If you're anything like me, you probably decide to change your hairstyle quite often. It's very therapeutic in a way. New hairstyle means change, and sometimes you really just need change. It can also actually be a sign of success — at least that's what economists believe. According to Telegraph UK, shorter haircuts signal a booming economy. So all of these people chopping their long tresses into chic, short bobs? That means we're doing well, guys!
Here's how they got to that answer: economists (along with salon statistics) came to this conclusion thanks to a new beauty measure for economic growth called the "lob index." They think that because lobs (and bobs) require more visits to the salon (to maintain the short 'do), this means women have more cash to spend at the salon.
Stuart Phillips, a celebrity stylist, agrees with the theory, telling The Sunday Times,"I meet people on a daily basis and they seem to be spending far more money on their hair. Products are flying off the shelf, more than they used to - even a few months ago."
Personally, I've always wanted short hair. Practically all my life I grew up with long hair. Like the type of long hair that goes way past my shoulders and takes me about a good 30 minutes to shampoo and condition. I told myself I would cut it like Keira Knightley's bob after college and graduate not with just a degree, but from the long locks I've had all my life. Well, I graduated, but still no bob. But now that stylists officially believe that the lob and bob are the most high-maintenance haircuts, I'm sort of thinking that it actually might be a good idea to keep my hair long.
Still, I have to wonder — could shorter haircuts really be more expensive than the other popular hair trends over the last few years? Sure, you have to visit the salon more often, but is a trim more expensive than an ombre? I decided to get to the bottom of this. Here's a breakdown of what each of the most popular hair trends will cost you to get and maintain.
1. Bob Hairstyles/Pixie Cuts
I've always wanted to get the classy bob hairstyle, but getting a bob or pixie cut can get quite expensive to maintain. Usually, the style could cost you up to $1,000 a year. If your hair grows extremely fast, you might end up trimming every few weeks or so.
2. Ombres
Depending on how fancy your ombre is, this hairstyle could also put a dent in your wallet. Dying it alone can range from $140 to $350 the first time, and $60 to $150 to maintain. But hey, if you don't want to dye it, you can just dye it the first time, and grow it out. Same thing.
3. Platinum Hairdos/Coloring/Highlights
If your hair grows extremely fast, coloring your hair might get costly. However, I've learned to dye my hair myself, and it saves me a ton of money. But if you're feeling like Kim Kardashian and are thinking about getting a platinum hairdo, it'll definitely cost more to maintain the amount of bleaching needed for the style, especially if your roots are brunette. I wouldn't suggest bleaching your own hair personally. It might be safer to get it professionally done. Highlighting your hair alone professionally could cost you $136-660 a year.
4. Bangs
Similar to bobs and pixies, bangs could also cost you. When I had bangs, I'd have to trim them at least every week. If you aren't able to cut your own bangs, they might cost you $200-$400 a year.
5. Perms/Straightening/Blowouts
Getting your hair permanently straightened or permed also costs more than you'd expect. For straightening alone, it could cost up to $1000 a year. Getting a blowout consistently can be $40 each time. And it's probably better to get it professionally done than doing it yourself.
I hate to break it to you, economists, but even though I'd like to believe that the economy is on the up and up, I just don't buy into the "lob index."
