The condition of the economy has often been mirrored in fashion trends.
The Lipstick Index, introduced by Leonard Lauder, who is the son of Estée Lauder, suggests that purchases of products such as lipstick—considered "accessible luxuries"—increase when people anticipate an economic downturn.
This concept surfaced in the early 2000s. After the financial downturn of 2008, “recession hair” took on new significance as an economic barometer, with numerous individuals skipping their usual salon appointments.
Currently, in 2025, TikTok has recognized a fresh version of this phenomenon called "recession blonde."
"Commonly referred to as 'recession roots,' this style involves embracing overgrown roots rather than viewing them as an indication that you need to go to a salon," says hair specialist Nicole Petty. Milk & Blush .
As the expense of daily life and salon costs rise, numerous people seek methods to reduce their expenditures, and expensive hair care frequently becomes one of the initial luxuries we trim down.
What is recession blonde?
Recession Blonde is akin to the more familiar 'Old Money Blonde,' yet comes with a somewhat less attractive moniker.
It has a deeper, more muted blond hue mixed with vibrant streaks that appear when individuals allow their sun-kissed color to grow out.
"The trend leans towards a more laid-back take on blonde hair, allowing natural roots to show through and resulting in softer, more multi-dimensional highlights that blend effortlessly," says hairstylist Adem Oygur, who founded the brand. Adem London .
"Unlike the 'old money blonde' trend, which is sleek, warm, and carefully preserved, 'recession blonde' embraces a more casual and lived-in appearance, making it ideal for people who want to extend the intervals between salon appointments without compromising their hairstyle," explains Oygur.
Certainly, this recently created phrase is one that numerous people have been perfecting for quite some time. Sarah Jessica Parker to Hailey Bieber.
Cost-effective colour options
Although allowing your blonde hair to grow out might be the most economical choice, there are also more affordable alternatives for dyeing your locks.
"Methods such as balayage, root smudging, and glossing are excellent choices that won’t hit your wallet too hard," according to Oygur.
These techniques produce a more organic fade-out effect, which means less frequent touch-ups while maintaining vibrant color and truly enable that 'well-worn' look that numerous celebrities sport.
Oygur also mentions that if your complexion leans towards warmth, incorporating subtle caramel highlights around your face can enhance depth without needing a full-color refresh.
Certain celebrities have experimented with recession blonde by mixing it with their growing-out gray hair, similar to Emma Thompson .
"If you've got gray hair, opting for a semi-permanent color instead of a complete permanent dye can be an excellent choice because it mixes well with the grays without completely concealing them, thus avoiding a harsh demarcation when roots grow back," explains celebrity hairstylist. Aaron Carlo .
These semi-permanent tones add color without altering your original pigmentation, resulting in subtler touch-ups when roots appear. Additionally, placing highlights beneath the parting instead of opting for dramatic, contrasting strands ensures a more organic, seamless appearance as your hair lengthens.
Low-maintenance options
The "recession blonde" look is definitely easy to maintain, but if you're seeking alternative coloring options that don't necessitate bi-monthly visits to the salon, professionals suggest trying out balayage or 'bronde' hairstyles.
"Balayage serves as an excellent substitute for a complete highlight job because it demands low upkeep yet delivers stunning outcomes," asserts Tina Farey, who is both a color specialist and the editorial director. RUSH salons .
“This means less frequent trips to the salon and no harsh regrowth line – all whilst being less damaging to your hair.
Balayage involves manually applying dye directly onto the hair rather than using foils. This method produces a more multi-dimensional color and gives the hair a more natural, effortless appearance.
"If you wish to keep getting highlights, I suggest incorporating some lowlights interspersed to reduce the noticeable regrowth and enhance the depth," advises Farey.
Moreover, ombre styles are making a comeback this season due to individuals letting their roots grow through.
"Subtle ombre and earthy red tones are equally excellent options as they blend nicely and do not demand regular retouching at the roots," explains Oygur.
They are effective if you're certain you won't be visiting the salon frequently and can maintain them every six weeks.
Color trends for Spring and Summer 2025
Although this softer shade indicates a shift away from vibrant blondes, Millie Bobby Brown’s latest makeover contradicts that notion. Therefore, what color trends might we expect to see in 2025?
"Millie [Bobby Brown] is certainly bucking trends and charting her own path – it’s not so much about adhering to fashion as it is about making a bold statement," according to Carlo.
Hair treatments instead of harmful dye jobs appear to be increasingly popular.
"Farey notes that with hair health gaining traction on social media, they've observed customers moving away from opting for an entire head of highlights," he says.
2025 will be known as the year of the 'everlasting blonde' – characterized by a gentle, golden blonde hue complemented with numerous contrasting shadow tones, resulting in an appearance that’s both naturally beautiful and reminiscent of Scandinavian blondes.
This appearance radiates both warmth and luxury while maintaining an edgy vibe due to the contrast between light and dark tones.
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