Iran’s Economic Crisis Pushes Families to Sell Hair, Rent Laptops

TEHRAN, Aug 3: Iran’s worsening economic conditions are forcing households to find new ways to generate income, with people increasingly selling personal belongings such as natural hair and renting basic work equipment including laptops, according to the semi-official ILNA news agency.

The report described the trend as the rise of a “survival economy,” where even small household items have become sources of cash as inflation erodes purchasing power.

Online classified advertisements in Iran now include offers to sell used work clothes, shoes, empty perfume bottles and natural hair used for extensions. Other listings reportedly advertise the rental of financial documents such as property deeds and salary slips used as guarantees.

ILNA also highlighted growing demand for laptop rentals, with some users seeking temporary access to devices for basic needs such as preparing documents, using office software or attending online classes.

The agency said what may appear unusual reflects deeper changes in household spending patterns, with ownership increasingly replaced by temporary access through renting and personal belongings being used as economic assets.

The trend comes as inflation continues to put pressure on Iranian families. According to the Statistical Center of Iran, annual inflation reached 66 percent in the Iranian month ending in late July, while year-on-year inflation stood at 87.9 percent.

ILNA said more households are now converting previously low-value possessions into immediate income sources. Sellers are reportedly grouping small household items together to attract buyers, while advertisements for natural hair have become more common, with prices varying based on length, color and quality.

The report follows other signs of financial strain in Iran, including increased reliance on installment payments for healthcare and medicines as families struggle with rising living costs.

Analysts say the growth of second-hand markets, rental services and personal asset sales reflects the extent to which households are adapting to an economy where everyday possessions are increasingly being used as a means of survival.