Audience: Hairdressers, salon workers, beauty professionals and independent operators in Australia.
Scope note: This guide leans on the ATO hairdressers and beauty professionals guide. If you run your own salon, broader business deduction rules also apply.
Intro
Hairdressers often buy and replace their own tools, use their phones for bookings, pay for training and wear items that feel work-related. But the ATO draws a clear line between deductible work costs and private grooming or ordinary clothes. That means good claims usually come from tools, protective items, phone use, training linked to current work and business or salon-specific operating costs.
Common deductions
- Scissors, clippers, dryers, combs, brushes and other tools you buy and use for work, subject to the ATO asset rules.
- Repairs, sharpening, maintenance and insurance for work tools you own.
- Protective items such as gloves, aprons and other gear used to protect you from chemicals or the work environment.
- Phone and internet costs used for bookings, supplier contact and client communication to the work-related extent.
- Training and courses that maintain or improve your existing hairdressing skills.
Industry-specific deductions
- Laundry costs for eligible uniforms or protective clothing.
- Salon chair rental, booking software and EFTPOS fees if you are an independent operator.
- Business-use products or supplies you pay for yourself and use to earn income.
- Travel between salons, to an alternative workplace or to qualifying training venues.
Hidden deductions
- Professional association fees and trade publications.
- A work-related portion of tablet or laptop costs used for appointment management and business admin.
- Home-based admin costs for independent operators doing rostering, stock ordering or bookkeeping.
- Accounting and tax agent fees.
What you can’t claim
- Haircuts, hair colour, cosmetics or personal grooming costs on yourself.
- Ordinary black clothing or other conventional clothing, even if the salon expects a certain look.
- Private use of your phone or tools.
- Expenses reimbursed by the salon or employer.
- Normal trips from home to your regular salon in most cases.
Tips to maximise your return
- Keep tool purchases in one running list because hair professionals often replace smaller items throughout the year.
- Be conservative with clothing claims. The ATO is clear that conventional clothing is not deductible.
- If you are a contractor, separate your personal beauty spending from salon supply spending with different cards or categories.
- Save course outlines for training claims so you can show the course improved your current skills rather than preparing you for a new role.
FAQ
Can hairdressers claim scissors and clippers?
Usually yes, if you paid for them yourself and use them to earn income.
Can I claim my own haircuts or colouring because I work in a salon?
No, personal grooming costs are generally private even if appearance matters for work.
Can salon contractors claim booking software and chair rent?
Often yes, where those costs are genuinely part of running the business and earning income.
Primary sources
- ATO hairdressers and beauty professionals guide: https://www.ato.gov.au/api/public/content/0-3d17f258-a003-4a80-81ad-293992557d5a
- ATO tools and equipment to perform your work: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim/tools-computers-and-items-you-use-for-work/tools-and-equipment-to-perform-your-work
- ATO clothing, laundry and dry-cleaning expenses: https://www.ato.gov.au/clothing
- ATO business deductions: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/income-and-deductions-for-business/deductions?trk=public_post_comment-text
General information only. Reviewed against ATO guidance accessed on 20 March 2026.
Related guides
If you want to compare similar claim categories, these guides are a useful next step: