Not too long ago, I realized I was ready to give up myplatinum blonde hair.

The frequent appointments, toning sessions, purple shampoos…

The cost of it all was starting to wear on me.

writer kara nesvig before and after recession hair

Photo: Kara Nesvig

Turns out, Im not the only one.

When times are hard, hair tends to be put on the back burner, Kentucky-based hairstylistJordan WaretellsAllure.

Services being booked are noticeably different from seven or eight years ago, she says.

A woman takes a selfie. She has blonde hair and wears a gemstoneprint dress.

Photo: Kara Nesvig

My watch and my wallet were over it.

She went back to her natural dark roots in 2023 and hasnt looked back.

“I (finally) started getting sick of spending hundreds of dollars every six weeks, McGrath shares.

A woman takes a selfie. She wears a gray sweater and has curly blonde hair.

Photo: Kara Nesvig

I look forward to fewer trips to the salon and less impact on my wallet, she says.

Economic uncertainties impact pretty much all of us.

Rest assured, your hairstylist gets it.

A woman poses for a selfie. She has blonde hair and wears black eyeliner.

Photo: Angela Trakoshis

Hair is so vital.

There are ways to ease into this while still feeling like your best self.

McGrath says she loves the way she looks with her natural-ish hair color.

A woman takes a selfie. She has dark hair and wears a white top.

Photo: Angela Trakoshis

Herricks lowlights helped her feel more authentic as she crossed a major milestone.

You cant put a price on that.

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Now, watch hair color trends evolve over a century:

A woman stands in a park. She wears a navy dress and has blonde hair and glasses.

Photo: Kara McGrath

A woman poses in a kitchen wearing jeans a Tshirt and scarf. She has wavy blonde hair.

Photo: Kara McGrath