Fall can be a time for new experiences: new classes, new professors and for some of you, a new school.

If you’d like to add a new look to your list, try one of the many salons in the Kent area.

A student favorite is Cuttin’ Loose at 331 E. Main St.

Walk in the side door, greet the mannequin directing you to the front desk and relax with the friendly staff.

Hairdresser Jessica Baldwin said about 85 percent of her clients have been students since she started working at Cuttin’ Loose two months ago.

Baldwin does a lot of cuts and color, and although she has a lot of female clients, she has plenty of male clients as well.

“When I come to work, I don’t feel like I’m coming to work,” Baldwin said about the laid-back atmosphere.

Cuts run about $30, Baldwin said, but the price can vary depending on length of hair and styling.

Cuttin’ Loose also does manicures, pedicures, facials and tanning.

A full-service salon newer to the community is Doodle’s Salon at 217 N. Water St.

Doodle’s owner Judith Everett moved her salon to Kent from Twin Lakes five months ago.

Everett would like to see more students in her chairs, so the salon offers a 10-percent discount to students (with ID).

Doodle’s not only handles cuts, color and ethnic hair services, but also offers manicures, pedicures, conditioning treatments, waxing (men’s and women’s), body wraps, tanning and massage.

And although she sees plenty of women, Everett said about 50 percent of her clients are men. According to Everett, she specializes in clipper cuts.

“I don’t even use guards,” she said. “I love to cut hair, it’s my specialty.”

Even though Everett considers herself a pro with clippers, men might be more comfortable with a barber.

If this is the case, men should head to one of the three barber shops on Water Street: Emory’s Barber Shop, Jason’s Barber Shop or Pennington Barber Shop.

But if an inexpensive trim is what you’re looking for, try either Great Clips at 2598 state Route 59 (at Meadowview Square, next to Wal-Mart) or Famous Hair at 1705 E. Main St. (next to Acme).

Both feature affordable cuts, walk-in appointments and longer hours — all convenient for students. But be aware that Friday walk-ins might take longer as it’s an especially busy day.

Great Clips manager and hairstylist Heather Carl said about 30 percent of the clients are students, which makes sense considering a cut costs as little as $11.

Contact general assignment Sarika Jagtiani at [email protected].