Keeping Up In State College

Students don’t move into college until they are about 17 or 18 years old. That is almost 20 years of perfecting your maintenance routine with a designated nail lady, hair salon, esthetician, tanning salon or workout class. Since when is college supposed to un-do all of that hard work? 

While not everyone buys into being high maintenance and getting pampered every two weeks, it is important to those who reward themselves with a pedicure after a long week of midterms. The catch is the price of these services in State College. 

Who knew getting your hair done downtown was going to cost more than it would in a city. The high demand for these services gives business owners the greed to jack-up the prices since there is nowhere else to go for miles. 

VALLEY has been working overtime to find the best places in town. Let’s go over which business you should make your go-to while on campus. 

Looks Hair Design

Hair is a sensitive topic for some people and with good reason. There is a sense of loyalty to the hair stylist that you have waiting for you back at home. They can also always tell if you went to somebody else and that is when it gets awkward. 

But what are you supposed to do? Let your roots grow out to your ears or let the dead ends fester? A lot of damage can be done in four months so if hair is something that you prioritize it might be a good idea to make an exception for a salon downtown. 

And if you are going to cheat on your favorite hair stylists with anyone, let it be Joe from Looks Hair Design on 228 E. Calder Way., State College, PA. 

Joe is the owner of the salon, a Penn State alumni and has been cutting hair in State College since 1974. His years of experience are evident in the way he moves the scissor throughout the hair. He puts the inspiration picture his clients show him to shame by making your hair look 10x better. 

T-Nails & Spa

Nail salons in State College all seem to be a lost cause – except for T-Nails on 2266 E. College Ave., State College, PA. No, this place is not the same as D-Nails, or O-Nails or B&B, even though this is yet another salon with a random letter followed by the title “Nails & Spa.”

While they are not located directly downtown, the ten minute drive off-campus is completely worth the price and quality of service. Some workers aren’t the friendliest and might aggressively tell you to relax your hand, but $38 dollars for a gel fill is too good to pass up. 

Brow Threading 17

No notes on Brow Threading 17 located at 103 S. Pugh Street, State College, PA. They only offer brow threading which might be a deal-breaker for those who prefer waxing but after going here you will be convinced to make the switch. 

A basic threading service is only $12 before tip which is great for the way she gets the tiniest hairs and makes the cleanest arch. Some people don’t believe in getting their eyebrows done because they think a tweezer is good enough, but no tweezer is as talented as this woman. 

PYP Studio Meets PF Tanning Beds

If the Alexis Ren ab-workout is not doing it for you anymore and the self tan is coming out blotchy, invest in a membership at both these places. 

PYP pilates is the epitome of the ‘pilates princess.’ The owner Kerri Bestwick will make every part of your body burn at her 9:15 AM Strength in Studio class on Monday mornings. She is everything that you want to be when you leave her studio. 

Why be toned if you’re not going to be tanned? Maybe it is just a New Jersey mindset, but for the $24-a-month Black Card membership at Planet Fitness, the tanning beds are divine. 

VALLEY has done the research on these places so that you don’t have to. Tag @VALLEYmag on X your favorite place to glow-up! 

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