Is Haircut / Grooming Tax Deductible for Your Business?

No, haircut / grooming is generally not tax deductible as a business expense. The IRS considers this a personal expense, even if it has some connection to your work activities. However, there may be limited exceptions in specific circumstances.

Key Rules for Deducting Haircut / Grooming

Tax Court cases consistently disallow grooming costs even for models and actors. Personal appearance is not a deductible business asset.

Requirements to Claim This Deduction

• Always personal expense
• Even for client-facing roles

How to Document Haircut / Grooming for Tax Purposes

Proper documentation is critical for any business deduction. For haircut / grooming, you should:

• Keep all receipts and invoices showing the amount paid
• Record the date of the expense and the business purpose
• If mixed-use, maintain a log showing business vs. personal usage
• Store records for at least 3 years (7 years for major purchases)

Source: Hynes v. Commissioner. This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.