HAIRDRESSERS and barbers across the country are preparing to reopen after being given the go ahead by the Prime Minister.

Local hairdressers and barbers have been preparing to reopen throughout the lockdown, but were extremely pleased when it was announced they could officially open once more on July 4.

This includes Mike Taylor, owner of Bond's Westbourne Gentlemen's Barbershop, who had to convert to an app system for appointments which, prior to the Prime Minister's announcement, already proved to be a great success.

For the two weeks following July 4, all Saturday's are fully booked in each Bond Barbershop.

Special measures have now been put in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

Mike said: "It's hard as you want people to stay safe. We will be wearing masks and clients can purchase a mask from us or bring their own to wear. There will also be new gowns provided per person.

"Our shops will be at a high standard and they will be disinfected and cleaned before and after each service. However we will not be taking as many clients, this is a new world we're trying to get to grips with."

Troy’s barbers in Christchurch Road, Boscombe is also gearing up to reopen and adapt following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Owner Barrie France said: "We're ready to go back but we're not relaxing anything. We used to do walk-in appointments but now we have set up an online booking system. There will be spacing throughout the shop and we can give everyone a mask. It's got to be safe for everyone."

Staff will be washing their hands before and after every appointment and accepting contactless payment.

People can also bring their own gowns if they feel more comfortable doing so.

Bournemouth hairdressers have also been preparing for their reopening, with the latest announcement a pleasant welcome.

Mane Street Hairdressing owner Paula Griffin said: "We are excited to be reopening, the staff are really looking forward to it and excited to go back. During lockdown, the government made it really easy for me and I wasn't too stressed. They were generous and I could put my staff on furlough."

Staff will be wearing masks and sending out their guidance to their customers before they reopen on July 6.

They will only be accepting card payments and a perspex screen is installed at reception.

Paula added: "It has been so nice talking to the customers and hearing how happy they are."

Diane Wilcox, Salon Manager for Twilo hair, also expressed her excitement at returning.

She said: "We can't wait for 'Hairdependence Day', we're totally over the moon. Everyone will have a temperature check upon arrival and we have spaced out our styling banks and there will be two metres between everyone. We have partitions between waiting chairs and the wash area. We are creating a sanitised environment that our clients will appreciate."

Twilo will be providing bottled water and using disposable, biodegradable gowns and gloves.

Diane added: "It's better to be safe than sorry."

Twilo have also been working on the building along with safety procedures with the salon undergoing a refurbishment.