SALONS and barber shops across Wales rejoiced this week as they were finally able to open back up after months of inactivity – but as this photo shows, some hairdressers just can’t cut it.

Sadie Williams, owner of Llandrindod Wells-based Meraki, shared the hilarious picture on the salon’s Facebook page on Monday night – after she and her dedicated team had completed their first day of work in more than three months.

Hairdressers and barbers were allowed to reopen for appointments only from March 15, after First Minister Mark Drakeford announced a relaxation of Covid-19 lockdown rules last Friday.

Cue a mad scramble as residents across Powys got on the phone to their local stylist to book a much-needed appointment and transform them from looking like Chewbacca to their old selves.

Sadie admitted being "inundated" with calls, voicemails and Facebook messages following the announcement. And as hair once again dropped to the Meraki floor on Monday, so too did she and her staff following a “stressful” first day back.

“It was so great to be back in business after the third closure and six months closed in a year in total,” said 35-year-old Sadie, who has run the salon for the last three years but has been colouring and trimming hair since she was 16.

“It’s been difficult to say the least. But we’ve made it out the other side. Some small businesses are not so fortunate.

“When we got Friday's announcement that we could reopen, I literally spent the next three days phoning regular clients to book them in and was inundated with phonecalls, voicemails and Facebook messages. It was stressful but the best feeling ever to be back.”

As grateful as she is to get the doors, and cash register back open, Sadie is equally as happy to once again be spending time with her team and clients.

“I’ve done my job since I was 16 and I love it as much as I did on day one,” said Sadie. “I love being busy and giving people the feel-good factor. Our industry has grown massively over the last few years. Fashion and image is so much bigger.

“Some clients were happy we could resume business and see them. Some of them live alone and don't see many people, which much be so hard.

“To come back and have a haircut, it's not just about the hair, it's the whole social thing and company and to just have something to look forward to and see a different face. Also, to make people feel so much better and confident in such difficult times.”

Sadie has a busy team alongside her at Meraki, including stylists Jenny-Lee Hardy, Naomi Long, Michelle Snooke and Jessie Ffion, salon helpers Abi Price and Rebecca Thomas, beautician Kate Thomas, massage/holistic therapist Amy Bubear and aesthetic nurse Emma Hoddell.

“I got emotional when I knew we could re-open, to resume my busy life that I thrive on and to work with my team of stylists who are also awesome friends,” added Sadie.

“They've helped me loads through the days when I’ve sat there thinking ‘how much longer can I afford to keep my business closed for, am I going to make it through this lockdown?’. I’m lucky to have the best bunch with me.

“As for my awesome clients, the kindness and support from them, I can’t even begin to tell you what they mean to me.

“People have given us lovely cards, sent regular messages to see how we're coping. Some offered to pay in advance for their hair. I've had clients who've bought vouchers, which helps massively for our survival when we were shut down. It's been so lovely for them to think of us and I appreciate it more than ever.”