Cost of living in Hungary in 2024

Hello, All...

So, I'm speaking from the aspect of a younger retiree who sold most everything in the U.S. and moved to my family's home in the country.  My home here is paid for as well as my vehicle. I receive a modest state pension from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after 17-1/2 years of service, that is directly deposited into my nomad account in dollars.  I am too young to receive any social security benefits but I qualify for healthcare here.  I have dual citizenship as both my parents were Hungarian despite being born and raised in the U.S.  I speak the language, read it and write it (with the help of Google Translate). 

With that said, I only pay for utilities that cost me between $300-$400 a month; that includes electricity, gas, TV/internet/cellphone, trash pick-up costs, and water/sewer.  I pay on the side VPN(yearly) and Netflix ($20.99) monthly and I get ALL U.S. movies, series, etc.  Car insurance I pay quarterly $212.10; house insurance is paid bi-annually $155.55.  Even as a citizen, I pay for country health insurance a whopping (LOL) $32.97.  I have no medical expenses and do not take any meds on a regular basis.  I don't smoke and I don't drink anything because I'm driving and there is a zero tolerance law for drinking and driving.

As a retiree, I'm fortunate and blessed to have done my time in the 9-5p.m. world relatively unscathed to have a disposable income for E.U. travel (2-3 times a year a week or 2 at a time) and I travel to the states twice a year for 2-weeks at a time.

What I find challenges in seems to be in skilled tradesmen i.e. an electrician, a plumber, and other construction trades.  I've literally waited months to have an electrician come and finish work they started in September (completed 2-weeks ago).  Labor remains cheaper in the country than in the city.  However, building materials have increased 30-40% in the past year and a half I've been here.  It comes really damn close to U.S. prices and taxes on goods are at 27%.  No wonder that many country homes and many smaller cities' are in complete disrepair.   Young people have difficulty finding full time good paying jobs in Hungary; thus the reason for moving to other EU countries.  All of my extended family either live in Hungary but their children live in Austria, the UK and Norway for work.

I hope this commentary was helpful and informative.  I have not added much to the Expat site in the past because I did not feel that I had a grasp of the culture here; but I do now and it continues to evolve.  It is an awesome place to retire with funds in tow but to make a lucrative money making living, not so much. 

All the best, cheers, Loretta Cooke

Thank you Loretta !

Your insights are incredibly informative and will definitely benefit members.

it's greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to more enlightening discussions in the future!

All the best

Bhavna

.I hope this commentary was helpful and informative.  I have not added much to the Expat site in the past because I did not feel that I had a grasp of the culture here; but I do now and it continues to evolve.  It is an awesome place to retire with funds in tow but to make a lucrative money making living, not so much. 

All the best, cheers, Loretta Cooke
   

    -@ljcooke64

I enjoyed reading your contribution Loretta.

I noticed just now passing my local petrol/gas station that diesel and petrol (gas) prices are up again. 

Apparently the price will rise yet again.  Everywhere else the price is dropping somewhat but not here. 

@fluffy2560

VERY TRUE.  A crucial expense that I didn't share was my petrol consumption.  I have a 2019 Ford Ranger Wild Track...a honker of a pick-up truck that uses diesel.  My recent fill was 47,762.  I fill once a month; I get a lot of dirty looks going the speed limit but it saves tremendously on consumption.  Why would I keep a truck that uses so much?  Well, first, I live in the country and I use my truck from hauling lawn equipment, gardening equipment, getting soil, and animal feed, etc.  A Fiat would not work for me here and I would have to rent a vehicle weekly for these type of errands.  Second, the cheaper cost of excise tax and insurance offset the cost of gas consumption.  Third, why would I want to sell a newer car that is debt free? Not happening.  Fourth, I use public transportation whenever possible if I am doing any administrative errands. 

Thank you for bringing up this crucial expense.

