Rather than pay the going rate for beauty treatment and hairdressing, Eclipse claims visitors can experience near professional standards at about three-quarters the cost.
Situated at the Banbury campus of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College it is staffed predominantly by students.
Katie Doughty, course leader for Beauty Therapy, said: "The idea is that it feels as realistic as possible both for the clients and our students, like stepping into a salon in the High Street.
"We're running it like a proper business so we need regular clients. We'll be competing with the salons in the town."
Though public rooms already exist on campus for students to gain experience, and placements at salons in the town centre are also arranged, Eclipse will operate all year round when it opens at the start of next month.
In smart, contemporary surroundings, it has hair cut facilities for about ten people, two beauty therapy rooms and a nail station.
It will offer massage, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Though the prices are discounted, Eclipse uses professional products, which are also available for customers to buy.
Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing students studying at NVQ Level Three will work in the salon.
These will be joined by students on the new Foundation Level degree course in beauty therapy, which launched last year, and by their hairdressing equivalents once that degree course starts in the autumn.
These courses focus more on the business management side of the industry.
"The students will get paid like a job and it will give them valuable experience in spa and salon management, looking at business marketing and that sort of thing, so when they go out to work they don't have any surprises," said Miss Doughty.
Former student Jenny Hanks who qualified in 2000 will supervise the new venture. "I'm really excited about this new salon, and the students are really excited too," she said.
Another student/public initiative is the Pamper Day, where members of the public pay £35 for a day of beauty treatment comprising a facial, manicure, body massage and hair conditioning treatment, with a three-course lunch thrown in for free.
Held once a term, Jane Ayris was one of eight women making the most of the discounted prices at the last one. She and her friends regularly take pampering trips out as a group.
"It's great to have a day as girls together. We've been to professional spas but the treatment here is just as good and the value for money is amazing." she said.
For the sake of journalistic credibility, I underwent a relaxing body massage at the hands of 32-year-old beauty therapy student Nicol Von Palubicki.
"I really enjoy working with members of the public. You learn a lot more than working on other students, and Eclipse feels very professional and will help prepare us for the real world," she said
Customers are welcome to step in off the street or call 01865 551669 to make a booking.