.

Finally, they settled on a plan of action and for the next two hours, Funai guided his trainee, asking Wennberg about next steps, checking his progress by measuring lengths of hair and making suggestions about technique.

It was Wennberg, though, who did the cutting and shaping, and without a doubt, I received one of the best cuts of my life. Coupe Rokei takes volunteers for cuts, color, styling, classic updos and period styling.

You can volunteer for similar services at other salons, including Sassoon on Fifth Avenue and various Rudy's Barbershops. Some salons, such as Mode (Downtown and Ravenna), use only current customers as models.

If you're interested in being a hair model, visit Craigslist and look under Services/Beauty for volunteer opportunities. You can also check salon Web sites. When you call, ask the salon what it is looking for, and describe your hair and how you like to wear it.

Then, be prepared to wait: Depending on where trainees are in their studies, they might not be ready for you right away, but they will put you on their list and call you when the time is right.

Finally, do your best not to cancel. These folks are on a curriculum track, with specific class days and hours. If you absolutely must cancel, give them as much advance notice as possible and try to find a replacement model for them to work on. And yes, it's hip to tip. Ask up front what is an appropriate amount.

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