Everything You Want to Know About Recession Brunette – ryan

In 2021, “expensive brunette” hit the scene, and eventually evolved into “jet set brunette” two years later. Both were timed with an economic boon attributed to pandemic spending, when cash was flush and flowing. Now? Not so much, and the hair trends have adjusted to match. Far from the opulence (and price tag) of layered highlights to create the “expensive” look, people are turning to “recession brunette,” also referred to as “recession blonde.” Essentially, this is a fancy way of saying you’re allowing your roots to grow out—because $500 every six weeks in this economy? No thanks. (At least, that’s the price in NYC.) However, there’s a way to do this without courting disaster.

Brook puts it this way: “I think of ‘recession brunette’ not just as a color trend, but as a mindset shift. It’s about embracing tones that are more forgiving on the grow-out, easier to maintain and ultimately kinder to your time and your wallet. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to mean going dull or flat. The most beautiful recession brunettes have intentional warmth or a subtle tonal play. Think coffee, cinnamon, even mushroom brown. That’s where the magic is—creating richness and depth that grows out gracefully and looks elevated in every light.”