The 30-minute restriction on haircuts was lifted last night as the federal government tinkers with measures to slow the spread of coronavirus.
But the prime minister says the four square metre rule per person must be strictly followed by hairdressers and barbers, and personal contact during appointments must be minimised.
With the rules changing for hairdressers twice in as many days, Peel hairdressers say they are struggling to run a business.
Bedheads owner Brooke Pollett, who runs a home salon in Ravenswood, said at this stage she would prefer the government to announce the closure of hair salons.
"I would prefer they did announce we have to close because at the moment we are not really eligible for any income protection because we are still allowed to be open.
"At least I now have long enough to do hair colours which is what's going to pay my mortgage but we don't know if it is safe to keep going.
"I just keep questioning why we are essential compared to other parts of the beauty industry."
Waves Hair and Body Sanctum owner Ashleigh Brooks said she is frustrated with the government back flipping on time limit rules.
"We worked until 11pm last night to fit everyone in just to find out the time limit has been lifted today," Ms Brooks said.
"The new measures are scaring customers off and they're all cancelling which is making it hard as a business owner as we still have all our bills to pay.
"I think we will see a lot of hairdressers close their doors to not reopen unfortunately."
Additionally, hair salons are concerned for their safety as it is "impossible" to follow the four square metre rule when treating a client's hair.
"We don't know if it is safe and we don't know what we should do.
"I am now having to be a bit more picky with what clients I'm taking on and sticking to my regulars.
"In between clients, if I have time I'm even having a shower.
"It feels like it is all up in the air at the moment," Mrs Pollett said.
After a backlash from the industry over the 30-minute time limit, national cabinet decided on Wednesday night to relax the rules around hairdressers and barbers.
The national cabinet also agreed to ease restrictions around funeral attendees, with the 10-person limit now able to be waived in cases of hardship.
A five-person cap on weddings remains in place.
