Despite what the popular opinion may be, the life of an actor is far from a glamorous one. Between auditioning, callbacks, acting/singing/dance/dialect classes, and that good ol’ survival job, some days can feel like a real slog. To recover from or prepare for those tough ones, you deserve to treat yourself kindly, which means the occasional pampering. Below are three ways to treat yourself, and where in Los Angeles to do it on the cheap.
Get a mani/pedi.
Why: A fresh manicure is capable of changing your entire outlook and attitude and, frankly, the world. Factor in that every mani/pedi comes with an up-to-the-elbow or knee massage, and you’re basically getting two wellness treatments for the price of one. You can also double up on motives if you have an audition coming up that you think calls for a specific hue: red for a sexy role, black for a dark one. And, it’s 2017 so it should go without saying, but mani/pedis are not just a ladies’ sport. Unkempt cuticles, overgrown toenails, or dirt under the nails won't help any male book a role, either.
Where to treat yourself: Sweetley Nails in Hollywood has valet parking for just three bucks, with manicures starting at $15 and pedicures starting at $19. If no-chip gel is your thing, head to Aesthetic Skin Care, Lashes & Brows in Studio City, where the treatment is $40.
Relieve tension with a massage.
Why: As an actor you need to be seriously in touch with your body so as to be able to inhabit somebody else’s. That becomes much harder if you’re carrying around tension in your neck, back, or shoulders—more likely than not, it means your character will be doing so, too. The best and safest way to relax those all-important tendons is with a deep tissue massage. A 90-minute session is not indulgent when it’s for the betterment of your craft!
Where to treat yourself: Wilshire Massage on, unsurprisingly, Wilshire, welcomes walk-ins and offers 30-minute sessions beginning at $35. The spot also offers a special all-day deal every Wednesday for hour-long deep tissue sessions for $40.
Get a new ‘do.
Why: You hair is your head-suit, to quote the ever-wise Jack Donaghy, and you should never walk through life with a mane that doesn’t do you justice. But in a city like L.A., a cut and color can be insidiously costly and before you know it, you’re looking at hundreds of dollars atop your head. So, what’s an up-and-coming performer to do? Look to the up-and-comers in a different profession: beauty school students. The best-kept secret of hair maintenance is that you can get professional grade care under the supervision of professionals by those who are for all intents and purposes professionals, at a highly unprofessional cost.
Where to treat yourself: The Aveda Institute is like the Carnegie Mellon of beauty schools, churning out some of the top talent in the industry. The L.A. branch, near UCLA, is teeming with burgeoning talent and will give you top-notch cuts starting at $19, and highlights starting at a measly $30.
Once you're rejuvenated, book a gig! Check out Backstage's L.A. audition listings!