HAIRDRESSERS and barbers in Wales will reopen from today for the first time in 2021, as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

And primary school pupils are returning to the classroom for the first time in 2021 from today.

The change for salons marks the first lifting of rules for close contact services since Wales entered lockdown on December 20, with businesses like nail parlours and beauty salons expected to remain shut until at least April 12.

Welsh Government regulations say that hairdressers can only serve customers with an appointment, and that their services will be restricted to haircuts only.

You have told us on social media that you can't wait to make an appointment.

Natalie Jayne Jones said on Facebook: "I desperately need my hair cutting...I haven't had it cut since November 2019, just before I went on my first holiday abroad to Amsterdam. I don't think I will be able to get an appointment though because all of the little old ladies will probably get in their first. My Nan used to go to the Hairdressers every week without fail. It will just be my luck that by the time I get an appointment, Mark Drakeford will close them all again."

Samantha Edwards said: "I've already text my hairdresser to tell them to invest in a lawnmower to tackle mine."

And Matthew Evans joked: "No, I'm happy looking like the hobo version of Wolverine."

However, others said "non-essential" retail should have opened at the same time or before hairdressers.

Emma Pritchard said: "I'm not happy with it at all, I've been pro lock down up until now.

"The last announcement about being able to get married was bizarre but this is getting ridiculous.

"I haven't had my hair cut for 18 months but that's not a priority.

"I understand that having your hair done will boost your confidence and in part give a sense of well being but what about clothing?

"My dad is desperate for items of clothing that can only be bought in Primark, and has been since he came out of hospital at Christmas.

"I'm pregnant and need to buy items for my self and my unborn baby, not to mention my little lad who needs to be measured for shoes.

"Why open hairdresser's but not clothing shops? Makes no sense."

First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday that hairdressing businesses would be allowed to reopen because they have “gone through everything that is needed in order to operate safely”.

Monday will also see primary school pupils return to classrooms for the first time this year, joining those in foundation years who returned last month, while face-to-face teaching will also resume for learners in years 11 and 13.

Teachers can also invite learners in years 10 and 12 back to school in order to support their learning, while all other years will be allowed to “check in” with teachers on a limited number of days before a full school return from April 12.

It comes after Wales’ “stay-at-home” restrictions were lifted on Saturday, as the country moved to a “stay local” period, with travel restrictions expected to be eased further in time for Easter.

Wales’ seven-day case rate on Sunday stood at 39 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest of any country in the United Kingdom.

Public Health Wales said a total of 1,113,498 first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been given, an increase of 29,169 from the previous day, while 257,398 second doses were also given, an increase of 7,372.

There were a further 217 confirmed cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 206,405, while 10 further deaths took the total in the country since the start of the pandemic to 5,452.