Tasteful crop is back in hairdresser catalogues (5)
I believe the answer is:
cress
'tasteful crop' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'back in hairdresser catalogues' is the wordplay.
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'sserc' is hidden within 'hairdresser catalogues'.
'sserc' written backwards gives 'CRESS'.
'is' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cress that I've seen before include "Plant with leaves used in salad or as garnish" , "Toll of bell" , "Salad vegetable" , "Salad sprouts" , "Plant with pungent leaves used in salads" .)