Hairdresser invoice template

How do hairdressers usually invoice?

Hairdressers are paid at the end of each appointment through the salon till or their own card reader, so a receipt from the booking system usually replaces an invoice, with proper invoices raised for bridal parties, photo shoots and salons that book freelance stylists by the day. Self-employed stylists renting a chair keep their own takings and pay the salon a weekly rent. Colour services are priced by the service with product add-ons as separate lines.

Hairdressers in this example are paid on receipt. Hourly rates run from £25 to £60.

What should a hairdresser put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, hairdressers should:

• Issue a numbered receipt for every appointment, even if the salon system prints it.
• For bridal parties, invoice per person with the services listed and take a deposit on booking.
• Keep retail products as separate lines from services; the VAT treatment is the same but the margin is not.
• If you rent a chair, your invoice or receipt must show your name, not the salon's.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do hairdressers charge VAT?

Hairdressing is standard rated at 20% once you are VAT registered, which is compulsory above £90,000 turnover; a self-employed stylist renting a chair is usually below it, while a salon with several staff is above. Chair rent you pay to a salon is a cost to you. HMRC looks closely at chair renting, so make sure the rental agreement shows you set your own prices and keep your own takings.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for hairdressers is usually “Hairdressing or other beauty treatment services” at 13% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.