Mostly, the rise was in four areas: cooking, hairdressing, hospitality and hospitality management.

Until a few months ago, Dellria Seales, a home care assistant, was just getting by living with her daughter, a hairdresser, and two grandchildren in a one-bedroom apartment for $750 a month.

The upkeep of a lob (long bob) or pixie crop is also time-consuming, with some women having to visit the salon every four to six weeks to maintain the look.