The beauty industry has thrived despite the recession.

In fact, a recent study found that the average woman will spend more than £18,000 on her face in her lifetime.

Haseena Hamid, owner of Dark Secrets Hair said: “A recession does not change the fact that people have insecurities and worry about the way they look.

“Very often people will curb other expenses like holidays or buying branded food items. But getting hair styled or a beauty treatment is a small indulgence in the scheme of things."

Haseena opened the doors of Dark Secrets Hair ten years ago in Blackburn, and subsequently opened a second branch in 2012.

Haseena said: “I have seen a huge change over the last decade in terms of personal grooming trends. People today are far more image conscious than ever before.

“And this applies to men and women.

“People will spend money on themselves. Even if they are attending a dinner party or going clubbing, women will come into the salon to get their hair curled or have eyelash extensions.

“My male clientele has grown significantly over the last few years.

“It’s an interesting dynamics. Men end up chatting more and gossiping more than women!

“Men today are very conscious of their appearance, and they too feel the pressure to be perfectly groomed all the time.

“The treatments that men tend to favour are waxing, threading, hair styling and microdermabrasion. This is very popular with men. This is an exfoliation treatment that treats fine lines and wrinkles.

“And now, of course, wedding season is upon us which means we are inundated with requests.”

While the British high street struggles in the face of the economic downturn, Haseena is more determined than ever, despite juggling life with a husband and two young children, to expand her brand.

“Between the two salons, I end up working seven days a week. It is hard work, but I love it.

“This year I launched a training academy. There are 16 years worth of experience in that five day course.

“When people leave my course, they are more employable. Because I am an educator for VTCT, this means my course is accredited. When students leave my course, they are qualified.

“The difference between my course and learning about hair and beauty in a college is that we train in a salon environment.

“I want to train students so they can do what I did and open up their own salon.

“The courses I teach include hairdressing courses for all experience levels from Beginners to Advanced Hairdressers. This includes party hair, bridal hair, cutting, colour and even barbering.

“Hairdressing allows you to be creative whilst interacting with clients. It opens up a new world of career opportunities. If you want to attend the best hairdressing academy then here is where you need to be.”

For more details about Dark Secrets Hair Training Academy, visit www.dshairtrainingacademy.co.uk