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

Many hairdressers said they have no free slots for at least two months as they have been receiving booking calls for 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 Advertiser has been unable to reach many businesses as the phonelines are jammed due to customer calls.

Thomas Roskilly is one of the busy hairdressers in Andover that is looking ahead to the busy days.”

“We’re very excited to be back,” said a spokesperson.

“Today it’s been only three of us. But we have more staff coming in from tomorrow (Tuesday). Tomorrow is really our official opening.”

Anna Nikola, owner of Simply Beautiful in Pennings Road, said it’s an “amazing feeling” to reopen after a long lockdown.

“I feel a bit anxious, but I’m quite confident and it’s really nice to see clients,” she said.

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