'Hairdressing is in crisis, it's a dying art'

"As an industry, hairdressing is in a very difficult situation, it's in crisis."

Anne Cole and her husband Martin should know - they have owned Klickers hair salon in Rugby since 1980.

But because of this crisis, the pair will turn off the hair dryer for one final time on Saturday after deciding to close their Regent Street salon, with the "economic situation" forcing them out.

"We're not employing apprentices," Ms Cole said. "It's a dying art."

Ms Cole added their building's lease had been due to end in June, but before it did the pair made the decision to close because of "rising overheads and the lastest increase in employer National Insurance (NI)".

Rhona Milner, a regular customer at Klickers ever since the salon opened, said "I just think it's generally sad".

"Hairdressers are something that people still come into the town, but if they're closing it's taking more people away," Ms Milner said.

Ms Cole thanked all of the salon's customers for their support over the years and said even the thought of the closure made her emotional.

"We've had some great laughs over the years and got to know people personally and enjoyed every one of you," Ms Cole added.

The decision to close Klickers is no one-off. Lucy Locket in Dunchurch is also closing in June, after 38 years of trading.

Owner Lucy Trailor, said her lease had come to an end and she did not wish to renew it.

"It's hard times now, bills are constantly going up," she said.

"I can't put my prices up like they can put the leases up. People find having a haircut more of a luxury than a necessity."

Ms Trailor said she would miss the close relationship she has had with her customers.

"Oh we all have hugs, some of the ladies don't see anyone else, so that hugs a big part of it. I think [hairdressers are] like social workers as well."

A barbershop in Rugby called Legends, also closed its doors at the end of March.

Taking to social media the business said it had not been an easy decision, but "the time was right".

Caroline Larissey, CEO of the National Hair & Beauty Federation, said a recent report revealed the federation's "worst fears" about the combined impact of wage increases, NI changes, and reduced business rates relief.

"Our sector, which employs predominantly women and young people, is facing unprecedented pressure to either raise prices significantly or fundamentally change business models," she said.

Ms Larissey said the pressure would have "serious implications" for jobs, training and the future of high street salons as whole.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.