Many fully-vaccinated Sydneysiders expecting to be allowed back in the hair salon were today disappointed when the Premier announced outdoor recreation restrictions would be eased instead.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro told Jim Wilson he was tasked with finding freedoms for vaccinated people, and explained the decision needed to be balanced between the advice of physical and mental health advisors.

“It’s about understanding wellbeing, about people getting some level of control back, it could be also about your identity.

“Grooming is a big part of it; that’s why hairdressers and barber shops was an option to consider.

“Then you measure that against … the health team.”

Mr Barilaro admitted the outdoor gathering permission “is small, but when all your freedoms are taken away … this feels like Christmas Day”.

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Celebrity hairdresser Joh Bailey, whose eastern suburbs business was caught up early in the current Delta outbreak, told Jim he’s ready to reopen whenever possible.

All of his staff will be fully vaccinated within the next week, and he did not hesitate to confirm unvaccinated clients will be turned away.

“We would make it also a prerequisite that the clients would need to show some sort of proof that they’re double-vaccinated as well.

“We have to, and I think that’s going to be the new way forward.

“Everyone need their hair done – I’d venture to say probably Gladys could do with a hairdo!”

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