STAFF at hairdressers and beauty salons are rushed off their feet today as hundreds of people across the conurbation rushed to get last-minute haircuts and treatments.

Customers were anxious to be seen before the UK's second national lockdown deadline, especially as many in the industry fear they won't be simply back in business in four weeks time.

Nicola Haydon, owner of Aphrodite Beauty Salon, Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, told the Daily Echo that today is as busy as a usual Christmas period.

But she added: "Even though I have a positive outlook, I will be very surprised if we are open at the beginning of December.

"Our industry got mucked around last time, we were the last to open. I cannot see how they are going to shut everything down then just suddenly reopen everyone up the same day.

"Potentially it is going to be a phased reopening, but I definitely don't think that by December 3 we are actually back to how we were doing.

"It is a real shame, we were just beginning to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, but now we are back at square one again."

Miss Haydon says it won't just be industry employees who are hurt by the lockdown, she worries the closure of hair and beauty salons will have a detrimental effect on the psychological wellbeing of many clients.

"A lot of people come to us to offload, to talk, it is not just about having your nails done," she said.

"Our clients are mixed, you have some people who are very cautious - who are still shielding. But we have some clients who just want to resume their lives as normal."

Meanwhile, Rachel Bourne, of Hi Therapies beauty salon, Charminster, Bournemouth, told the Echo: "We are extremely busy, all booked up. Our whole team is in today to fit as many as we can in before lockdown.

"Hopefully it will just be a month, but I have a feeling it will be longer than that.

"I think come December restrictions may ease a little bit but our industry was more or less the last one to reopen last time.

"Unfortunately, we will probably not open with everyone else."

Anthony Beal, of Francesco Group Westbourne salon, also thinks the lockdown will be extended - but for all businesses.

He said: "I am concerned the lockdown will be longer than a month for everyone, not just a hair salons.

"Today has been busier than Christmas. It has been a super busy week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday."