IN the past, it was famous for its railway, but now Darlington is making a name for itself as the hairdressing capital of Britain.

The town has a staggering 97 hairdressing salons - more per head of population than anywhere else in the country.

From small, traditional businesses which specialise in perms and blue rinses to big names such as Toni & Guy, there is a salon to suit every tonsorial taste.

A visit to the hairdresser has become more than just a quick visit ahead of a big night out.

Today's salons offer an experience that makes a having a new hair-do an event in itself.

Tony Thexton has been in the business for 25 years. Today, he runs Tangles unisex hair salon in Post House Wynd.

"My father was a hairdresser so I suppose you could say it ran in the family," he said.

"I think going to a salon has become something of a social event nowadays.

"People meet their friends, it gives them a chance to catch up in friendly, relaxing surroundings."

Hairdressing is a vital part of Darlington's local economy - Tony's business employs ten people - and competition keeps every salon on its toes.

"What people want are fashion statements, not just a hair cut," he said.

Hairstyles of the rich and famous are particularly popular. Darlington's ladies love to have a Meg Ryan or a Dido while the town's men just can't get enough of the David Beckham look.

Ray Seymour, general secretary of the National Hairdressers' Federation, said he could not think of any reason why Darlington had such a high proportion of salons.

Mr Seymour said: "There has certainly been a growth in the hairdressing sector over the past few years, so I think the growing number of salons in Darlington must be something to do with that."

Darlington is home to Saks Hair and Beauty.

Since it was set up in the town in 1974, it has expanded to running 80 salons across the country.

Ruth Roddam, manager of the Darlington branch, will appear in a BBC programme about the proliferation of hairdressers in the town, to be broadcast on Monday.

At Darlington College, which has been training hairdressers for 30 years, the number of students enrolling each year continues to grow.

The hairdressing department takes on about 60 full-time students each year, 30 modern apprentices and 20 adults.

As well as learning the theory of hairdressing, they are given practical experience in the college's two salons.

Sue Carr, senior tutor in hairdressing, said: "We are always full to capacity and we're actually going to be opening a new beauty salon because we have so many students who want to do the courses.

"Most of them are from local schools and they go on to work in the town, but I think one of the reasons hairdressing is so popular is that you can take your skills with you if you move."

She said: "I think the reason Darlington has so many hairdressing salons is that there is a very high demand.

"It may not be as cosmopolitan as, say, Newcastle, but people are obviously interested in the way they look and having a new haircut updates the way you look immediately."

Tony Thexton reckons the competition is good for everyone. He said: "It's brought a new standard of professionalism to the town.

"I think the whole industry has really stepped it up in the last few years.

"As for the extra competition - if you offer a high standard and a friendly atmosphere there's nothing whatsoever to fear."

* Inside Out will be shown on BBC1 at 7.30pm on Monday