Salons have been flooded with bookings since the latest lockdown easing measures were announced.

People desperate to tame their tressels ended up crashing booking sites as they rushed to get a covetted post-lockdown appointment. 

After almost a year of uncertainty and pressure, salons have finally been given a date that they could reopen.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that non-essential retail, gyms, outdoor hospitality and hairdressers could reopen on 12 April in his latest roadmap.

Salons across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were quick to get on their social media platforms to welcome back their clients ahead of reopening.

Bournemouth Echo:

Bonds booking system crashed after being inundated with appointments. (Image Bonds)

Ever since Monday's announcement salons have been absolutely flooded with bookings. 

Mike Taylor the owner of Bonds said:

"It's just been absolutely astronomical.

"Our booking system went down on Monday because so many people were trying to make an appointment.

All of the seven Bonds barber shops are already fully booked for the first three days after lockdown.

Mr Taylor said: "I think by the time we open the first two weeks will be booked up."

Hairdressers have also seen their clients rushing to get booked in for that post-lockdown pamper. 

Owner of Priory No6, Stella Payne said: "We had predicted we'd be opening at the end of April or May but after hearing the announcement we were just over the moon and can't wait to get back to normal."

"It's gone really mental to say the least, we've just been absolutely inundated."

The gorgeous Christchurch salon took more than 40 bookings in 24-hours.

However, life in lockdown hasn't all been smooth sailing for these independent businesses.

Mr Taylor said: "All anyone wanted was a date and even though it's seven weeks away we're all really happy because we've got something to plan to.

"It was hurting everyone not knowing [when we could reopen] but since they've come out and done this roadmap we're over the moon about it.

"Now that there's a date it's not so bad because there's a light at the end of the tunnel."

Looking ahead to reopening Ms Payne explained that Priory No6 will run much the same as before with extra time between clients for cleaning, PPE and all the standard covid-precautions will be followed. 

Bournemouth Echo:

The team at Priory No6 are overjoyed to be reopening.

For many salons the announcement has come as a welcome relief allowing business owners to start planning for the future once more. 

Ms Payne said: "The girls are like my second family so not seeing each other every day has been surreal. 

"We can't wait to get back open and seeing our clients again."

The team at Bonds are excited to be reopening and look forward to expanding their ever-growing brand with an eighth Bonds shop in the future.