Beauty Diary: ‘Recession-proof hair' rises in popularity in Aussie salons

As Australians rein in their spending, one industry has adapted, offering a new “recession-proof” service that’s so popular, even stars are doing it.

Australians are completely changing the way they style their hair in response to the worsening cost of living crisis, experts have revealed.

As the price of every day items continues to rise, many of us have been forced to re-evaluate how we’re spending our money, including our beloved – but costly – hairdresser appointments.

In response, clever stylists have been adapting their services, offering “recession-proof” hair to increase the length of time needed between appointments – resulting in savings for clients.

“With the cost of living affecting almost every one, a lot of clients are opting for low maintenance, future proof colours,” Jaye Edwards, the founder of Australian hairdressing chain EdwardsAndCo, told news.com.au’s The Beauty Diary.

Jaye Edwards is one of many Australian hairdressers who are seeing a rise in ‘recession proof hair’. Picture: Richard Dobson

“We have seen a big increase in requests for natural but beautiful hair, with clients after something that will stand the test of time, increase the longevity of each colour service.

“It’s all about working with what you have naturally, rather than against it.”

Jaye said this would look different for everyone, explaining for some it meant a cut that “compliments your natural texture” while for others a recession-proof style was a “lived-in colour” that won’t fade in two weeks.

“This should be done in collaboration with your stylist, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” the award-winning hair colourist added.

A popular technique to help expensive colours last longer is a ‘root stretch’, seen here on Sofia Richie Grainge. Picture: Instagram/SofiaRichieGrainge

One of the most popular tricks being used by hairdressers is a “root stretch”, which faux blondes are choosing as it fades out the bulky regrowth line and gives a more blended finish between expensive bleach sessions.

“It’s no secret that maintaining blonde hair can be an expensive and time consuming exercise,” Jaye said.

“But a root stretch will seamlessly blend in your regrowth with your coloured hair and give your hair a far more natural vibe.”

Another money-saving option hair professionals are seeing a “huge demand” for is non-permanent extensions.

“Clients are substituting their permanent hair extensions for Clip-In and Halo Hair Extensions to save money from being sat in the salon chair,” Stephanie Romano, director at Base Hair Extensions, said.

If clients do choose a method that needs to be applied by an expert, many are choosing extensions attached with a keratin bond.

“The demand has increased dramatically, particularly in the last three months,” Stephanie explained.

“We believe this is due to the maintenance of this particular method versus our other offering of weft and tape hair extensions.

“Once installed, keratin bond hair extensions do not require any maintenance for up to six months. After that time frame, the keratin bond range can be removed and reapplied.”

Non-chemical highlights are another way hairdressers are adapting, Stephanie revealed, explaining the process involves using hair extensions in lighter shades to create a balayage or ombre appearance without using any colour.

“Using hair extensions to create your colour rather than bottled and chemical free colour, will see your colour last 12-plus months with absolutely zero damage to the hair,” she said.

“It’s a fabulous industry secret.”

You can also have a regular gloss, a 15-minute salon treatment, to maintain colour. Picture: Instagram/EdwardsAndCo

Another cost effective way to maintain hair between salon visits is to use a colour mask on locks which will add an injection of colour, making it appear fresh and bright.

“I recommend investing in a pigmented treatment mask, such as the Christophe Robin Shades Variation Mask which comes in a large assortment of colours,” Jaye said.

“You could also book in for regular glosses, these are quick 15-minute in salon treatments that help make you colour pop again without booking a full colour service.”

If you have a question about a beauty product or an item you’d like to see road-tested in The Beauty Diary, jump into our official Facebook group where you can join like-minded beauty junkies. You can also catch me on Instagram

Originally published as Beauty Diary: ‘Recession-proof hair' rises in popularity in Aussie salons