Knowing what to claim is one of the most valuable things you can do for your lash business finances. The right expenses reduce your taxable profit and lower your tax bill. Many lash techs leave money on the table simply by not claiming everything they’re entitled to.
The Basic Rule
HMRC allows expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. For shared costs like your phone or home broadband, claim the business proportion. You need to keep records — HMRC can request up to six years. Full guidance at gov.uk/self-employed-records.
Products and Consumables
Products used to deliver treatments are fully deductible as cost of sales:
- Lash extensions — all types, lengths, and thicknesses
- Lash adhesive, primer, and remover
- Lash lift and lamination solutions
- Application tweezers (isolation and volume)
- Lash tiles, jade stones, and gel tape
- Under-eye patches and micro brushes
- Lash shampoo and aftercare products
- Disposable mascara wands, spoolies, and cotton pads
- Gloves, masks, and PPE
Equipment
Larger equipment is claimed as capital expenditure, fully deductible in the year of purchase under the Annual Investment Allowance:
- Lash bed or treatment couch
- Ring light and magnifying lamp
- Lash trolley and storage organiser
- Portable lash steamer
- Client chair
Workspace Costs
Chair or Room Rental
If you rent a chair, room, or space, the rental fee is fully deductible. Keep your rental agreement and payment records.
Working From Home
If you work from home, you can claim a portion of household costs. HMRC flat rate: £10 to £26 per month depending on hours worked. Or use the actual cost method and claim the business proportion of rent, utilities, and broadband. Full detail at gov.uk/simpler-income-tax-simplified-expenses. If you have a dedicated treatment room, the actual cost method usually produces a larger deduction.
Training and Professional Development
- Lash extension courses (classic, volume, mega volume, hybrid)
- Lash lift and brow lamination training
- Business and marketing courses related to your lash business
- Industry membership fees (e.g. BABTAC, ABT)
Marketing
- Instagram and Facebook advertising
- Booking system fees (Fresha, Booksy, Timely)
- Website hosting, domain, and design
- Professional photography for your portfolio
- Business cards and printed materials
Professional Fees
- Accountancy fees
- Professional insurance — public liability and professional indemnity (essential for lash work)
Travel
If you travel to clients as a mobile lash tech or between work locations, mileage is claimable at 45p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles, then 25p. Use a mileage log app like MileIQ or a simple spreadsheet.
How to Track It All
Cloud accounting software connected to your bank account makes expense tracking straightforward. At Simplr, we set this up for all our beauty clients.
Read our main guide to accountant for lash technicians for the full tax picture, or book a free discovery call to get started.