The Recession Hair Trend: How To Really Save Money On Your Beauty Routine

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The term "recession hair" may have taken off on TikTok, but the concept runs deeper than a viral trend. What started as a catchy way to describe budget-conscious beauty has become a reflection of a broader shift in mindset. As Jamielynn De Leon, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Rogue House Salon, tells Women exclusively, "It's less about actual recession and more about aspirational minimalism—people want effortless, natural looks that signal confidence without high maintenance."

This growing trend embraces simplicity and authenticity. More people are opting for cuts and textures that feel easy, lived-in, and low-maintenance. Grown-out roots, soft waves, and wash-and-go styles are no longer seen as unpolished — they are intentional choices that reflect a more grounded, realistic approach to beauty. Jessica Ruby, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Flamingo by Ruby, echoes the same sentiment. "Absolutely—many of our clients are feeling the financial pinch right now. Even though we may not be in a formal recession, the rising cost of living means people are making more budget-conscious choices."

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With a looming recession, more people are looking for #lowmaintenancehair and recessionhair, which is designed to need less frequent touch ups at the salon. We put this trend to the test, in the experienced hands of the team at @QUE, and couldn't be more happy with the look. #blondebalayage #hair #longlayers

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Stylists are responding with flexible pricing and practical solutions to help clients look and feel their best without overspending. In today's climate, beauty is less about flawless finishes and more about sustainability — choosing styles that support both your self-esteem and your wallet.

In a world where time is precious and salon visits are less frequent, low-maintenance haircuts are having their moment — and for good reason. These cuts offer style without the stress, allowing hair to grow out gracefully while still looking fresh. Jamielynn De Leon exclusively tells Women that her go-to low-maintenance cuts include long layers with face-framing, textured lobs, and modern shags. "These grow out gracefully and can go 12–16 weeks between cuts versus 6–8 weeks for precision cuts," she says.

For those feeling bold (and a little patient), it is even possible to give yourself a layered cut at home with the right tools and a steady hand. While not salon-perfect, DIY trims and shaping can help extend the life of your cut and keep things looking tidy between appointments.

Long layers bring softness and movement, while textured lobs and modern shags add an easygoing edge, says Jessica Ruby. "For low-maintenance cuts, I always recommend 'lived-in' styles that grow out beautifully," she tells Women. "Shag haircuts, wolf cuts, and razor cuts are fantastic because they maintain their shape as they grow. These styles embrace natural texture and movement, making them perfect for a more effortless, low-maintenance look."

Coloring your hair does not have to mean draining your bank account. With the right techniques and a bit of strategic planning, you can keep your color fresh and fabulous without constant salon visits. "Balayage, also known as hand painting (which literally means 'to sweep' in French), is one of my top recommendations," Jessica Ruby exclusively tells Women. "It blends seamlessly into the hair, so there's no harsh root line, meaning clients can go months between appointments." 

Ruby also recommends people use hair glosses, which enhance the tone and shine without the commitment of a full dye job. "For those wanting a pop of color, I love adding a vivid tone like rose gold or baby pink to pre-lightened blonde hair," she says. "These tones fade gradually, like an onion slowly peeling—so they're low-maintenance and playful."

Jamielynn De Leon, meanwhile, notes that balayage can last 4–6 months between touch-ups. "Hair glosses cost around $40–60 compared to $150+ for full color," she adds. "And single-process colors close to your natural shade make maintenance much easier." Budget-friendly color is not just possible, it is also chic, strategic, and beautifully low-effort.

It is tempting to grab the cheapest shampoo off the shelf — after all, you're going to rinse it out, right? However, when it comes to your hair's health, the last thing you want to skimp on is your cleanser. Many drugstore formulas are packed with harsh ingredients that leave hair feeling clean but actually strip away natural oils and damage the hair over time. "If you buy a cheap product, you often get harsh sulfates that strip your hair," Jamielynn De Leon exclusively tells Women. This ends up costing you more money in the long run, as you'll need treatments to manage dryness. Instead, if you're going to prioritize one product, make it your shampoo."Look for high-quality ingredients like sulfate-free cleansers, natural oils, and proteins,"  says De Leon. "Quality shampoos contain moisture and protein that actually hydrate your hair, giving you longevity."

There are also several shampoo myths that could be doing more harm than good. For example, the idea that your hair should feel squeaky clean is misleading as this usually means it has been over-cleansed. Another myth is that more lather equals more cleaning power. In reality, many lathering agents are purely cosmetic and contribute nothing to your hair's health. Think of shampoo as the base of your hair care routine.

Jessica Ruby says, "I always recommend investing in the basics: a good purple shampoo, a volume foam, and a style-and-shine spray. If you're looking to save, one product you might skip is clarifying shampoo — it can strip color and shorten the life of your hair color." In the long run, investing in the right shampoo pays off with shinier, stronger hair and fewer salon visits.

You do not need a cabinet full of expensive products to give your hair the love it deserves. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create DIY treatments that leave your hair soft, shiny, and deeply nourished — without stepping into a salon.

One easy option? A custom DIY conditioner made with natural oils. "Coconut oil works best for medium to coarse hair types and low-porosity hair," Jamielynn De Leon exclusively tells Women. "For fine or high-porosity hair, I recommend lighter oils like argan or jojoba oil instead. Always apply to mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp to prevent buildup." Let it sit for 20–30 minutes before rinsing for a quick moisture boost.

You can also give yourself a budget-friendly hot oil treatment at home with Amazon Refresh Refined Coconut Oil. Begin by gently warming a quarter cup of the oil slightly over the stove with an inch of water. Once the liquid warm, but not boiling, apply it to damp hair. Once your hair is saturated, cover it with a shower cap or towel to trap the heat. Let it absorb for 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow with shampoo. For some extra benefits, choose oils that suit your hair needs, such as castor oil for growth, avocado oil for deep hydration, or almond oil for softness. Whether you opt for a DIY conditioner or a weekly hot oil soak, these easy treatments can restore moisture, reduce frizz, and improve overall hair health, all without breaking the bank.