What Can Freelance Hairstylists Deduct at Tax Time?
Beyond booth rental, freelance and booth-rental hairstylists can deduct products, supplies, licensing, insurance, and even a portion of their phone bill — a wider list than most stylists realize until they sit down to file.
Products used directly on clients — color, shampoo, styling products, foils, and disposable capes or towels — are fully deductible as ordinary business supplies. Larger equipment, like a new styling chair or a professional dryer, may be deducted in full the year purchased or depreciated over time depending on cost. Continuing education is deductible as well, which matters since most states require a set number of hours to renew a cosmetology license.
Liability insurance, license renewal fees, and any required health permits are also deductible, along with the business-use percentage of your phone for booking clients and managing your schedule.
Other commonly deductible hairstylist expenses:
Color, styling products, and disposable client supplies
Shears, clippers, dryers, and styling tools
License renewal, continuing education, and required permits
Liability insurance
Booking software and the business-use portion of your phone bill
A common mistake: stylists deduct product purchases made for personal use alongside client supplies, when only the portion used on paying clients qualifies as a business expense.
BossTax's free app categorizes product purchases and booth rental payments automatically, so your deduction list builds itself throughout the year.
Curious what other product and supply costs you can write off? Book a free intro call and we'll walk through it together. Click here.
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