Recession Hair Is Trending, But Will It Actually Save You Money?

Yahoo

21-05-2025

Recession hair is officially back. First coined during the 2008 financial crisis when economic anxiety sparked a move towards simpler, scaled-back hair habits, the term is trending again as tariff policies, inflation, and financial uncertainty once more push beauty lovers to rethink their routines.
This time around, the movement is unfolding in real time on TikTok, where users document their personal hair habits and routines in response to the shifting economic landscape. For some, it's about getting creative with DIY trims, spacing out salon visits, reducing their product lineup, or choosing drugstore haircare alternatives. It can also mean letting roots grow out or embracing their natural hair color to avoid costly salon visits (see the viral popularity of "recession blonde" and "recession brunette" for proof). On the app, users often joke that root length doubles as a recession indicator—the longer the roots, the rougher the economy.
But with all this recession hair buzz, are there real ways to 'recession-proof' your routine?
Celebrity Hair Stylist Clayton Hawkins explains that this isn't the first time hair habits have changed with the economy. 'Part of the reason why the ombre became so popular in the early 2010s was because cash-strapped young millennial women stopped getting their roots done. And spoiler alert: It ended up looking kind of cool.' Hawkins expects to see a similar 'happy accident' emerge in the industry if current economic factors continue to affect purchasing power.
Meanwhile, Kimberlee Blakley, a trichologist and senior director of product development at MAV Beauty, recalls a similar hair change after 9/11 in New York City. 'Back then, people took a lot more time to come in for their cuts and color services. Because of this, there was a boom in brands developing color-safe products,' Blakley says. She observed a heightened focus on scalp health as stress peaked during this period of societal uncertainty, with hair loss linked to turbulent times.
So, the short answer is yes, recession hair is a real phenomenon. Though it may be currently trending on #BeautyTok, it's far from a new concept. According to experts who've seen it all before, here's how to navigate it like a pro:
As people begin to rethink their hair routines and budgets tighten, swapping in affordable products for your luxury beauty buys is the natural first step—but it shouldn't be viewed as a downgrade.
Growing up in salons, Blakley notes that there is a common misconception about professional and prestige hair care brands—namely, that people think you always get what you pay for. 'There have been some amazing advancements in technology and procurement of ingredients that can support healthy hair at a lower cost point than the $30 or more luxury products,' she claims.
Hawkins agrees, saying his kit includes all price points. 'Healthy-looking hair is not reserved for the mega-wealthy,' he says. 'In fact, a lot of the super expensive hair products only cost more because of their fragrance.'
Lucrecia Jovel and Patrick Harriman, co-founders of The Root Project Hair Care, share that although cutting back on spending is common during times of economic uncertainty, it doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. Instead, it's about embracing intentionality. Their motto is "a simple routine can change everything." In other words, welcome the luxury of simplicity.
In fact, there might be a hair health upside to a less-is-more approach. 'Whether it is overwashing, overloading with product, or overlapping benefits, it usually leads to a shelf full of half-used bottles and hair that is still confused. The smarter move is choosing clean, high-performance formulas that support long-term hair health at the root. This leads to the real ROI,' they explain.
Jovel and Harriman emphasize the importance of scalp care, labelling it a non-negotiable when trying to cut down on expenses at the salon. 'We believe rootcare is haircare—show your roots some love, and great hair happens," they say, adding, "If the 'terrain' is good, hair will flourish."
Blakley agrees, referring back to her experience while working in salons post-9/11. 'Healthy hair starts at the scalp. To have healthy-growing hair during times of stress, nourishing the scalp is key,' she says. In short, don't ditch your scalp mask just yet—there are other ways to save money without sacrificing hair health.
Experts warn against any bold or experimental hair changes if you're trying to streamline your routine. 'Similar to cutting bangs after a breakup, one common mistake during a recession is making drastic hair color changes at home—like going from blonde to red—which can be tricky and often lead to damage or uneven results,' Donna Pohlad, the founder of DpHue, shares. Reversing significant hair changes can often cost more in the long run than sticking with what you know, so proceed with caution.
Instead, Pohlad recommends using low-risk, beginner-friendly products that maintain or enhance your current hair color. 'Whether you are coloring for grey coverage, vibrancy, or shine, products like root touch-ups and glosses can extend that salon feeling,' Pohlad shares. 'It's all about smart choices that keep your hair looking its best while helping you stretch your beauty budget."
Even seemingly low-maintenance changes, like getting a sharp bob, can lead to more salon visits down the line. 'As a short-haired girly myself, if you're trying to be recession-proof, I would not recommend cutting your hair short. It does have an air of ease to it, but it's a high-maintenance cut and style,' Blakley says.
The drawback? You'll have to regularly return to the salon to maintain the length and style of that blunt lob or cool pixie. 'I sometimes can't even get to three weeks without trimming my own hair or getting it cut. So, if you have long hair, keep it long. Stay away from any drastic boyfriend breakup cuts,' explains Blakley. 'Sometimes we like to do the most just because we can. But in a time of recession, stick to what you know and what is necessary; drastic changes are not part of this equation."
Hawkins mentions that if you're considering a switch to DIY at-home treatments, avoid extremes like bleaching your hair in your bathroom sink. 'It's really not worth the cost of having to get it fixed in the chance it doesn't go well—and that's a high chance,' he says. 'Trim your bangs, dust your ends, but leave chemical services to the professionals.'
Blakley also advises against trying highlights at home, which may lead to irreversible damage. 'In this recession space, we need to be really careful with over-styling and using heat or chemical services. I recommend going to the salon for any hair color or chemical service.'
However, you can take steps to make your highlights last longer. To prolong salon results, she recommends that color clients use a color-treated shampoo and conditioner or purple shampoo to help reduce the brassiness between visits. You can also request more blendable coloring, without a visible harsh line, at your next appointment for a more forgiving grow-out process.
Although recession-era shifts impact consumers first, they are also felt at the salon level. Rashuna Durham, salon owner, master stylist, and Amika's lead educator, mentions that economic shifts affect her business directly.
'It does impact us, too. While we're doing fewer touch-ups and color services, it also means we're adapting by offering more affordable options, like trims, root touch-ups, or low-maintenance styles. It's all about being flexible and helping clients look and feel great without breaking the bank,' Durham explains.
Ultimately, recession hair doesn't mean giving up on treatments, cuts, and color altogether. It's about reimagining your regimen: Evaluate the tradeoffs, simplify your routine, and foster a collaborative relationship between you and your stylist. Money savvy can be stylish, and there's beauty in simplicity.
Read the original article on InStyle