A Richmond hair salon says it is at ‘breaking point’ following staff shortages – and is looking for new recruits.

David Masters, who owns two hair salons in Richmond Bridge and St Margarets, said the current recruitment crisis in the hair industry could leave residents struggling to get a hair appointment.

He said the combined effects of Brexit, Covid and the ‘pingdemic’ are causing major problems in the industry.

Before the pandemic, 82% of employers said that recruiting qualified and experienced salon staff was either 'very difficult' or ‘difficult', according to stats from the National Hairdressers Federation.

Mr Masters said he has been looking for a new stylist for over six months.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: David Masters Salon, RichmondDavid Masters Salon, Richmond

He added: “I’ve been training and employing hairdressers for over thirty years and have never found it this difficult to recruit.

“Brexit took a significant number of stylists away from the UK job market and the pandemic has made people nervous about moving salons. The 'pingdemic' is the last straw.”

“We are a friendly team at David Masters Salon that appreciates a good work/life balance. If you’re a hairdresser reading this, please get in touch.”

You can find out more at www.dmsalon.co.uk