Tax Guide for Hairdressers in the UK
UK tax guide for hairdressers and beauty professionals. Understand HMRC flat rate expenses, chair rental income, and National Insurance contributions.
Quick Tax Snapshot (2026-27)
Based on a typical salary of £22,000 for hairdressers. Compare England/Wales/NI and Scotland rates.
| England/Wales/NI | Scotland | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | £22,000 | £22,000 |
| Income Tax | £1,886 | £1,846 |
| National Insurance | £754 | £754 |
| Take-Home Pay | £19,360 | £19,399 |
Living in Scotland? You'd pay £39.67 less in income tax on this salary.
Effective income tax rate (England): 8.6% | Effective NI rate: 3.4% | Personal allowance: £12,570
Key Tax Deductions for Hairdressers
- ✓ General HMRC flat rate expense: £60/year — hairdressing/beauty has no dedicated industry rate under EIM32712, so the default uniform/tools rate applies
- ✓ Professional body fees (e.g. NHBF membership)
- ✓ Actual cost of specialist scissors and styling tools not reimbursed by your employer
- ✓ Uniform and workwear (where employer-required and non-reimbursed)
- ✓ Chair rental costs (if self-employed booth renter)
Income Tax Breakdown
| Band | Rate | Taxable Amount | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 20% | £9,430 | £1,886 |
Frequently asked questions
Is there an HMRC flat rate for hairdressers?
No — hairdressing and beauty do not have a dedicated occupation in HMRC's flat rate expenses table (EIM32712), unlike many other trades. Only the general £60/year default applies if you must launder a required uniform. For tools bought and not reimbursed by your employer, claim the actual cost instead (with receipts) as a section 336 ITEPA employment expense via P87 or self-assessment.
How is chair rental income taxed for self-employed stylists?
If you rent a chair and are treated as self-employed, all income from clients is yours to declare on a self-assessment return. You can deduct chair rental fees, products, tools, and other allowable expenses from your taxable profits.
Do tips count as taxable income?
Yes. Tips received directly from customers are taxable income and must be declared to HMRC. Tips paid through an employer's tronc scheme are taxed through PAYE. Undeclared tips can lead to interest and penalties.
Can I claim for scissors and specialist equipment?
Since there is no hairdressing-specific flat rate, you can claim the actual cost of tools and equipment you have bought and not been reimbursed for, with receipts. Keep records showing items are used for work only.
Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay
The figures above are based on the typical hairdressers salary. Use our free UK income tax calculator to enter your exact salary, pension contributions, student loan, and more.