Cheers, Loretta

    @fluffy2560VERY TRUE.  A crucial expense that I didn't share was my petrol consumption.  I have a 2019 Ford Ranger Wild Track...a honker of a pick-up truck that uses diesel.  My recent fill was 47,762.  I fill once a month; I get a lot of dirty looks going the speed limit but it saves tremendously on consumption.  Why would I keep a truck that uses so much?  Well, first, I live in the country and I use my truck from hauling lawn equipment, gardening equipment, getting soil, and animal feed, etc.  A Fiat would not work for me here and I would have to rent a vehicle weekly for these type of errands.  Second, the cheaper cost of excise tax and insurance offset the cost of gas consumption.  Third, why would I want to sell a newer car that is debt free? Not happening.  Fourth, I use public transportation whenever possible if I am doing any administrative errands.  Thank you for bringing up this crucial expense.Cheers, Loretta        -@ljcooke64

Sounded like climate guilt but I am definitely guilty too.   I like that Ford pickup truck.

I've got a large petrol/gas engined 4WD. I'm literally using it today (and other days) to transport chainsaws/saws/gardening tools.  I've been cutting up some substantial logs at my MIL's (Mother-In-Law's) place.    I have used it in the past to move building materials.  Not going to do that in a Skoda Fabia.

I also use it to take the dog for a walk in the countryside and sometimes I need 4WD.  It's invaluable in the snow and ice as we live on a hill.  We're moving when others are stuck.

@Cheryl

When it comes to housing, what is the cost of renting or buying an apartment or house in Hungary?

Both renting and buying property has gone up enormously over the last few years, Especially in Budapest and in the nearer suburbs.

I think this is common in all capital cities.

I purchased a countryside cottage and a inner city apartment many years ago and if I was purchasing or renting now I could not possibly afford either.

How much do you pay for public transports such as buses, subways, trains, trams, or taxis?

I never use taxis but public transport has remained fairly low compared to the uk. A single ticket has gone up to 4000huf for 10 tickets from 3000 formerly.

Countrywide trains have remained affordable too.

Could you share the average monthly cost of your grocery shopping?

I probably spend 160 000 huf per month on groceries and cleaning materials for two people over two homes here.

I also tend to buy a few extra items if I see something cheaper than usual. This habit started during the pandemic.

I also buy some items such as flour and rice in bulk.

Food prices and imported food prices have gone up enormously since 2020 . Costs used to be one third of the price in the UK. But many items are now cheaper in UK supermarkets.

When I travel abroad I'm always on the look out for ordinary everyday grocery items to put in my case.

How much does a medical consultation cost in Hungary?

I pay health insurance via my bank . Its 8000 huf per month.

I also see a private doctor for  health checks on a ad hoc basis and pay 8000 huf per visit plus any prescriptions.

What are the average monthly costs for electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans?

I  am a low user regarding electricity and gas and my 3 bills are less than 8000 huf per month. I use bottled gas at the cottage and this has become more expensive over time. However a bottle for my cooker lasts for months on end.

I had  a water meter fitted at the apartment and my bills are now 2000huf per month compared to the 15000 per month that I used to contribute to the building meter. I wish I had installed my own meter years ago.

In the countryside we all have water wells that are on an electric pump system. This means that the electricity bill is always slightly higher than my bill in town.

  We drink and cook with bottled water in the countryside but that's probably still as cheap as it was.

For the Internet and cell phone I pay 10000 per month but I have an old contract so if I took out a similar package now I imagine  it would cost three times as much for my unlimited Internet access.

For leisure activities, how much does it cost monthly?

I swim twice a week and prices range from 2000huf  for swim only and 8000huf or the ful spa experience.

Socialising can be as cheap or as expensive as a person wishes.

@anns

Thank you so much for this informative post !

It will surely help people looking for up to date info.

All the best

Bhavna

@anns  Thanks Ann for chiming in and contributing with regards to the grocery bill, LOL!  I eat a plant based diet.  Eventhough I do not buy everything organic and I don't buy meat; the cost over the past year has also increased; I'd say a solid 20-30% on average, even in the country (i.e. outside of Budapest).  I do look at the local flyers from Spar, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco and the best bang for your HUF is still Lidl for quality and cost.  Spar and Tesco are costly at times but in a pinch, you'll definitely going to spend more.  Aldi is still unpredictable although I still don't get how their fruits and vegetables can be below average in quality.

I truly have enjoyed exchanging information about the cost of living in Hungary; keep the comments going!

