Wales reopens its hairdressers and barbers - to the delight of customers

The Welsh Government lockdown, which came into force just before Christmas, has meant people going nearly three months without a professional haircut or resorting to a DIY attempt – both leading to some entertaining results.

But, for an industry starved of businesses since last year there was definite relief at opening the doors on Monday morning, as well as the welcome chance to chat to customers face-to-face – albeit through the safety of the Covid-compliant face mask.

For Emma Wright, who runs Rootz in Montgomery, it proved a busy Monday with six appointments done and dusted by midday, and a total of 60 booked in for the week.

On a day where Spring seemed to arrive there was a definite positivity in the air at the Arthur Street salon, with locals passing by offering their best wishes and delight at seeing life start to return to normal.

Emma, 50, has been running the salon for more than 30 years, and said it had been wonderful to be open again.

She was welcoming back Megan Lewis, 83, from Cefn y Coed, who had her appointment cancelled the week before Christmas.

She normally visits once every two weeks and said it was nice to be able to get out and get her hair coloured – although she joked that it had been "weeks and weeks" since she had last taken the car out.

Emma said: "It has been lovely this morning, we have had the door open, people are walking past saying their hellos.

"It is good to get back to some normality."

Emma said despite the relief at being open again, she had been surprised when Wales' First Minister, Mark Drakeford, made the announcement on Friday.

She said: "I was really pleased but surprised because I think most of us did not think he would allow us to reopen and thought he would string us along a bit. When the announcement came we couldn't believe it because he had been saying the priority was the schools."

She said the phone had been crazy since the announcement, but that the priority had been to get those whose appointments were cancelled before lockdown, booked in as quickly as possible.

She said: "It just went mad. As soon as it sort of broke in the morning I was getting messages but I had already written a list of people to telephone – the people who had been called off at Christmas were the priority.

"I know them all and they have all been excellent, really supportive."

Emma said there had been a really positive feeling amongst those coming in for their first chop in months.

She said: "I think people are really glad to have it done properly but a few have surprised themselves with how they have managed."

Welshpool barber, Tor Langton opened her Vintage Barbers at 8am and was planning to work 11 hours days all this week.

"The sun is shining, everyone is smiling and it is like seeing old friends again," she said.

"I have missed everyone so more, they are not just customers they really do become friends. During lockdown we have waved to each other across the street but to be back working and having proper chat is just wonderful."

In her chair was 19 year old Joel Pryce from Forden who has having his hair cut by Tor since he was nine.

"It is true we have become friends. It is so good to be out and doing something ordinary and being able to talk to someone," he said.

Several men were sitting in the sun outside the Kings Barbers in the town, grateful for the walk-in appointments.

Phil Lewis, 50, said: "I was lucky, I had mine cut just before lockdown but I definately need another one now. And I will probably get rid of the designer stubble too."

Another customer, Ady Hughes said: "I'm desperate for a hair cut - I wasn't going to try and do it myself. You always feel so much better after a good cut, refreshed and ready for life."

Kallum Stait, 18 from Welshpool said he was delighted with his newly cut hair.

The owner of King Barbers, Tiab Nali, said he had customers waiting when he opened at 8am and said he would be working until 7pm.

At Vanity Hair and Beauty in the town owner Ashleigh Bates opened for family members before opening to the public today .

"We have done that after every lockdown," she said.

"When it was announced that we could reopen our phone and social media went absolutely mental with men and women desperate to book an appointment.

"We are lucky here in that we have large premises and two doors so we can have and entrance and exit."

Hairdresser Julie Price, cutting and colouring her sister, Sheryl Weaver's hair, admitted she had been a little anxious before work.

"It is a long time to be off work so having this family day is perfect," she said.