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BEING THERE:Beginning a major new series reporting on life in modern Ireland, Róisín Inglespends some time in Lady B's hair salon, which acts as a bridge between the old country and the new for Dublin's African community

A lady called Loveness sits in Lady B's salon on Marlborough Street in Dublin city centre, about to make an important decision. She could go for straight and long, a la Tyra, or look to Oprah's glossy, curly hairdo for inspiration. Pop princess and successful umbrella saleswoman Rihanna has been rocking a sleek, short Victoria Beckham style lately, so that's another option to consider. Packets of hair, some "100 per cent human", some synthetic, line the walls in an impressive variety of styles, colours and textures. Loveness sighs as she contemplates every possible shade of brown.