Cheers, Loretta

    @anns  Thanks Ann for chiming in and contributing with regards to the grocery bill, LOL!  I eat a plant based diet.  Eventhough I do not buy everything organic and I don't buy meat; the cost over the past year has also increased; I'd say a solid 20-30% on average, even in the country (i.e. outside of Budapest).  I do look at the local flyers from Spar, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco and the best bang for your HUF is still Lidl for quality and cost.  Spar and Tesco are costly at times but in a pinch, you'll definitely going to spend more.  Aldi is still unpredictable although I still don't get how their fruits and vegetables can be below average in quality.
I truly have enjoyed exchanging information about the cost of living in Hungary; keep the comments going!

Cheers, Loretta
   

    -@ljcooke64

I agree, Lidl is now the better supermarket for basics.   Aldi used to be good but has declined.  Tesco sometimes OK, Auchan is expensive.   Always seems to be busy though.

The supply chain is often messed up.  Sometimes there are inexplicable shortages.

Aldi does do better for tools. Better than Lidl.

        @anns  Thanks Ann for chiming in and contributing with regards to the grocery bill, LOL!  I eat a plant based diet.  Eventhough I do not buy everything organic and I don't buy meat; the cost over the past year has also increased; I'd say a solid 20-30% on average, even in the country (i.e. outside of Budapest).  I do look at the local flyers from Spar, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco and the best bang for your HUF is still Lidl for quality and cost.  Spar and Tesco are costly at times but in a pinch, you'll definitely going to spend more.  Aldi is still unpredictable although I still don't get how their fruits and vegetables can be below average in quality. I truly have enjoyed exchanging information about the cost of living in Hungary; keep the comments going!Cheers, Loretta         -@ljcooke64


I agree, Lidl is now the better supermarket for basics.   Aldi used to be good but has declined.  Tesco sometimes OK, Auchan is expensive.   Always seems to be busy though.

The supply chain is often messed up.  Sometimes there are inexplicable shortages.

Aldi does do better for tools. Better than Lidl.
   

    -@fluffy2560

Dont shop in just one store, go to all if you have time and you will make a saving.

P.s. Aldi is consistently cheaper for fuel.

@SimCityAT

Is it cheaper to shop at farmers market ?

    @SimCityAT
Is it cheaper to shop at farmers market ?
   

    -@angelarobbins

Dont take the piss, really.

@SimCityAT

what does ” dont take the piss” mean ?

@angelarobbins Farmers markets in Hungary in my view are a complete rip off.

Lidl or a like are more cost effective.

@cdw057 Also please note that you are a foreigner, people know and can see.

    @cdw057 Also please note that you are a foreigner, people know and can see.
   

    -@cdw057

No actual idea what your post means but it is good to see you up and kicking.

We had not seen any posts from you in a bit and got worried, be well.

    @angelarobbins Farmers markets in Hungary in my view are a complete rip off.
Lidl or a like are more cost effective.
   

    -@cdw057

IDK, of course my husband is a Hungarian but there have been many times when he was almost scammed too.

I have strict rules about stepping away or shutting my mouth when we are doing any sort of business.

Once they hear English the prices go up and up.

Went to the farmers market last Sat. Bought some apples for only 199 forints per kilo. They were huge, just bought 7 of them to make vinegar out of. Tasted a slice while mixing our brew today. Very crispy and sweet sour. Better then ones we have bought in the past from the big shops.Those 7 apples  were over 2 kilos in weight. Maybe the size put people off because all the other types at the same stall were 349 to 389 per kilo.

    @angelarobbins Farmers markets in Hungary in my view are a complete rip off.
Lidl or a like are more cost effective.
   

    -@cdw057

IDK, of course my husband is a Hungarian but there have been many times when he was almost scammed too.

I have strict rules about stepping away or shutting my mouth when we are doing any sort of business.

Once they hear English the prices go up and up.

Went to the farmers market last Sat. Bought some apples for only 199 forints per kilo. They were huge, just bought 7 of them to make vinegar out of. Tasted a slice while mixing our brew today. Very crispy and sweet sour. Better then ones we have bought in the past from the big shops.Those 7 apples  were over 2 kilos in weight. Maybe the size put people off because all the other types at the same stall were 349 to 389 per kilo.

    @SimCityAT
what does ” dont take the piss” mean ?
   

    -@angelarobbins

Funny, I know what it means to me but that is not the British way of using that phrase.

I would like to know what it means as well!

@cdw057

I speak Hungarian and I am able to compare prices. I would like to buy from locals if possible.

