Tax deductions for hairdressers & beauty therapists
As a hairdresser or beauty therapist you can generally claim the scissors and tools you buy, products used in your work, and self-education that builds your skills.
A lot of the chair is self-funded — blades, tools, and staying current with technique. Here’s what usually counts.
The three rules for any claim
- You paid for it yourself and weren’t reimbursed.
- It directly relates to earning your income.
- You have a record — a receipt, invoice or bank statement.
Checked against ATO guidance: August 2026
What you can usually claim
Scissors, tools and equipment
Scissors, clippers, dryers, brushes and other tools you buy for work. Higher-cost equipment may be claimed over its effective life.
Products used in your work
Colours, styling products and consumables you buy and use on clients (as opposed to reselling), where you’re not reimbursed.
Self-education and memberships
Technique courses and industry events that build on your current skills, plus relevant industry association memberships.
General information, not personal tax advice. What you can claim depends on your circumstances — check the ATO's own occupation guides or a registered tax agent, and keep records for every claim.
Keep in mind
- Your own haircuts, grooming or make-up.
- Everyday clothing worn to the salon.
- Products the salon supplies.
Where mistakes happen
The claims most likely to get adjusted — not because they're disallowed outright, but because the split or the timing was off.
- Claiming personal haircuts, colour or grooming as a work expense because appearance matters in the role — it stays private regardless.
- Claiming product samples that were given away for promotion rather than used on paying clients.
Take it further
Your income tax, Medicare levy and take-home pay on any salary.
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Hairdressers & beauty therapists — common questions
Can I claim my own hair and grooming?
Generally no — grooming is treated as private even in an image-focused job. Tools and products you buy to use on clients are different. This is general information, not personal tax advice — what you can claim depends on your circumstances, so check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records to back up every claim.
Can I claim my scissors?
Yes — tools you buy yourself for work are generally deductible, with more expensive items claimed over their effective life. This is general information, not personal tax advice — what you can claim depends on your circumstances, so check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records to back up every claim.
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