Brits who fear yet another lockdown scramble for last-minute bookings at barbers or stylists before Xmas (after ditching festive drinks at the pub)
- Women posed pictures getting their fresh trims amid fears of fresh restrictions
- Hairdressers said they were rushed off their feet as clients fought for bookings
- They’ve flocked to tidy up their barnets despite steering clear of pubs and clubs
- Many Britons are staying inside to avoid the rampaging Covid Omicron variant
Britons have scrambled to the hairdressers before Christmas in case Boris Johnson closes salons.
Women posted pictures getting their fresh trims amid fears the government could drop further curbs as Omicron cases rocket.
Meanwhile stylists reported they were rushed off their feet as clients fought for the last bookings ahead of the festive period.
They flocked to tidy up their barnets despite steering clear of pubs which started shutting amid a scarcity of customers.
Many Britons are working from home and keeping inside in a bid to avoid the rampaging new Covid strain that could seem them isolate for Christmas.
But some women decided to risk the virus in order to get their hair in shape ahead of the holidays.
Laura Pearce posted a picture from her hairdresser’s chair while she was halfway through being treated.
She said: ‘This government: there are no plans for lockdown Me: books emergency pre-lockdown hair appointment.’
Lucy Bishop, a hairdresser from Peterborough added: ‘All my clients are having their hair cut extra short incase of another lockdown.’
Stonehouse Salon in Wigan added that it had received a number of requests for over the Christmas period.
Gentlemen’s barbers also appeared to be under the cosh as many reported later opening hours next week to deal with the backlog.
Devonshire Gent Barbers in Harrogate said: ‘We will be open late every night next week from Monday up to Christmas Eve.’
They added on Twitter: ‘We have a few remaining slots for a festive trim before the big man arrives!’
Dam Fine Barbers in Lichfield added: ‘Morning guys we are open from 9am till 5pm today pop down for that fresh trim.’
Yet some reported a drop off in custom and that they were struggling due to cancelled Christmas parties.
Natalia Hair Studio in Rochdale, Manchester, said it is just trying to ‘make ends meet’ and was earning half what it should be at this time of year.
Owner Natalie Gaughran said customers had been dropping like flies over the last two weeks when they realised they would not need a glow up for work events.
She told the MeN: ‘Huge numbers of people were booked in for blowaways and colours and all have them have cancelled.
‘I think people are also really fearful of this new variant and nobody knows what to do.
‘Everybody seems to know someone who has Covid or is off school or work because of this new variant, so people aren’t wanting to come out because they are scared.’
The businesswoman added: ‘I have had my shop for 15 years and this is the worst it has ever been.’
The UK was plunged into Level 4 Covid restrictions earlier this week as fresh restrictions were brought back in.
The last time the nation was at this threat level in February, hairdressers and barbers were closed.
But so far the Prime Minister has refused to bow to pressure from health chiefs to lock Britain up again and impose draconian measures.
Boris Johnson (pictured today) insisted that the Government does not want to ‘lock stuff down’, with Britons instead urged to ‘prioritise’ social events, get a booster and do a lateral flow test before meeting people
Meanwhile pubs are shutting across the country due to a lack of custom amid fears of the Omicron variant.
But in a boost for boozers Rishi Sunak will return early from his trip to California to hold more talks with business chiefs in response to the crisis on Friday.
The Chancellor and his team held talks with a range of hospitality and business organisations on Thursday.
Mr Sunak said: ‘This Government has done whatever it takes at every stage to support lives and livelihoods throughout this pandemic – and of course we will continue to do so.
‘We understand that this is a concerning time for businesses. Myself and my wider team met with business representatives earlier today, listened to their concerns and will continue to work with industry leaders over the coming days.
‘To keep safeguarding our economic recovery and the lives and livelihoods of the British people our priority is now to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get boosted now.’
Source: Read Full Article