        @SimCityATwhat does ” dont take the piss” mean ?        -@angelarobbins

Funny, I know what it means to me but that is not the British way of using that phrase.
I would like to know what it means as well!
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

It means don't take the mickey.  Stop joshing with people.

    @cdw057
I speak Hungarian and I am able to compare prices. I would like to buy from locals if possible.
   

    -@angelarobbins

In Budapest, it's hard to tell who's a local.   

Mrs F does go to the market but it's in the countryside and she's definitely a local.

Oddly my kids apparently have slight non-HU accents even though they speak, write and read HU as native speakers. 

I cannot tell myself about their accents.

        @angelarobbins Farmers markets in Hungary in my view are a complete rip off.Lidl or a like are more cost effective.        -@cdw057

IDK, of course my husband is a Hungarian but there have been many times when he was almost scammed too.
I have strict rules about stepping away or shutting my mouth when we are doing any sort of business.
Once they hear English the prices go up and up.


    -@Marilyn Tassy

Absolutely! I keep stumm and say nothing.  But chauvinism reigns supreme. I just say nothing, but they often address their comments to me whereas Mrs F is the one speaking.  I might as well wait in the car!

            @SimCityATwhat does ” dont take the piss” mean ?        -@angelarobbinsFunny, I know what it means to me but that is not the British way of using that phrase.I would like to know what it means as well!        -@Marilyn Tassy

It means don't take the mickey.  Stop joshing with people.
   

    -@fluffy2560

My HU husband always says crazy phrases from HU to English.

One he uses allot is, Do not paint the devil on the wall.

I suppose it means do not jinx something.

            @angelarobbins Farmers markets in Hungary in my view are a complete rip off.Lidl or a like are more cost effective.        -@cdw057IDK, of course my husband is a Hungarian but there have been many times when he was almost scammed too.I have strict rules about stepping away or shutting my mouth when we are doing any sort of business.Once they hear English the prices go up and up.     -@Marilyn Tassy

Absolutely! I keep stumm and say nothing.  But chauvinism reigns supreme. I just say nothing, but they often address their comments to me whereas Mrs F is the one speaking.  I might as well wait in the car!
   

-@fluffy2560

There have been times when I was told to wait in the car.

People often think I am Hungarian and speak to the two of us as if I understand.

Sometimes it is easier to just act like I know what is up and nod my head.

My husband tells me to be quiet at least  a good 5 to 10 mins before he has to speak Hungarian in any official places and needs a clear head.

I suppose I distract him asking questions?

Wow, Just found the ?? on the HU keyboard all on my own!

There is hope for me yet!

I will report the cost of a new crown with a TAJ card soon.

Used to be approx. $50. out of pocket for one years ago.

I understand it might be as high as $300. now even with HU Taj?

Had a filling refilled 3 times and seems that is not the trick, keeps falling out!

    I will report the cost of a new crown with a TAJ card soon.
Used to be approx. $50. out of pocket for one years ago.
I understand it might be as high as $300. now even with HU Taj?
Had a filling refilled 3 times and seems that is not the trick, keeps falling out!
   

    -@Marilyn Tassy

Mrs F needs her crown gluing back on.  Dental glue must be something else to stick stuff together in such a hostile environment. 

I'd have thought less than 10K HUF cash to stick it back on, but privately, $300 seems quite high. I'd have thought $150 more on target.  But I haven't been for a couple of years as nothing happened (touch wood, now touching my own head).

I'm going to ask Mrs F what's she's done about it.

My HU husband always says crazy phrases from HU to English.
One he uses allot is, Do not paint the devil on the wall.
I suppose it means do not jinx something.
   
    -@Marilyn Tassy

Yes, it means that. 

Germans say something similar.  One of the first phrases I learnt.

But we say  it somewhat with a bit of a different context - i.e. "Speak of the devil" (and he'll come).   

It'd say that's a good idea, not tempting fate!

  There have been times when I was told to wait in the car.

People often think I am Hungarian and speak to the two of us as if I understand.
Sometimes it is easier to just act like I know what is up and nod my head.
My husband tells me to be quiet at least  a good 5 to 10 mins before he has to speak Hungarian in any official places and needs a clear head.
I suppose I distract him asking questions?
Wow, Just found the ?? on the HU keyboard all on my own!
There is hope for me yet!

