Hairdressers, beauticians, and other salon professionals regularly purchase their own tools, products, and training, often without realising the full extent of what’s deductible. However, given how much is typically spent maintaining a professional kit and skill set, claiming correctly makes a genuine difference to take-home outcomes.
Scissors, clippers, and styling tools. Equipment purchased for professional use is generally deductible, either immediately or via depreciation depending on the cost.
Product and product testers. Products used specifically for client services, where not supplied by your employer, are typically claimable.
Equipment maintenance and sharpening. Costs to maintain or service professional tools are generally deductible.
Industry courses and workshops. Training directly related to maintaining or developing your skills — new techniques, product training, or specific certifications — is generally deductible.
Trade shows and industry events. Attendance at relevant industry events, including reasonable associated travel, is typically claimable.
Licensing and certification renewals. Where your role requires specific licensing or certification, renewal costs are generally deductible.
Compulsory branded uniforms. Where a specific salon uniform is required, its cost and laundering are generally deductible.
Protective items. Aprons, gloves, and similar protective items used during services are typically claimable.
Standard clothing is generally not deductible, even where personal presentation matters for client-facing work, since it doesn’t meet the definition of a compulsory uniform — a distinction worth understanding clearly.
For mobile hairdressers and beauty professionals travelling to clients, vehicle expenses for travel between appointments are generally deductible, supported by a logbook or accurate record of business use. Additionally, mobile professionals operating as sole traders need to manage their own ABN, potential GST registration, and superannuation, similar to other self-employed roles.
For hairdressers and beauty professionals renting a chair or space within a salon, this rental cost is generally deductible against income earned, and it’s worth keeping clear records of this ongoing business expense separate from personal costs.
Not tracking product costs used for clients. Products purchased and used specifically in client services, separate from personal-use products, are a commonly overlooked deduction.
Assuming standard clothing is deductible. This remains one of the most common misunderstandings, since presentation standards don’t automatically make clothing a genuine uniform deduction.
Underclaiming for mobile or freelance work. Those operating independently sometimes don’t realise the full range of business deductions available compared to employed salon staff.
EBATS helps hairdressers, beauticians, and salon professionals — whether employed, mobile, or chair-renting — claim every deduction they’re genuinely entitled to.
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