NEW YORK, NY October 26, 2008 —The turbulent economy is affecting how people spend their disposable income. WNYC's Kathleen Horan checked in with salon owners and technicians and has this report:

REPORTER: According to industry data, the number of salons in the U.S. has doubled in the past decade. It's easy to spot places dedicated to cutting your hair, waxing your bikini or polishing your nails. And New Yorkers are serious about their grooming. But according to employees in the industry, business has dipped significantly over the past month.

The Owner of Bella Brazil salon downtown says business has plunged about $10,000 in that time. And Assistant manager at Brooklyn's Element Beauty Lounge, Debbie Young has noticed that clients who used to come every week for a manicure/pedicure are now skipping a week before they come in. She says they confide in her about their economic concerns:

YOUNG: A lot of people talk about losing jobs, their husbands are losing jobs -- or they're not working/less working and we are like a friend."

Young says customers also are also getting fewer facials than they usually do this time of year - although some are still splurging on massages to relive economic-related stress.

For WNYC, I'm Kathleen Horan