PRACTICAL VIEW : Getting a Cut, Color or Perm for Nothing

Many top salons set time aside each week for an “open house” or “class night,” when haircuts, color or perms are offered free or for a reduced fee.

The same services could cost $35 or more, plus a tip, during regular hours. The catch: your hair is in the hands of a new staff member or an instructor, and your choices may be limited. Some salons require appointments, so call for more information.

* Allen Edwards--Free cuts, perms and color from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Call any of the six Allen Edwards salons in Los Angeles or Orange counties for details.

* Carlton Hair International, citywide--Free haircuts, color and perms. Wednesday at 7 and 9 p.m. Call a Carlton or Linear Hair salon for details.

* Doyle Wilson--Free cuts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. Thursday. $10 color and $10 perms at 1 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. 8006 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 852-9238.

* Jadds Professional Academy (downstairs from the salon)--Free cuts, color and perms from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 629 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 934-3323.

* Regis/Glemby--Free cuts, perms and color. In-store salons at I. Magnin and Robinson’s. Free-standing shops include MasterCuts and Regis Hairstylists. Call (800) 777-4444 for details.

* Sebastian International Headquarters, Research and Development Lab--Free cuts, color and perms 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. 6109 DeSoto Ave., Woodland Hills, (818) 999-5112.

* Vidal Sassoon Academy--$10 to $14 cuts at 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Perms and color also available. 1222 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, (213) 393-1461.

* Vidal Sassoon Salon--$15 haircuts, $18 color and $18 perms at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. 405 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, (213) 858-9795.