Salon chairs aren’t as busy as they used to be—and it’s not just a seasonal lull. Across the country, hair stylists are quietly adapting to a shift in how often clients are visiting, and more importantly, why they’re spacing out appointments.

Subtle economic pressures are steering people toward more budget-friendly beauty routines, giving rise to a new trend that’s both practical and stylish.

Fewer Appointments, New Habits

Stylists have noticed a clear dip in client frequency. While regular visits every six to eight weeks used to be standard, that timeframe has stretched to three or even four months for many. Color upkeep has taken a backseat, and trims are now prioritized over full treatments.

In Los Angeles, where creative industries were shaken by the writers’ strike in 2023, this shift feels familiar. Salon owners like Kayla Lofaro of Discotheque Salon say the slowdown mirrors that earlier period of uncertainty. Many clients from the entertainment sector paused appointments then, and they’re still cautious now.

Freepik | Clients are visiting stylists less often, favoring trims over full treatments and color.

“Some are skipping cuts entirely and just sticking to color—or doing the opposite. It’s all about what feels essential at the moment,” Lofaro said.

To adapt, salons are offering strategic promotions. Free cuts with color services or limited-time discounts are helping to bring clients back, even if less often.

Welcome to the Age of “Recession Blonde”

A striking trend that’s emerged from this shift is the “recession blonde.” Instead of regular root touch-ups or intense maintenance schedules, many clients are embracing a more natural, blended look. The idea is simple: keep the roots darker, blend in golden tones, and opt for face-framing highlights that don’t scream for a refresh every month.

Celebrity extensionist and SHEBA Luxury Hair founder Angelina Murphy explains it well:

“A shadow root or root melt makes the regrowth line disappear. It makes the look intentional while giving more breathing room between visits.”

The appeal lies in its flexibility and affordability. Balayage treatments once or twice a year are replacing rigid schedules, offering a lived-in finish that’s easier to maintain without sacrificing style.

Simpler Beauty Routines Are Taking Over

Low-maintenance beauty isn't a compromise—it’s a smart response. Tutorials on TikTok and YouTube are fueling a DIY movement where people are learning to apply lash extensions, press-on nails, and even at-home spray tans with impressive results. These beauty hacks are proving that looking good doesn’t have to come with high costs or salon visits.

Hair stylists, while aware of the growing independence, are leaning into the concept rather than resisting it. Christina Carlsson of Marquee Salon and Studio in Vancouver, Washington, has been ahead of the curve by practicing what she calls “sustainable hair.”

Her approach includes:

- Cuts and color that grow out beautifully
- Education on home care routines
- Styling lessons so clients feel confident on their own

“Clients want big changes sometimes, and dramatic cuts are one way they’re shaking things up without the long-term cost,” Carlsson shared.

Adapting Behind the Chair

Instagram | angelinamurphy | To help professionals earn more, Murphy established the Sold Out Stylist Collective.

Hair stylists are also diversifying their revenue streams. Murphy, for example, launched the Sold Out Stylist Collective—a program that supports other professionals in boosting their income through coaching and product sales. Meanwhile, salon retail offerings have become a reliable support system, with clients purchasing styling products even if they’re visiting less.

Stylists say the bond with loyal clients matters more than ever. When appointments stretch out, many clients feel a twinge of guilt. But there’s no pressure coming from behind the chair.

“Whether it’s a cut instead of color or a quick product pickup—every bit of support counts,” said Murphy.

Some stylists encourage smaller acts of loyalty too, like reposting their work online or referring a friend. These efforts help maintain visibility and business without requiring constant appointments.

What This Means for Hair Stylists

While fewer appointments may reflect cautious spending, it’s also showing the strength and flexibility of today’s hair stylists. From offering budget-conscious promotions to embracing lower-maintenance trends, professionals are proving they can meet clients where they’re at—financially and creatively.

As styles shift and routines simplify, the connection between client and stylist remains central. It’s not just about keeping up appearances—it’s about adapting with care, skill, and mutual respect.

Hair stylists are finding new ways to stay resilient, creative, and connected. And that’s a trend worth keeping long after the economy rebounds.