METROPOLITAN LIFE THE SHORTLIST: TEN PLACES TO GET A CHEAP HAIRCUT

For people whose hairdressing budget suffers from advancing baldness, many salons and training schools need heads for their students to practise on. Cuts are cheaper - or free - while other services such as tinting and perms carry a nominal charge. Most require booking in the normal way and the trainees are supervised by professionals who can always make subtle (or, if the worst comes to the worst, drastic) adjustments. Allow plenty of time, as appointments are likely to take up to two hours, or longer, for colouring etc.

IN LONDON ...

Toni & Guy Academy, St Christopher's Place, W1 6AL and 16 West Central St, WC1A 1JJ (0171-486 4733). Weekdays. No charge for cuts if you can find the special ads in free magazines such as Ms London.

Jingles International Ltd, 84 Lambs Conduit St, WC1 (0171-242 5057). Weekdays. For the apprehensive, classes can be viewed in action before having a cut.

Willy Smarts, 16 The Pavement, Clapham Common, London SW4 0HY (0171- 498 7771). An unusual offer here for those with time to spare and an interest in the business. From the new year, cuts will be given in exchange for a little help in the salon.

Antenna, 27a Kensington Church St, W8 (0171-938 1866). Dome Monofibre Hair Extensions are a growth industry in more ways than one with this salon now offering Monofibre female dreadlocks. Contact Claire. Thursday between 2pm and 6pm.

M&M Hair Academy, 78 South Ealing Rd, W5 4QB (0181-579 0029). Model nights on Tue and Wed.

L'Oreal, 30 Kensington Church St, W8 (0171-937 3314). All types of perms and colours are available.

Patterson SA, 129 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AD (0131-228 5252). Training days are on Monday.

Toni & Guy, 74 King St, Manchester, M2 4NJ (0161-839 2955). Model evenings on Monday and Tuesday.

Maecenia Training, Margarethe Hse, Eismann Way, Phoenix Pk, Corby NN17 5Z (01536 401422). Weekdays.

Umberto Gianini Salon, The Water's Edge, Brindley Pl, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HL (0121-633 0111). Model school from January on Mondays.

September Hair Studio, 15-17 Queen St, Blackpool, FY1 1PU (01253 28394). Model nights on Tuesday.