What can hairdressers and beauty professionals claim on tax in 2025-26?
A plain-English guide to tax deductions for hairdressers & beauty professionals: what qualifies, what to watch out for, what you can claim without receipts, and how much hairdressers and beauty professionals typically claim.
$2,200typical work-related claim
There are no fixed ATO limits: you claim what you genuinely spent and can prove.
Deductions specific to hairdressers and beauty professionals
The deductions most closely tied to your line of work. You still need to have paid for each yourself, used it to earn your income, and kept a record.
Tools and equipment
Scissors, clippers and equipment you buy for work.
- Scissors, clippers, brushes and styling tools you pay for
- Under $300 in full; over $300 depreciated
Watch out: Tools your employer supplies
Uniform, protective clothing and laundry
Compulsory or occupation-specific uniforms, protective gear, and laundry.
- Compulsory branded uniforms and aprons
- Protective gloves where required
- Laundry of work-only clothing (ATO flat rate: $1 per work-only load, 50c for mixed loads)
Watch out: Claiming your own haircuts, hair products or grooming as a work expense
Self-education and courses
Courses that maintain or improve your current skills.
- Cutting, colouring or technique courses relevant to your current role
Watch out: Claiming personal grooming, haircuts or hair products
What hairdressers and beauty professionals can also claim
- Working from homeClaim 70c for every hour you work from home — no receipts, just an hours log.
- Car and vehicle for work88c per km for work driving (up to 5,000 km) — or a logbook for bigger claims.
- Self-education and coursesCourses that maintain or improve the skills for your current job.
- Union and professional feesUnion dues and professional memberships are fully deductible.
- Tools and equipment under $300Work items costing $300 or less are claimable in full this year.
- Tools and equipment over $300Bigger items are claimed gradually as they decline in value (depreciation).
- Phone and internetThe work-use share of your phone and internet bills.
How much do hairdressers and beauty professionals typically claim?
A guide to what hairdressers and beauty professionals on different incomes commonly claim in total work-related deductions. Use it as a sanity check, not a target.
Show as a table
| Annual income | Lower | Typical | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $60,000 | $500 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| $60,000 to $100,000 | $800 | $2,200 | $4,500 |
| Over $100,000 | $1,200 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
The typical range is an estimate based on what people in your occupation commonly claim. The ATO does not publish fixed limits — your actual entitlement depends on what you genuinely spent. Claiming more than the typical range is fine if you have the receipts; claiming less than the low range may mean you're leaving money on the table.
The $1,000 standard deduction: claim it or itemise?
From 2026-27, employees get a $1,000 standard deduction for work expenses with no receipts. Hairdressers and beauty professionals on $80,000 typically claim around $2,200, which is more than $1,000 — so itemising gives a bigger deduction, worth about $384 less tax at that income. To itemise, you need written evidence for every work expense; the $300 no-receipts allowance ended on 30 June 2026.
Compare on your own incomeThree rules for every claim
- 1You paid for it yourself and weren't reimbursed.
- 2It's directly related to earning your income — not personal, not 'just in case'.
- 3You have a record — a receipt, diary, log or bank statement.
Hairdressers & Beauty Professionals tax deductions: FAQs
See what hairdressers and beauty professionals get back
Put these deductions against your own income in the free estimator and watch your 2025-26 refund update live. No account, no card.
Official reference: the ATO's guide for hairdressers and beauty professionals.
Deductions for other jobs
- Adult Industry Workers
- Allied Health Professionals
- Apprentices & Trainees
- Bus Drivers
- Call Centre Operators
- Cleaners
- Community & Care Workers
- Construction Workers
- Defence Force Members
This page is general information only and not personal tax advice. The claim ranges are illustrative, not ATO limits, and photos are illustrative. EOFYmate is not a registered tax agent. Always confirm with the ATO at ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent before lodging.