HAIRDRESSERS across Inverclyde will be reopening their doors today as coronavirus restrictions ease.

The owner of one of Greenock's most popular salons has put a positive spin on lockdown by transforming her Brougham Street business - and says she's excited to welcome customers back.

Joan Darrah, owner of Ola Hair Design in Brougham Street, closed the doors on 23 March when restrictions were announced.

She opted to furlough her three staff and since then has been working with her husband to get the premises prepared for a new way of working.

Joan said: "We've totally transformed the whole salon. It's taken a lot to get it up and ready and it's been really nerve-wracking preparing to reopen.

"It will be a bit different for customers but we're trying to make things as normal as we can."

Joan says keeping both customers and staff safe is paramount and to that end, she has spent hundreds of pounds on personal protective equipment, including disposable towels, gowns, aprons, gloves and masks.

Screens have been added and the salon is now more spaced out to allow for social distancing while seats will also be sanitised after every appointment.

Customers are also advised to leave their handbags at home and no tea or coffee will be served. Like all salons and barbers, reading materials are off the table but free wifi is now available at Ola.

Joan and the team are looking forward to celebrating the salon's 15th year in the town in November and say they're confident that their 'brilliant relationships' between staff and customers will make the reopening a success.

Joan added: "It is a very different time for this profession, but the same can be said for just about every sector moving forward.

"People have missed the chat and the social aspect of coming into the salon. While we won't be able to interact in the same way, we'll try to make things as normal as possible for everyone.

"We're such a close-knit team. Clients coming to us for years on end.

"Our customers have missed us and we've really missed them. We can't wait to see them all again."