'Recession Hair' is chic, strategic — and won't bleed your wallet dry
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more.
You're not alone if you've been extra worried about money lately. All this talk about a potential recession has many people scrambling to find ways to cut back and save. For some, that means shopping sales; for others, it means minimizing how often they do costly things like getting their hair colored. So many people are interested in saving money at the salon, and it has inspired a beauty trend called 'recession hair.'
The recession hair is really for those who want to continue to color their hair but don't want to save by trying at-home dye kits. It involves having your hair colored in a way that allows you to extend the time between trips to the salon, allowing you to go less frequently and save money. We turned to top hair stylists to learn more about this trend. Here's what they had to say.
What is recession hair?
Recession hair is a term focused on making low maintenance, low-cost hair color choices, says William Whatley, celebrity hairstylist and creative education director for Scruples. There are ways to do this, but most people do it by having their hair colored in a way that allows more blending at the roots, so you don't need as frequent touch-ups.
'I've also seen it dubbed recession blonde or recession brunette, and it's one of the hottest trends of the season,' says Angela Calisti, a celebrity hairstylist at Beauty Social Salon in New York City. 'It usually involves a darker, more brown-tinted shade that showcases a natural root, achieved by missing one's touch-up appointment.'
The reason for this: If you have slightly darker hair, going lighter from the root to the tip can mean lots of upkeep. 'While exact cost depends on where you get your color done, upkeep for blonde hair can be quite the investment and oftentimes the more expensive option because of the frequency of salon visits you need to maintain it,' explains Calisti, who adds that going a bit darker at the roots and blending into a lighter shade is helpful because grow out won't be as noticeable.
How to ask for recession hair
If you ask your stylist for recession hair, there is no guarantee that person will know what you mean. Instead, the stylists we spoke to suggested asking the person doing your color for specific techniques that will allow you to visit the salon less frequently. Here are some of the common terms our hair stylists say you can ask for:
The root stretch: 'This softly blends your natural hair color into your existing lightened strands, creating a seamless grow-out,' says Calisti. 'Adding lowlights at your appointment can enhance depth and prolong the time between touch-ups.'
Balayage: This technique blends highlights and roots for a more natural look, says Whatley. 'Unlike foiling close to the roots, which can create noticeable lines, balayage focuses on the mid-lengths and ends, providing a softer, more natural blend,' adds Calisti. 'This service can last a year.'
Gloss: Skip the highlights and enhance your color with a quick gloss — it can keep your blonde or brunette hair looking rich, says Calisti, who also points out that getting a gloss tends to be more affordable than highlights.
How to go longer between salon appointments
Beyond making smart choices at the salon, there are a few ways you can extend the lifespan of your color. Here is what Whatley recommends:
Skip the shampoo: Washing your hair daily can cause color to fade faster. Instead, wash every other day or even less frequently if you can.
Pick the right formula: When you wash, use a sulfate-free shampoo, which can also prevent fast fading.
Avoid hot water: Using hot water in the shower can wash the color out of your hair. Stick to tepid water instead.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on recession hair.
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What are 'recession nails,' and why is everyone doing them?
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more. We're all trying to be a little smarter about where our money goes — and sometimes, that means cutting back on the 'nice-to-haves,' like weekly salon appointments. But just because your budget's tight doesn't mean your nails have to look like it. Welcome to the era of 'recession nails' — a buzzy trend with real payoff. Whether finding ways to stretch your current manicure or perfect your at-home polish game, it's all about looking polished without blowing your budget. To help you master the art of the money-saving mani, we asked pro nail techs to spill their best tips — from the tools they love to the tricks that keep polish chip-free. How to make your salon manicure last longer If you're going to splurge on a professional manicure, make it worthwhile. 'The best way to extend a salon manicure is to apply a layer of top coat every day — it keeps chips at bay,' says Jessica Dickson, owner of Jessica's Beauty Service. Another pro tip? 'Wear gloves when you're cleaning or doing dishes,' says Chelse Collins, nail technician and owner of The One Beauty Lounge. 'Excess water and harsh chemicals can cause your polish to lift or chip faster.' How to DIY your manicure at home Want to skip the salon altogether? You can still get a great-looking manicure at home — you just need to know a few key tips. Below, our experts share their best guidance: File gently: Use a fine-grit nail file to shape your nails. Avoid using a sawing, back-and-forth motion, which can weaken the nail. Instead, move the file in one direction, starting at the outer edge and moving inward. Focus on your cuticles: 'Whether you're using an orange wood stick, a metal pusher, or an electric file, giving proper attention to your cuticles is essential,' says Collins. 'Make sure they're gently pushed back and any excess is trimmed—this ensures your polish adheres properly and lays smooth.' Just avoid cutting the skin around your nails, which can cause hangnails, and only trim hard pieces of cuticle sticking out, says Dickson. Clean your nails: 'Polish won't stick to a nail bed that's oily or dirty,' says Collins. 'Spray your nails with at least 70% alcohol and wipe them down.' Dickson says to avoid using a cotton ball to wipe, and stick to a paper towel instead — cotton can leave behind fibers. Paint away: When it comes to polish, start with a base coat, which gives your color something to stick to. Then paint on two thin layers of colored polish, followed by a top coat to seal it all in. 'With every layer, run the brush along the free edge (tip) of the nail,' says Collins. 'This helps seal the product, prevents cupping, and extends the wear of your manicure.' To help make your at-home manicure dreams come true, we rounded up nail products our experts love — and added a few more recommendations from NBC Select editors. Dickson enjoys this fine-grit nail file, which won't wear down as quickly as most files. The file is made from nickel-coated fiberglass and has industrial chips embedded into it, according to the brand. It is also reusable and washable. This limited-edition kit is a nail lover's dream: It includes four bestselling kur care treatments and four long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colors in flattering, everyday shades. Whether you're going for a full mani or a quick refresh, this set has everything you need for salon-quality nails at home. Another recommendation from Dickson, this cuticle oil is made up of a blend of four natural oils — jojoba, vitamin E, rice bran and sweet almond. The oil helps to nourish cuticles and nails so they are stronger and moisturized, according to the brand. 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We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on recession hair.
