Hairdressers could reopen ahead of schedule with staff wearing PPE, it has been reported.
People have been unable to get their hair professionally cut since lockdown measures were introduced on March 23.
And it had been suggested that salons and barber shops would be closed until July.
Now, the Daily Telegraph is reporting that Boris Johnson wants salons and barbers to reopen before the end of the month.
It comes after pressure from the Hair and Barber Council to give the green light within the next two weeks.
This could see the sector re-opened in line with many non-essential shops on June 15, the Mirror reports.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation, meanwhile, surveyed 1,600 members and found 77% of respondents were “very well prepared” to re-launch.
Plans are understood to be being drawn up by the Department for Business, with similar guidance to dentists which are due to open on June 8.
This could mean hairdressers and stylists wearing face masks, perspex visors and gloves, while magazines and refreshments would likely be banned.
A source told the Telegraph: “Hairdressers were supposed to be the next thing. Boris has talked about unleashing the great British haircut again. It would be treated under similar rules to dentists.”
Other measures set to be introduced at dentists include temperature screenings and virtual consultations, while patients will be asked to attend appointments alone, unless accompanying small children.
These could all be similarly introduced in the hair industry.
Catherine Tannahill, director of clinical dentistry at Portman Dental Care, which has more than 130 practices, warned this week dentists may be "working longer hours" to accommodate "the backlog" - and it could be a similar story for hairdressers.
Last month it was reported some hairdressers were allegedly breaching lockdown restrictions by working from home, with many offering discounted rates.
Trading Standards were investigating after adverts began appearing on classified websites including Gumtree.
One anonymous hairdresser admitted they have a home salon but don't qualify for furlough payments "so I have to make money somehow".
They added that they decided to start offering services after clients had contacted them, but said they wear a mask and gloves and use hand sanitiser.
