With the cost of a haircut having risen by around 75% over the past two decades, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Hair Care, to show where it costs the most to look after your locks.
To determine where Americans are paying the most for hair care, WalletHub analyzed the prices of men’s barbershop haircuts and women’s beauty salon visits in each of the 50 states, then compared them to the median household income.
| Highest % of Income Spent | Lowest % of Income Spent | |
| 1. Arkansas (1.64%) | 41. North Dakota (1.07%) | |
| 2. Florida (1.63%) | 42. Vermont (1.06%) | |
| 3. North Carolina (1.61%) | 43. Alaska (1.05%) | |
| 4. South Carolina (1.47%) | 44. Nebraska (1.05%) | |
| 5. Michigan (1.46%) | 45. Indiana (1.04%) | |
| 6. Louisiana (1.45%) | 46. Colorado (1.03%) | |
| 7. New Mexico (1.44%) | 47. Minnesota (0.97%) | |
| 8. Texas (1.43%) | 48. Utah (0.96%) | |
| 9. California (1.43%) | 49. Virginia (0.89%) | |
| 10. Mississippi (1.43%) | 50. New Jersey (0.75%) | |
To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/
“In the most expensive states, it can cost around 1.6% of the median household income for a man and a woman to each get a trim. While that might not seem like an overly high percentage, it’s still a lot when you consider how many other inflated expenses people need to cram into their monthly budgets.”
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“Arkansas has the most expensive haircuts relative to what residents earn. Purchasing a men’s barbershop haircut and a women’s shampoo, trim and blow-dry in Arkansas costs an average of $80.37, which is 1.64% of the state’s median monthly household income, the highest percentage in the country. For comparison, the same services would cost New Jersey residents just 0.75% of their income – the lowest percentage.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
What tips do you have to help people avoid overspending on hair care?
“Get hair coloring every 12 weeks and use a root touch up product in between when grays start to show. Then you are only paying for a hair coloring service 4-5 times per year. Ask family members for a salon gift card for Christmas or your birthday.”
Barbara O'Neill, Ph.D., CFP®, CRPC, AFC®, CFEd, CPFFE – Distinguished Professor Emerita, Rutgers University
“In a beauty industry filled with expensive salon treatments and influencer-driven products, it’s easy to overspend on hair care. But the truth is – healthy, beautiful hair doesn’t require a luxury budget. With thoughtful choices and a little discipline, you can cut costs without compromising results. Many consumers fall into the trap of buying too many products – shampoos, masks, serums – without really understanding what their hair needs. According to a 2023 Civic Science survey, 42% of salon-goers have already reduced visits due to cost, opting for simpler at-home care instead. Focusing on a few core products tailored to your hair type can go a long way… You can save significantly by stretching the time between salon visits. Low-maintenance styles, deep conditioning at home, and root touch-up sprays can keep your hair looking fresh without frequent appointments. Choose products that do double duty – like a leave-in conditioner that detangles, hydrates, and protects from heat. Also, small daily choices – like washing less often and using silk pillowcases – can help preserve your style and prevent damage, reducing the need for costly repairs.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
How important is budgeting when it comes to saving money on hair care?
“Very important. Hair care is a variable expense that can be reduced to free up money to save, reduce debt, and pay expenses that have increased as a result of inflation (e.g., food and insurance).”
Barbara O'Neill, Ph.D., CFP®, CRPC, AFC®, CFEd, CPFFE – Distinguished Professor Emerita, Rutgers University
“Budgeting is crucial in saving money on hair care, as it helps consumers make informed and intentional choices rather than falling victim to impulse purchases or marketing trends… Without a clear budget, it’s easy to overspend on salon visits, premium shampoos, and trendy treatments that may not be necessary or effective. One often overlooked strategy for staying within budget is turning to friends or family members who are licensed professionals or experienced in hair and nail care. Many people have someone in their circle who is a skilled stylist, colorist, or nail technician, and leveraging their expertise can result in substantial savings. Whether it’s a trim, a root touch-up, or a deep conditioning treatment, getting help from someone you trust can be far more affordable than repeated salon visits. Establishing a monthly or quarterly hair care budget encourages consumers to prioritize essentials, compare product values, and plan salon appointments more strategically. For example, by switching from biweekly to monthly professional blowouts, substituting salon-brand products with affordable, high-quality alternatives, or relying on a trusted friend for occasional services, individuals can save hundreds of dollars annually. Budgeting also supports consistency – a key factor in hair health – by allowing consumers to invest in a few effective products rather than constantly chasing new ones. Ultimately, treating hair care as a planned expense – while also utilizing the talent already within your network – can lead to both better financial outcomes and healthier hair.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
How is the current social and economic environment influencing household spending on hair care?
“In today’s uncertain economy, many households are reassessing their everyday spending, including hair care. As prices rise, people are learning to simplify their routines and focus on what truly works for their hair and their budget. Salon visits are becoming less frequent, with more people opting for low-maintenance styles and affordable at-home alternatives. Instead of spending on every new trend or product, consumers are investing in a few reliable essentials – often drugstore finds with clean, effective ingredients. It’s a shift toward quality over quantity and long-term value over short-term indulgence. Another important shift is the growing reliance on family, friends, and cultural traditions. Many people are turning to loved ones for trims, styles, and hair care advice – saving money and strengthening bonds. Across cultures, generations have passed down remedies, routines, and techniques that are both cost-effective and deeply meaningful. Whether it’s a mother combing her child’s hair with care or using time-honored oils and treatments, these practices blend beauty with tradition.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
Tips for Saving Money on Hair Care
- Wait an extra week. Hair grows pretty slowly, so chances are waiting one additional week in between haircuts won’t change your appearance that dramatically. Over the course of the year, this could save you the cost of a couple visits.
- Look for coupons. Your local salon or barbershop might offer coupons on their websites or in local newspapers or ad mailings.
- Budget properly. When you make your budget, you can set aside money for regular hair maintenance in the “needs” portion of your budget, which comes first, as long as it doesn’t mean you sacrifice anything more essential. However, luxury services such as hair coloring, perms, or other expensive add-ons should be added last when you’re assigning any remaining income for your “wants.” If you can’t afford a luxury service, don’t buy it until you’ve saved enough.
- Get your hair cut by students. People training to become hair stylists need people to practice on, and student salons can offer much cheaper services than professionals. The caveat is that you might be rolling the dice on how it looks.
- Cut it yourself. It’ll take some practice to get good, but plenty of people cut and style their own hair. The investment of your time now will pay dividends in the future when you don’t have to pay a barber or hairdresser.
More From WalletHub
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- States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Groceries
- States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Housing
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- States With the Best & Worst Budgeters
- Best & Worst State Economies
- States Where People Have the Highest Income
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