Hairdresser & Barber Tax Refund Ireland: Complete Guide 2025
If you work as a hairdresser or barber in Ireland, you're likely spending significant money on professional tools, equipment, and training that qualifies for tax relief. From high-quality scissors that cost hundreds of euros to styling equipment and professional development courses, these expenses add up—and you can claim tax back on them.
📊 Key Facts for Hairdressers & Barbers
- Tools & Equipment: Tax relief on scissors, dryers, clippers
- Training Courses: Professional development may qualify
- Average Refund: €600 – €1,500+ with all reliefs combined
- Backdate Period: Claim for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
What Work Expenses Can Hairdressers Claim?
Unlike some professions that have flat rate expenses pre-approved by Revenue, hairdressers and barbers claim relief on actual expenses. This can actually work in your favour—if you invest heavily in quality equipment, you could claim back more than a standard flat rate would allow.
Professional Tools and Equipment
Quality hairdressing equipment isn't cheap. Professional scissors alone can cost €200-€500, and most stylists own several pairs. When you purchase tools for your job that your employer doesn't provide or reimburse, you can claim tax relief on:
- Professional cutting scissors and thinning shears
- Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling equipment
- Clippers, trimmers, and attachments
- Brushes, combs, sectioning clips, and accessories
- Tool rolls, bags, and equipment cases
Our tax specialists know exactly which expenses qualify and how to maximise your claim. We've helped hundreds of hairdressers and barbers discover they were owed money they didn't know they could claim.
Uniforms and Work Clothing
If your salon requires specific clothing and you purchase it yourself, those costs may qualify for uniform tax relief. This includes branded tunics, aprons, and appropriate non-slip footwear. Even the cost of laundering work-specific uniforms can sometimes be claimed.
Training and Professional Development
The beauty industry moves fast, and staying current means investing in courses. Training directly related to your current employment—like advanced cutting techniques, colour certification, or barbering skills—may qualify for tax relief when you pay out of your own pocket.
The Reliefs Most Hairdressers Miss
Work expenses are often just a fraction of what our clients are owed. When we review your complete tax history, we look at everything—and hairdressers frequently qualify for multiple reliefs they've never claimed.
Rent Tax Credit
Renting your home? The rent tax credit is worth up to €1,000 per year and can be backdated. Many hairdressers we work with had no idea this existed, yet it often represents the largest portion of their refund.
Medical Expenses
Standing all day takes its toll. Hairdressers often have physio appointments, chiropractor visits, or other medical expenses that qualify for 20% tax relief. GP visits, prescriptions, dental work—it all adds up, and 20% of your unreimbursed costs can come back to you.
Emergency Tax from Job Changes
The beauty industry has high staff turnover, and many hairdressers move between salons or work for multiple employers. Each job change can trigger emergency tax, resulting in significant overpayment. If you've changed jobs in the last four years, there's a strong chance you're owed money back.
💡 Real Example
Emma, a senior stylist from Cork, came to us thinking she might be owed a few hundred euros for scissors she'd bought. Our review found unclaimed rent credit, medical expenses from physiotherapy, and emergency tax from a salon change. Her total refund: €1,890.
How Much Could You Get Back?
Every situation is different, but here's what our hairdresser and barber clients typically claim:
Why Professional Help Gets You More
Our clients consistently tell us they got more back than they expected—because our specialists know exactly what to look for. Here's why working with MyTaxRebate.ie makes sense:
- Complete four-year review: We don't just look at one year. Our experts analyse your entire tax history to find every refund opportunity.
- Industry knowledge: We understand hairdressing expenses and know which claims Revenue accepts without question.
- No paperwork for you: We handle everything—no confusing forms, no back-and-forth with Revenue.
- No refund, no fee: You only pay if we successfully get you money back. Zero risk.
See our full fee structure and learn more about how our process works.
Find Out What You're Owed
Our tax experts will review your complete history and find every relief you're entitled to.
Start Your Tax Review →No refund, no fee • Average refund €1,080 • TAIN: 77632V
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hairdressers get flat rate expenses?
Hairdressers and barbers aren't on Revenue's flat rate expenses list, but you can claim actual expenses on tools, equipment, and uniforms. Our team ensures you claim everything you're entitled to—often more than a flat rate would provide.
Can I claim my professional scissors?
Yes, professional hairdressing scissors and other tools you purchase for work qualify for tax relief. We review your equipment purchases and include them in your claim.
What about self-employed hairdressers?
This guide focuses on employed (PAYE) hairdressers. Self-employed stylists claim expenses differently through their annual tax return. Contact us if you're self-employed—we can still help.
How long does the process take?
Our online form takes about 5 minutes. We then review your records and submit your claim. most clients receive their refund within 5-10 days of submission.