    -@Marilyn Tassy

He's probably rehearsing what he's going to say.  I do that too.  Maybe after all this time, he's become a bit less confident in Hungarian in official situations. 

Well done using the "?".

Try not looking at the keyboard. Set it to US in Windows and then don't look down at the keys.  I sometimes type stuff just looking at the window.  More than 95% of the time I get it right and no errors, without knowing how to touch type.  I just typed that looking at the window and I only had to correct one mistake.

        I will report the cost of a new crown with a TAJ card soon.Used to be approx. $50. out of pocket for one years ago.I understand it might be as high as $300. now even with HU Taj?Had a filling refilled 3 times and seems that is not the trick, keeps falling out!        -@Marilyn TassyMrs F needs her crown gluing back on.  Dental glue must be something else to stick stuff together in such a hostile environment.  I'd have thought less than 10K HUF cash to stick it back on, but privately, $300 seems quite high. I'd have thought $150 more on target.  But I haven't been for a couple of years as nothing happened (touch wood, now touching my own head).I'm going to ask Mrs F what's she's done about it.

I had a crown come off and our dentist re glued it on for nothing. I need a crown made, my regular filling material  is not sticking. IDK, she may wish to try something else other then a crown?

We do not like the dental lab she uses though. The lab ladies husband did the work but since he died and she took over the work is not as good.

I will ask what lab she will use to make sure it is not that one.

My husband spend over $400. with his Taj covering about half the cost, so over $800. for new dentures and he is always wearing his old set and not his new ones. He does like the way they feel since that lab lady did not do a great job on them. They look nice but he can not eat with them very well without them pinching.

Disappointing really since the Taj only pays half the cost for senior dentures every 4 years .

We tried to find that sort of dental glue here in HU but could not. I was willing to re glue my own crown in place but no glue.

In the US they sell kits but not here from our findings.

@Marilyn Tassy As for healthcare, yes I have some issues and yes I did go to hospital, but how I look, I do not care, I think all of my teeth have root canal treatment and anyhow most disappeared (1000 years ago they do not have proper dentists I think). I have hairs longer than 50 cm, the only thing where my wife insists is going to the barber once per two weaks (I comply (reluctantly)).

Cost of living is a very different issue, I have to say energy in Hungary is still very fine and so are many normal products, life in a village in Hungary might be even cheaper (bottom line) than a life in Mahmutlar (Alanya in Turkey), however people are more accomodating and friendly (markets, restaurants, shops,..), it makes a difference to be welcomed or not.

In Hungary we had 2 or 3 restaurants where to go, yes there is home delivery (Smokey Burger I miss), but also wine, meat, whisky, .. all possible (in Hungary we had a good big freezer (for the meat))

Comparing cost between our village in Hungary and Turkey (Mahmutlar) , I would say it is the same.

Comfort is also important, I can hardly walk and in Mahmutlar most of the providers are in crawling distance.

Having a huge garden and animals are nice, but it comes with a cost (and effort for my wife).

Now in an apartment things in a way are easier. (Perhaps not better, but easier)

@cdw057 In total cost, inclusive all (depreciation, taxes, shopping, alcohol ( a lot), smoking more than a lot (3 packs per day), restaurants (3/4 times per week), ...

All in all we are happy for 2 for EUR 3000 pm but as in Hungary without extras (alcohol and smoking notably) EUR 1.500 should be fine (provided you are you have your own property)

I like Hungary (the area where I lived), but health can drive decisions (as amongst other considerations)

@fluffy2560 At the time I liked ALDI, Lidl and Spar, I hate Tesco

      There have been times when I was told to wait in the car.People often think I am Hungarian and speak to the two of us as if I understand.Sometimes it is easier to just act like I know what is up and nod my head.My husband tells me to be quiet at least  a good 5 to 10 mins before he has to speak Hungarian in any official places and needs a clear head.I suppose I distract him asking questions?Wow, Just found the ?? on the HU keyboard all on my own!There is hope for me yet!    -@Marilyn TassyHe's probably rehearsing what he's going to say.  I do that too.  Maybe after all this time, he's become a bit less confident in Hungarian in official situations.  Well done using the "?".Try not looking at the keyboard. Set it to US in Windows and then don't look down at the keys.  I sometimes type stuff just looking at the window.  More than 95% of the time I get it right and no errors, without knowing how to touch type.  I just typed that looking at the window and I only had to correct one mistake.        -@fluffy2560

Hate to say it but I let my typing skills go.

