Phonelines to most of the hair salons and beauty therapists in Basingstoke have been jammed as customers rushed to book hair and beauty appointments since this morning (Monday).

Many hairdressers said they have no free slots for at least two months as they have been receiving hundreds of booking calls during the past two weeks.

Lockdown regulations are relaxed from today, allowing personal care businesses to reopen after a four-month break.

Several businesses have been facing crisis and reeling under pressure, but the reopening has come as a breath of fresh air for the cash-strapped industry.

The Gazette has been unable to reach many businesses as the phonelines are jammed due to customer calls.

James Ward of Alchemy Organic Salons in Winchester Street, Basingstoke said the reopening has been “nice and busy”.

“We have had about 100 new customer bookings in the last couple of week,” Mr Ward said.

“We are booked for about 8-9 weeks. It’s a bit of security after what has been going on.”

Alchemy also has all its staff back, looking forward to working tirelessly in the coming weeks.

“Everyone has come back roaring and ready to go,” Mr Ward added.

Arc hairdressing in Church Street also confirmed they are booked out for at least two months.

“We have had a lot of bookings in the past couple of weeks. And it’s been very busy today,” said a spokesperson.

“It’s nice to reopen and see customers coming in, after a difficult period,” she added.

All the personal care businesses in Basingstoke are Covid-secured and working extra hard to follow the government regulations.

Have you had a haircut this week? Send your before and after pictures with us to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk, and we will publish it in our special feature.