Longer hair, nails at home, fewer facials: How economic warning signs are flashing at the salon

In the suburbs of Chicago, Bonnie Conte didn't see the wave of spring break pedicures she’s used to.

In the suburbs of Chicago, Bonnie Conte didn't see the wave of spring break pedicures she’s used to. Brooklyn, New York, aesthetician Kijana “Yaya” Simuel saw 75% of her clients cancel their appointments the week President Donald Trump announced his global tariffs. And Guy Lacey, who sells his products to salons, said those stores are seeing clients going longer between haircuts. 

Salon owners and other beauty professionals across the country said they are seeing a shift in behavior among their clients in recent weeks — as economists, investors and CEOs have been warning about an economic slowdown following widespread tariffs declared by President Donald Trump. It’s a shift in behavior that is not only hurting salon workers’ paychecks but also could be a warning sign for the wider economy.

When times get financially tight for Americans, a trip to the salon has been one of the first discretionary purchases to go. While people won’t entirely stop getting their hair cut or colored during uncertain economic times, salon-goers in the past have stretched out the time between appointments, started doing more beauty maintenance at home and forgone treatments seen as more like luxuries, such as massages and facials.

“My clients are starting to see layoffs, and they don’t know if they are going to be in the next round,” Simuel said. “Even though they are making money now, it doesn’t matter — they have to prioritize their business needs.”

Kijana “YaYa” Simuel.Courtesy Kijana SimuelThe trend emerged during the Great Recession that began in 2007, and industry professionals say they are starting to see it again.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/economics/longer-hair-nails-home-fewer-facials-economic-warning-signs-are-flashi-rcna201807


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