NBC News
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'Recession Hair' is chic, strategic — and won't bleed your wallet dry
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more. You're not alone if you've been extra worried about money lately. All this talk about a potential recession has many people scrambling to find ways to cut back and save. For some, that means shopping sales; for others, it means minimizing how often they do costly things like getting their hair colored. So many people are interested in saving money at the salon, and it has inspired a beauty trend called 'recession hair.' The recession hair is really for those who want to continue to color their hair but don't want to save by trying at-home dye kits. It involves having your hair colored in a way that allows you to extend the time between trips to the salon, allowing you to go less frequently and save money. We turned to top hair stylists to learn more about this trend. Here's what they had to say. What is recession hair? Recession hair is a term focused on making low maintenance, low-cost hair color choices, says William Whatley, celebrity hairstylist and creative education director for Scruples. There are ways to do this, but most people do it by having their hair colored in a way that allows more blending at the roots, so you don't need as frequent touch-ups. 'I've also seen it dubbed recession blonde or recession brunette, and it's one of the hottest trends of the season,' says Angela Calisti, a celebrity hairstylist at Beauty Social Salon in New York City. 'It usually involves a darker, more brown-tinted shade that showcases a natural root, achieved by missing one's touch-up appointment.' The reason for this: If you have slightly darker hair, going lighter from the root to the tip can mean lots of upkeep. 'While exact cost depends on where you get your color done, upkeep for blonde hair can be quite the investment and oftentimes the more expensive option because of the frequency of salon visits you need to maintain it,' explains Calisti, who adds that going a bit darker at the roots and blending into a lighter shade is helpful because grow out won't be as noticeable. How to ask for recession hair If you ask your stylist for recession hair, there is no guarantee that person will know what you mean. Instead, the stylists we spoke to suggested asking the person doing your color for specific techniques that will allow you to visit the salon less frequently. Here are some of the common terms our hair stylists say you can ask for: The root stretch: 'This softly blends your natural hair color into your existing lightened strands, creating a seamless grow-out,' says Calisti. 'Adding lowlights at your appointment can enhance depth and prolong the time between touch-ups.' Balayage: This technique blends highlights and roots for a more natural look, says Whatley. 'Unlike foiling close to the roots, which can create noticeable lines, balayage focuses on the mid-lengths and ends, providing a softer, more natural blend,' adds Calisti. 'This service can last a year.' Gloss: Skip the highlights and enhance your color with a quick gloss — it can keep your blonde or brunette hair looking rich, says Calisti, who also points out that getting a gloss tends to be more affordable than highlights. How to go longer between salon appointments Beyond making smart choices at the salon, there are a few ways you can extend the lifespan of your color. Here is what Whatley recommends: Skip the shampoo: Washing your hair daily can cause color to fade faster. Instead, wash every other day or even less frequently if you can. Pick the right formula: When you wash, use a sulfate-free shampoo, which can also prevent fast fading. Avoid hot water: Using hot water in the shower can wash the color out of your hair. Stick to tepid water instead. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on recession hair.
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But there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to jewelry — how you clean your pieces depends on the type of items you have. More specifically, the type of metal your jewelry is made from makes a difference in how it gets dirty and how you should clean it. Here's an easy breakdown from our experts to follow: Solid gold: 'This metal doesn't tarnish and all you really need to use to clean it is water and a mild dish soap,' says Parsons. While gold is durable, Cooke and Parsons warn you to be careful. 'Use a very soft toothbrush to gently clean your piece with soap and then rinse it with water and pat dry.' Silver: Unlike gold, silver does tarnish — this means it will visibly look dull or like there is a layer of dirt caked on thanks to oxidation. Because of this, you need to use a silver polish and a cloth to polish it and make it shine again, says Parsons. Gold- or silver-plated: This type of jewelry is an inexpensive metal base coated in a thin layer of silver or gold. You can use the same approach for gold that you do for gold-plated items and the same technique for silver-plated that you do for silver. The only difference? Because this jewelry isn't solid silver or gold, it can more easily chip the plating. To avoid this, avoid over-cleaning or using abrasive products or cloth, says Cooke. Diamonds and other gems: It's best to consult a jeweler before cleaning a precious gem, as different types require different care. It is generally safe to soak diamonds in warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap for five to ten minutes before rinsing them off says Cooke. However, more porous stones like opals and pearls should not be submerged. 5 highly rated jewelry cleaners How to avoid damaging your jewelry when cleaning it The tips above will help make cleaning your jewelry at home as foolproof as possible. Along with following those cleaning basics, our experts agreed there are a few tips you can use to avoid potential damage. 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A professional can clean them carefully to avoid anything happening to those stones. Skip unconventional cleaners: Perhaps you've heard that ketchup or toothpaste make good jewelry cleaners. 'It's thought that the mild acidity in ketchup can remove build-up or tarnish on silvers,' says Cooke. Similarly, toothpaste is thought to have a slightly abrasive consistency to rub away grime. But Cooke says avoiding these is safest, as they can scratch or damage metals and gems. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how to clean your jewelry.
