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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A woman's unconventional method of measuring the state of the economy has struck a chord online.
TikTok user Rebekah, known as @reb_ellion, has gone viral for a video in which she uses her grown-out dark roots as a barometer for economic decline. The clip, which racked up more than 417,500 likes and over 2 million views, shows Rebekah gesturing to her roots.
"So how's the economy? Well, hasn't been good for a while, seems like. My indicators tell me," Rebekah says, pointing to her long, undyed hair.
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"Recession roots" in a term that has been coined to reference how people let their hair dye grow out during times of financial hardship, since they cannot afford the maintenance.
While the U.S. is not currently in a recession, concerns are growing. Goldman Sachs has raised the odds of a U.S. recession within the next 12 months to 45 percent, citing slowing economic growth and tightening financial conditions. This suggests that, while the economy hasn't officially entered a recession, the risk is becoming increasingly significant.
What Is Recession Hair?
William Whatley, a celebrity hairstylist and creative education director at Scruples Hair Care in Las Vegas, says the trend is rooted in practicality. He told Newsweek that recession hair refers to low-maintenance, low-cost styles that stretch the time between salon visits.
Instead of opting for high-maintenance platinum blondes, clients are now requesting "lived-in" looks such as balayage and root smudging—techniques that allow natural root growth without a harsh line of demarcation. Many are also choosing shades closer to their natural color to reduce the need for constant touch-ups.
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"I am seeing clients select a hair color that is closer to their own natural color, not just blondes," Whatley said, noting the benefit of "going with more time in between salon appointments."
Whatley added that, to preserve color between appointments, clients should avoid washing their hair daily, use sulfate-free shampoos such as Scruples Renewal Color Retention, and opt for lukewarm water when showering to minimize color fade.
Prices for color treatments vary. Whatley shared that root touch-ups start at $90, while more intricate services such as balayage can cost from $140 to $180, depending on hair length. For many, those prices aren't feasible during tough financial times.
"Poor finances influence hair choices by going to the salon less frequently and trying to duplicate salon looks at home," Whatley said, warning that DIY jobs often result in costly corrective services.
Salon Priorities Still Hold for Some
Not all stylists agree that tight finances mean forgoing salon visits.
Dawna Jarvis, a hairstylist based in California, has worked through two recessions and told Newsweek many of her blonde clients are unwilling to compromise on their hair.
"This is actually my second 'recession' as a stylist. During the 2008 recession, I distinctly remember a client telling me she would go without groceries before skipping her hair appointments," Jarvis said.
For her, blonde services range from $300 to $500, with maintenance depending on the style. Lived-in blondes may need updates only every three to six months, while traditional blondes return every four to six weeks.
Jarvis said that many clients see their hair as part of their personal or professional identity, especially those in the public eye.
"From what I've seen, most clients keep their hair appointments, even during tough times. They see it as an investment in both their confidence and professional image," Jarvis said.
TikTok Reacts
The comment section of Rebekah's post is full of users sharing their own follicular economic indicators.
"That's how ombre became popular in 2008," posted one user.
"I am what they call recession brunette," said Lauren.
"Remember when balayage became really popular in 2009," shared another viewer.
"My indicator is that I had to learn how to bleach my own hair and I missed a few spots," one comment read.
"I'm rocking the recession brunette hard lost my job in November," another added.
Newsweek reached out to @reb_ellionfor comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
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