Hairdresser Tax Deductions: What You Can Claim in Australia

Quick Hairdresser Tax Deduction List

• Scissors, clippers, brushes, and combs
• Hairdryers, curling and straightening tools
• Shampoo, conditioner, foils, gloves
• Branded uniforms and protective clothing
• Laundry for work uniforms
• Courses, workshops, and certifications (education expenses)
• Car expenses for business trips
• Public transport, parking, and tolls (travel expenses)
• Phone bills and internet (work portion)
• Business cards, flyers, and website hosting
• Rent, insurance, licences (sole traders and business owners)

Common Hairdressing Tax Deductions

Hairdressers regularly pay out of pocket for equipment, supplies, and services required for their work. As long as the expense is directly related to earning your income and isn’t private in nature, it may be deductible.

Tools and Equipment

You can claim the cost of work tools such as:

• Scissors and shears
• Clippers and trimmers
• Hairdryers, curling irons, and straighteners
• Combs, brushes, and sectioning clips
• Spray bottles and cleaning materials

If a tool or piece of equipment costs more than $300, the expense must be depreciated over its useful life, rather than claimed outright.

Work Uniform and Laundry

Uniforms with a logo or items required for hygiene or safety (e.g. aprons or gloves) are generally deductible. You can also claim:

• Branded or compulsory uniforms
• Protective clothing and footwear
• Laundry expenses (up to $150 per year without needing receipts)

If you work across multiple salons, you may be required to wear specific attire for each, which can add to your claimable expenses.

Products and Consumables

Hairdressers frequently purchase work-related products. These might include:

• Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products
• Hair colour, bleach, and toners
• Foils, gloves, capes, and applicators
• Sanitisers and cleaning supplies

If you aren’t reimbursed for these items, you may be able to claim the cost of them on your return.

Self-Education and Training

Claiming deductions for education expenses is common in the hair industry. Staying up to date in the beauty industry is vital. The following education-related costs are often deductible:

• Short courses that improve your existing skills
• Hair expos, training events, or product workshops
• Online certifications in hairdressing or business management

To qualify, the training must relate to your current income-producing role, not a future or unrelated career.

Travel and Vehicle Expenses

Hairdressers who travel for work-related purposes may be able to claim motor vehicle expenses. Eligible travel includes:

• Travelling between multiple client locations in one day (especially for mobile hairdressers)
• Attending training courses, industry expos, or supplier meetings
• Picking up salon supplies or delivering products

You can calculate your deduction using either:

• The logbook method (track business-use percentage of total kilometres)
• The cents-per-kilometre method (limited to 5,000km annually)

Other deductible travel-related expenses may include public transport fares, tolls, and parking fees, provided the travel is work-related.

Note: Trips between home and a regular place of work usually cannot be claimed.

Phone and Internet Usage

Many hairdressers use their personal phone or home internet connection for work purposes. Common examples include:

• Taking and confirming client appointments
• Managing online bookings or mobile apps
• Handling business emails or social media accounts

You can claim a portion of your phone and internet expenses based on your work-related use. To do this accurately, keep a log or diary for at least four weeks to estimate your percentage of use.

Self-Employed or Sole Trader Hairdresser Tax Deductions

If you run your own hairdressing business as a sole trader or mobile stylist, you may be entitled to additional deductions that salaried hairdressers can’t claim. These include:

• Rent for a studio, salon space, or chair hire
• Business insurance, such as public liability or contents cover
• Advertising and marketing (e.g. flyers, social media ads, website fees)
• Business registration fees and licensing costs
• Accounting software, tax agent fees, or bookkeeping services
• Office supplies such as stationery, diaries, and business cards

You can also claim depreciation on larger assets such as salon furniture, mirrors, or basins. Managing business income and deductions carefully throughout the financial year ensures you’re ready at tax time to lodge your tax return without missing out on any expenses you can claim.

For more detailed information, read our Small Business Tax Deductions guide.

What Records Do You Need to Keep?

To claim hairdressing tax deductions, you must keep proper documentation. The ATO requires that records:

• Show the supplier’s name and ABN (if available)
• Include the amount and nature of the expense
• Clearly show the date of the purchase

Receipts can be digital or paper-based, but must be kept for five years after your return is lodged. It’s also a good idea to:

• Keep a diary for mixed-use items (e.g. phone and internet)
• Use accounting apps or tools like the ATO’s myDeductions
• Keep mileage logs for any vehicle use

Learn more in our guide on what records you need to keep.

We’re Here to Maximise Tax Deductions for Hairdressers in Australia

Take the time to track your expenses, stay organised throughout the financial year, and get help from registered professionals if needed. It’s the smartest way to make tax time easier—and more rewarding.

Want to know how much you might get back? Try our 2025 tax refund calculator.

Get your tax refund today! Start your return now and see how much you could get back.