These are bleak times in America, economically speaking. More of us are losing our jobs, causing us to cut back not only on extravagances like triple-ply toilet paper, but sleep and sex, too. One thing we still cannot do without, however, is a frequent haircut.

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The New York Times reports that in Prince George's County, the number of hairstylists and beauty salons rose 10 percent from 2008 – 2009, while the District saw an 18 percent spike. Nationwide, there was an 8 percent increase from 2008 to 2009, according to Census Bureau data.

Some hairdressers never intended to land in the business. "It's a sensitive subject," Nimat Bilal-Young, 34, who owns Fabulocs in Capitol Heights, Md., told the Times. "That moment of, 'You've got a master's degree and you're a stylist?'"

And it's not just the Army keeping these salons in business.

"It's just a part of my budget, like keeping the lights on," said Rochelle Mills, 38, who works at the Department of Justice. "I'll forgo a lot of things, but not my hair."

There are, of course, exceptions.

[NYT]