MATT Hancock yesterday sparked hopes Brits could soon be able to get their dodgy barnets trimmed at the hairdresser.
Amid a growing clamour for salons to reopen, the Health Secretary said the challenge is not “insurmountable”.
He refused to give a date for when barbers will be back up and running. But he said ministers are busy trying to thrash out plans to see if social distancing and PPE equipment can make hairdressers safe.
He told ITV’s This Morning he would “love” to see salons reopen.
He added: “And the way to do that is to ensure that, when it is safe to do so, hairdressing is brought back in a way that itself is safe – so, protective equipment. We are working on what it would look like to have the protective equipment in place.
“Hairdressing, like so many industries, we’re doing everything we can to support them through what is inevitably an incredibly difficult time.”
The Hair and Barber Council has begged ministers to let its members reopen on June 15 alongside other non-essential shops.
Mr Hancock refused to commit to the date but said he will work with salons to try to get them back in business; The Cabinet minister also revealed he has got his missus to cut his tresses in the lockdown.
Mr Hancock said he was “inspired” to seek her help after watching This Morning host Phillip Schofield get a DIY cut from his wife Stephanie.
Many countries, including Spain and Germany, have already let hairdressers reopen.
But they have to follow strict new guidelines, including the wearing of masks and social distancing between customers.
