Beauty salon a women's haven in the Taliban's Kabul

Under the Islamist movement's interpretation of Islamic law between 1996 and 2001, beauty salons were banned outright

The oasis of feminine industry provides income for the staff and moments of indulgence for the clients, but its days may be numbered

It is one of the last places in Kabul where women can meet outside their households, a bubble of freedom and even frivolity away from the gaze of men.

But Mohadessa's beauty salon has, for now, remained a place where women can relax among themselves outside the household and share their woes -- or forget them in favour of fun and fashion.