THE announcement that close-contact services, such as hairdressers and barbers, can reopen after months of closure was a welcome one - not least to hairdressers who have been unable to work, customers who have endured DIY disasters and shaggy haired Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Ahead of the reopening of salons across the country on Saturday, July 4, we asked readers of the Hexham Courant online the best place to get a cut and colour in Tynedale.

The Secret Salon, on Hexham’s Wentworth Place, was very popular amongst readers, with many commenting on the skill of the stylists and their personable nature.

Samantha Herbertson said: “Sarah at The Secret Salon, in Hexham, is AMAZING - so lovely, caring and really goes above and beyond for her customers.”

Katie Baron said: “The Secret Salon...Sarah Parker is amazing.”

Caroline Armstrong said: “Sarah’s Secret Salon is excellent, with brilliant service as well as expertise.”

Jo Anderson Designer Hair, also in Hexham, was mentioned by a number of readers.

Angela Fox said: “Jo Anderson’s is number one to Hexham. All of the staff are fab, especially Joanne, John and Ruth, cant wait to see you all again.”

Louise Raine said: “Jo Anderson - I’ve had a haircut from most of their stylists and never a bad cut and I don’t have the easiest of hair either.”

Nicola Browell said: “Without a doubt it’s Jo Anderson. Every stylist is superb, the atmosphere is fantastic and best of all, they are all lovely people.”

Hexham’s Antonios Hair and Beauty Salon was also praised by readers.

Sue Hart-Jackson said: “Antonios in Hexham, everyone is always so helpful and friendly. I have very boring hair and just get my hair cut here, but many friends go to Antonios for cuts, colours etc. You can’t go wrong, lovely staff.”

Lisa Buchanan said: “Antonios in Hexham, they are the loveliest, laid-back, friendly, funny, professional people. Totally love them all.”

Ruth Robson said: “Antonios in Hexham. I travelled from all over the UK to come “home” to get my hair done, including five years on the Shetland Isles. That’s a 972 mile round trip.”

And Reflections Hair and Beauty, in Haydon Bridge, was given a special mention on Twitter.

Cheryl Hutchinson said: “Reflections in Haydon Bridge are brilliant.

"The girls do a great job of making you feel comfortable and are wonderful with my mum who has dementia.”