The economic shifts of 2025 are sending ripples through many industries, and the fashion world is no exception. For hairstylists, the impact is felt directly in their chairs, as more clients seek budget-friendly yet stylish haircuts and color treatments. With rising costs, people are turning to low-maintenance hair looks that align with current fashion trends. At the same time, fashion lovers are cutting back on salon visits.
The most noticeable change is that clients are opting for hairstyles that blend convenience with style. This helps them keep up with fashion while saving time and money.
Effortless, Low-Maintenance Styles
As clients look for more affordable ways to stay stylish, effortless haircuts and color trends have become all the rage. Hairstylists are noticing an uptick in requests for low-maintenance styles that won’t require frequent visits. Clients want to keep their hair looking fresh. But they are opting for looks that grow out more naturally, reducing the need for constant touch-ups.
Cotton Bro / Pexels / Instead of frequent color treatments, people are opting for looks that will blend gracefully as their hair grows out, hairstylists say.
One standout fashion trend in 2025 is the “recession blonde” and “recession brunette” looks. These styles embrace natural roots with highlights or balayage that seamlessly fade into the natural color. This gives clients more time between salon visits.
Color Appointments
As the fashion landscape shifts under economic pressure, hairstylists are seeing clients increasingly stretch out their color appointments. It is no longer uncommon for clients to go from scheduling color touch-ups every six weeks to every three or four months.
Today, clients are looking to save money while still keeping their look in line with current fashion trends. And this extended time between appointments is one way to do it.
Kayla Lofaro, the owner of Discotheque Salon in Los Angeles, has noticed this shift firsthand. More clients are requesting long-lasting color techniques, like balayage or ombre, that allow for a more natural grow-out period. These styles not only stay fashionable longer but also cut down on the need for frequent salon visits.
DIY Fashion Haircare
Another significant trend emerging in response to economic pressures is the rise of DIY haircare. With people looking for ways to save money on salon visits, many have taken to experimenting with at-home products to maintain their fashion-forward looks.
From DIY lash extensions to home coloring kits, more people are embracing the opportunity to take their hair care into their own hands.
While this trend may seem like a challenge for hairstylists, it is also a chance for professionals to pivot their approach. Christina Carlsson, owner of Marquee Salon and Studio, has found a solution by promoting the concept of "sustainable hair."
Engin / Pexels / Hairstylists are making their services more affordable and flexible to meet the demands of ‘recession-worried’ clients.
Affordable and Flexible Fashion Hair Services
Hairstylists are adjusting to the fashion shift by offering more affordable services to meet the changing demands of their clients. As clients become more cost-conscious, many salons have started offering flexible packages and discounted services that cater to budget-conscious individuals.
These new services provide value without compromising the quality that clients expect from their salon experiences.
David Thurston, CEO of Danger Jones, explains how the fashion industry is responding to this change by offering price cuts on high-quality products.
Fashionable "Root and Run" Services Are on the Rise
As part of the new wave of affordable services, many hairstylists are introducing shorter, more budget-friendly treatments that focus on essential needs. One such service is the “root and run” treatment. Essentially, it is designed for gray coverage and root touch-ups.
Cara Feder, a stylist in Sherman Oaks, has introduced this service as a way to give clients an affordable option for keeping their hair in fashion without breaking the bank.