Tax Rebates for Hairdressers and Beauticians

Hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists often buy their own equipment and products and maintain their own uniform, and many are owed tax relief or are overpaying tax without realising. Whether you are employed in a salon or self-employed renting a chair, this guide explains what you can claim.

Employed or self-employed?

How you claim depends on how you work. If you are employed by a salon and taxed through PAYE, you claim work expenses as tax relief. If you are self-employed, for example renting a chair or working for yourself, you claim your costs as business expenses through Self Assessment, which reduces your tax bill.

What employed salon staff can claim

Uniform and equipment

If you wear a branded uniform or protective clothing and maintain it yourself, you can claim the uniform maintenance allowance. If you buy your own scissors, clippers or other equipment that your employer does not provide, you may be able to claim tax relief on them through our tools tax rebate route.

Professional costs

Subscriptions to a relevant professional body and certain training may qualify. See professional fees.

What self-employed stylists can claim

If you are self-employed, your allowable business expenses can include products and stock, your scissors and equipment, chair or room rent, insurance, and the business portion of your phone and travel. The more legitimate expenses you record, the lower your taxable profit. Use our self-employed tax calculator to estimate your bill.

How far back can I claim?

Employed claims for tax relief can usually go back the current tax year plus four previous years. Self-employed expenses are claimed on each year’s tax return.

How to claim

You can claim directly from HMRC, or let TaxPro handle it on a no win, no fee basis. We check what you are entitled to and deal with HMRC for you.

Frequently asked questions

I rent a chair. Am I self-employed?

Usually yes. Renting a chair normally means you run your own business and claim your costs as expenses through Self Assessment.

Can I claim for my scissors?

Yes. Whether employed or self-employed, the cost of scissors and equipment you buy for work can usually be claimed.

Can I claim for products I buy?

If you are self-employed, products and stock you buy for the business are allowable expenses. If you are employed and your employer should provide them, it is less likely.

How long does it take?

For employed claims, refunds usually come through in around 10 days once submitted, with the whole process often taking 8 to 10 weeks.

Hairdressers, check what you are owed

Whether you are in a salon or running your own chair, you may be paying more tax than you need to.

Start your claim with TaxPro and we will work out everything you are entitled to, on a no win, no fee basis.

Related: browse all our tax rebates by job to find your trade.