Government to announce welcome news that more cuts are on the way

After weeks of lobbying, hairdressers and barbers may have their reopening brought forward to June 15

WEEKS of unkempt hairdos and bad DIY buzz cuts could soon be at an end.

In a bid to “unleash the great British haircut”, Boris Johnson is considering reopening hair salons and barbers later this month, The Daily Telegraph understands, having previously indicated they would remain shut until July.

According to industry and government sources, ministers were discussing moving forward the date to accelerate the revival of the economy. And No 10 believed salons could be reopened as early as June 15, to coincide with the date non-essential shops and businesses returned.

The Department for Business was drawing up social distancing guidance similar to those issued to dentists, which would require hairdressers to wear masks, perspex visors and gloves.

It followed pressure from the Hair and Barber Council to reopen the sector within the next fortnight. A survey by the National Hair and Beauty Federation of 1,600 members found 77 per cent of respondents were “very well prepared” or as “well prepared as they could be” to resume business.

The Health Secretary publicly expressed his desire to see hairdressers reopen faster, although last week he refused to commit to a firm timetable.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph last night, an insider familiar with the plans said: “Boris has talked about unleashing the great British haircut. It would be treated under similar rules to dentists.”

Approached for comment, a No 10 source did not rule out hairdressers reopening from mid-june. Mr Johnson was said to be “moving cautiously” and that the Government was “monitoring the situation extremely carefully before making any more moves”.

Guided by ministers and industry leaders, Department for Business officials were drawing up guidance for salons and barber shops that would also cover tattoo parlours and health and beauty spas. While a draft version of the document had not been circulated, sources with knowledge of the plans said hairdressers would be required to adopt similar measures to dental practices, which were opening on Monday.

The plans were said to include removing magazines in waiting rooms and no customer refreshment facilities. Hairdressers would be expected to wear face masks, perspex visors and gloves, with customers also asked to wear protective equipment.

A Department for Business spokesman said: “The Government has set up task forces to work with industry representatives to develop safe ways for businesses such as hair salons to open at the earliest point at which it is safe to do so.”

160,000

The number of National Hair and Beauty Federation members who said in a survey that they were ready to open for business