NAIL technicians welcomed back customers yesterday during their first day of trading since lockdown restrictions eased across the UK.

Nail bars, tattoo parlours and other beauty establishments were among the latest allowed to reopen their doors for the first time since closing in March.

Some beauty parlours are still waiting for the go-ahead, with all facial treatments currently off the table due to concerns over the risk of spreading germs.

Vivienne Ji and her team of nail technicians at F&F Nail Beauty were excited to welcome customers back to their store, and despite a nice stream of customers, they felt like it was quieter than would be expected.

The store is located on Dalton Road, in Barrow’s town centre.

She said: “We started picking up a bit but there are not many people out.

“I am not sure that people know that we are open yet today.

“We have put screens up to split up the bars so that we are able to protect our customers who come in.

“It splits up the customer from the other customer.

“Not many people know that we are open, but we are usually quite busy.”

Just a short distance down the road, bosses at Angel’s Nails, also on Dalton Road, were apprehensive about what working during the pandemic could be like, but said they are happy to be heading back towards normality.

Only four customers can be inside the large nail parlour at one time to ensure that they are following the strict guidelines set out to beauty shops by the government.

Owner Kim Dinh said: “It has been okay - but I am quite a bit nervous.

“We have got lots of measures in place.

“We have distance screens, face masks and hand gel.”

The store has also seen a decreased footfall but hopes that people will gain the confidence to get their nails done.

She added: “People are more nervous now but hopefully they will come back soon.”

As well as a fresh set of nails, residents will soon be able to sport new tattoos with Barrow tattooists preparing to open up.

Sacred Art on Scott Street has announced that it will reopen tomorrow, whilst All Style Tattoos on Crellin Street and Sweet ‘Art Tattoo and Beauty Studio on Rawlinson Street are yet to confirm a date, although it is believed that they will be opening soon.