Iran's 'Survival Economy': Families Sell Hair, Rent Laptops as Prices Soar
As the war between Iran and the United States enters its sixth month, Iranian families are increasingly struggling to find cash. The Iranian news agency ILNA has reported the emergence of a "survival economy," in which households sell natural hair, used perfume bottles, second-hand clothes, and even rent out laptops to earn extra money.
Online classified platforms have become a lifeline for many sellers. Listings for used clothes, work shoes, and perfume bottles have risen noticeably. Among the most striking trends is the sale of natural hair, which is purchased for use in extensions. Depending on length, colour, and quality, a seller can earn several thousand Iranian rials. Some sellers combine several low-value items into a single listing, hoping to attract a buyer looking for a bargain.
Another emerging practice is renting laptops. Families that cannot afford to buy a device for office work or online classes are renting them for short periods. This reflects a broader change in how people view durable goods — they are no longer things to own but services to use when needed. Once the task is completed, the laptop is returned.
The economic context is bleak. According to Iran's Statistical Center, as cited by ILNA, annual inflation reached 66 per cent in the Iranian month that ended in late July. Year-on-year inflation was 87.9 per cent. These figures mean that prices are rising much faster than incomes, forcing households to make difficult choices. A report by The National in May highlighted that families were cutting back on food and other essentials due to extremely high inflation.
The strain goes beyond everyday shopping. There is growing reliance on instalment payments for healthcare and medicines, as families struggle to cover routine medical expenses. This is a sign that the crisis is affecting not just discretionary spending but also basic needs.
While Iran is far from an outright economic collapse, for ordinary families the distinction is less meaningful. When prices outpace earnings, survival depends on small, often painful decisions: sell something, rent instead of buy, postpone a purchase, or skip a meal.
The conflict itself remains a major factor. US President Donald Trump has said the latest round of peace negotiations is the "last chance" to end the war. He told reporters that talks are "going on right now" at the request of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others. However, Tehran denies that any direct negotiations with the US are taking place, or are planned.
In this climate, the "survival economy" is not just an economic phenomenon but a reflection of how Iranian families are coping with the combined pressures of war and inflation. For now, every rial counts.
