In its ongoing commitment to prepare students for careers, Lanier Technical College has opened a spa in Dawsonville.

Currently, the salon and spa is open to the public from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Thursday. Beginning Jan. 13, the salon will be open in the evening from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

"The students get real-life experience by operating all aspects of a full-service salon," said Angelia Brown, cosmetology instructor at the Dawsonville campus. "From greeting the guest, client consultation, performing services with the most current equipment available, and using state of the art software to check the client out at the end of the service."

According to Brown, all services are provided by senior level students and the work is closely monitored by the cosmetology instructors.

"You learn a lot. You touch on all of the areas of spa work," said student Chris Ahrendt. "One thing it's made me want to do is go back to school and get my aesthetician's license. I enjoy it."

The salon area offers haircuts starting at $5, color beginning at $28 and foils starting at $35.

Manicures, pedicures and facials also will be available.

"All pedicure stations have plastic liners for sanitation safety," Brown said. "Specialty facials such as microdermabrasion and oxygen therapy facials are offered as well."

Waxing services and lash and brow tint is offered.

Spray tanning is available to the public, with students being certified to do the work onsite.

"It's the best around," said student Wanda Garrish. "I drive a long way to get here, all the way from Maysville. It's worth every mile."

For more information about the spa and salon services on the Dawsonville campus, call Lanier Tech at (706) 216-5461.