One hair care brand reported sales of blonde products up by two-thirds compared to a year ago.

Hairdresser Andrew Barton, creator of the Shiny Happy Hair range, is certain the trend is linked to the country’s economic woes.

He said: “With only 10 per cent of UK women having naturally blonde hair, choosing to be blonde must be more than about how you look.

“I don’t believe it is purely a coincidence that there’s been a huge sales rise in blonde hair products during these tough financial times.”

Blonde hair is seen as a symbol of youth because women’s hair tends to get darker as they age.

Mr Barton said: “Many of my ­female clients say they feel more confident, more youthful and more attractive when they go blonde and they get more attention.”