A JOHNSTONE hair salon welcomed a special customer on Monday as it opened its doors for the first time in months.

Eight-year-old Grace Keane went along to Oh So Beautiful, in the town’s High Street, to have her flowing locks chopped in aid of charity as lockdown restrictions were eased.

The Kilbarchan Primary pupil is raising money for the Little Princess Trust, which helps children who have suffered hair loss through cancer and other illnesses.

Nine-inch-long pleats that were cut from Grace’s hair by salon boss Michaela Bell will also be sent to the charity, so they can be crafted into a wig.

Through a JustGiving page, the Johnstone youngster has coined in more than £1,100 for the worthy cause, which provides real hairpieces, free of charge, to children and young people up to the age of 24.

Grace decided to help after someone at her school lost her hair to childhood cancer.

Her proud mum Stacey, who has two other daughters and works as an NHS trainer, told The Gazette: “Grace had been growing her hair for the last two years so she could get to the point where it could be cut and made into a wig.

“We are now hoping there is enough hair to make two.

“Michaela agreed to cut her hair free of charge when she reopened on Monday and we are very grateful, as she did a terrific job.”

The decision to allow hair salons to reopen this week has come as a relief to businesses, as well as those who had been looking forward to the fringe benefits of a visit to their favourite stylist.

Michaela, 29, has ran Oh So Beautiful for eight years but the doors had been shut since late November as a result of the Covid pandemic.

She is now fully booked for the next month as cutting hair becomes a growth industry again.

“It’s great to be back after 14 weeks of being closed,” said Michaela. “While the salon was shut we were getting grants but it doesn’t cover your rent and things like that.

“I was absolutely skint and had no money for anything. It has been a tough tough time for hairdressers.

“We are fully booked until May and, hopefully, we will remain open beyond that.

“That’s all you really ask for – a chance to make a living. People would rather do that than rely on government money.”

As well as hair salons being allowed to reopen, some non-essential shops, including garden centres and homeware stores, are now trading again.

Further lockdown restrictions are due to be eased on April 26, with beer gardens and gyms able to open again and more people allowed to meet outdoors and inside public places.

To support Grace’s fundraising efforts by making a donation, click HERE.