Customers have flooded back to get their much-needed haircuts after months in lockdown.

Nervously, hairdressing salons have spent weeks preparing for changes to how they work in an attempt to welcome their clients back safely.

It has meant longer days and more cleaning but hairdressers were delighted to be able to get back to work from Saturday, albeit in a different environment.

One salon owner, Angie Frazer of Vanity Hair said: “ It has been overwhelming the support and response we have had from our customers.

"It has been really scary but everything has gone like clockwork.

“I’m so proud of how my team has responded and how well they have adapted to the changes.

“At first I didn’t like wearing the visor as it kept steaming up but now I’m used to it I don’t mind wearing it.

“To start with we didn’t have the guidance we needed but everything has fallen into place and everyone feels happy and safe.”

Echoing the same feeling and stating hairdressers had really missed the friendship of their clients, owner of Bazaar Hair Company Samantha Jackman said: “I feel like I’m on an alcohol-free night out, my feet hurt but I love being back at work.

“Everyone is excited to be back and to be able to see all our clients again.

“It’s going to be a challenging few weeks with lots of colour corrections and Covid cuts to fix but it's great to be doing what we do best.

“While we have been closed our clients have been through a lot.

"Some have become grandparents and others have had big changes in their lives.

"We’re not just hairdressers we’re friends, we often form a support network where people are able to talk and get things off their chest.

“I love people and I love my job.

“We’re now learning a new way of doing our job and how to do it safely, we just want everyone to be safe and enjoy coming back to the salon.”

Many of the salons have had to change their working patterns, some are opening for longer each day and others are now open seven days a week.

Victoria Bennett, who has owned The Gallery salon for more than 20 years, added: “It’s wonderful to be back open, the support we have had is overwhelming.

"Customers have arrived with flowers and champagne and have really missed us. Going to the hairdressers is not just about getting your hair cut. It’s the whole experience.

“I can’t thank my staff and customers enough for coming back to us. We’re working seven days a week just to try and see everyone.

"I know it won’t last forever but we just want to help them as much as we can.

"We’re booked up until the middle of August and the staff are will to do anything they can to help.”