Nearly half of American adults would go into debt to maintain their beauty and wellness routines even after losing their jobs, according to a March survey by beauty and wellness AI software platform Zenoti. Some 46 percent of consumers aged 18 and older said they would be willing to incur debt to keep up their self-care regimens if they became unemployed.
Sacrifices for Self-Care
Respondents indicated they would make other sacrifices for self-care, including a curtailed social life, delayed vacations, and reduced funds for savings and debt repayment. The survey found that people would most likely use credit cards to finance their beauty habits after a job loss.
Interestingly, job loss might actually spur more beauty spending. Some 33 percent of respondents said they increased their self-care routines due to workplace stress or burnout. Loneliness, financial stress, and major life transitions—all situations a job loss could create—are among the top reasons people boost their beauty and wellness spending.
Concessions and Trade-Offs
However, there was one concession: 45 percent of respondents said they would reduce the frequency of beauty appointments. The study highlights the trade-offs Americans are making as they navigate rising costs. While many prioritize self-care, they are cutting back elsewhere.
Entertainment is a common area for cutbacks. Around 40 percent of Americans have dropped at least one streaming service over the past three months, according to a Deloitte study. The average household spends $69 per month on these services.
Restaurants are another target for spending cuts. Some 61 percent of U.S. adults over age 21 have reduced spending at restaurants in the past year, per a May 2025 study from Chain Store Age. Additionally, just over half (52 percent) say they have cut back on clothes and shoe spending.
Financial Pessimism
The cost-cutting reflects nationwide concern about household finances amid high gas prices and rising inflation. Consumers are more pessimistic about their financial future today than during the Great Recession. A Gallup poll published Tuesday found that 55 percent of consumers believe their financial situation is worsening, compared to 49 percent in 2008.