Used to type just 45 WPM without mistakes, not great but fast enough.

My sister was timed for her office jobs with typing and shorthand etc.

She was clocked at 120 WPM without typos!!!

Super secretary!

She ran circles arund her bosses too. Got her days worth of work done before lunch time and the rest of the day she sat by the phone doing her nails. If asked why she was not busy she would reply did it all for the day.

She would tell them they had to pay her more if they wanted more out of her! She never was fired for back talking them because they knew she was great at her job.She refused to make coffee or run personal errands for them too, this was before they but a stop to these practices in offices. Before that movie, 9 to 5.

Went to the outside farmers market this morning. Got a few deals for sure. Weather was perfect for walking   around.

Took the bus over there, usually we take the car. The ticket agents boarded and asked everyone for their tickets, except for us! Man, maybe we look like people who would  buy a ticket? Hope it was not that we look old!

    @Marilyn Tassy As for healthcare, yes I have some issues and yes I did go to hospital, but how I look, I do not care, I think all of my teeth have root canal treatment and anyhow most disappeared (1000 years ago they do not have proper dentists I think). I have hairs longer than 50 cm, the only thing where my wife insists is going to the barber once per two weaks (I comply (reluctantly)).
Cost of living is a very different issue, I have to say energy in Hungary is still very fine and so are many normal products, life in a village in Hungary might be even cheaper (bottom line) than a life in Mahmutlar (Alanya in Turkey), however people are more accomodating and friendly (markets, restaurants, shops,..), it makes a difference to be welcomed or not.
In Hungary we had 2 or 3 restaurants where to go, yes there is home delivery (Smokey Burger I miss), but also wine, meat, whisky, .. all possible (in Hungary we had a good big freezer (for the meat))
Comparing cost between our village in Hungary and Turkey (Mahmutlar) , I would say it is the same.
Comfort is also important, I can hardly walk and in Mahmutlar most of the providers are in crawling distance.
Having a huge garden and animals are nice, but it comes with a cost (and effort for my wife).
Now in an apartment things in a way are easier. (Perhaps not better, but easier)
   

    -@cdw057

50 cm hair length is not too long, depending on where it is growing from!!

I cut my husbands hair a couple times a month if I can get him to sit long enough.

I wonder over the years how much we have saved by me doing everyones hair?

There are aspects of life in Hungarian which are price controlled and aspects which are subject to inflation, quite high, in fact. I live in Budapest and do not have a car, so I am looking at my monthly fees, utilities, and groceries.  Two years ago, the non-energy inflation rate was over 40%, last year it was over 20%, and this year it's approx 4%.

The effect for me has been that a 1.5 litre bottle of water went from 100 Fts to 300Fts. Meat and vegetables have about doubled in price. My once a month big shop has gone from about 80k to 120k. As I usually shop at Tesco to deliver hard goods I don't want to carry and doesn't really matter where you buy them, think durum pasta, rice, canned goods, bottled water, wine, cat food, etc. The prices have definitely gone up as I've stated, but also I've noticed more and more foreign products are either even more expensive or simply not available. My guess would be this is due to the weak Forint.

My monthly apartment fee has risen from 30k to 50k in the past 2 years, about a 10k rise each year.

My utilities have gone up but I can't complain when I remember what I used to pay in the US. I would say that the number of people I know who wear extra clothes, sweaters, etc to keep the thermostat down has gone up significantly. Most Hungarians are feeling the inflation.

As for my local market, which is at Lehel Piac, prices have increased, especially meats, but I still go for the vegetables and produce. Meats and odd snacks like specialty cheese and stuffed olives are for special occasions and I know will be expensive. Otherwise, the pre-packaged chicken breast and minced meat from Tesco does the trick just fine. I have decreased my meat consumption significantly however. Both due to prices and for health reasons.

HTH!

@Marilyn Tassy My wife is happy with my hair (a bit too happy), but I do not really mind. I just (mandatory) have to go tp a barber once per two weeks. Pluses and minuses, but I think I would welcome not hair at all (too much hassle with hair).