Hairdressers Accuse Politicians of Sexism Amid Ignored Tax Cut Pleas

Hairdressers are accusing politicians of sexism, claiming that their requests for a Value Added Tax (VAT) cut are being ignored because the industry is predominantly female. Salon owners argue that ministers are failing to listen to their pleas for financial support, pointing to aid provided to more male-dominated sectors.

More than 2,000 professionals within the hair and beauty industry have signed a letter urging the government to halve VAT to 10 percent. They state that this action is necessary to prevent further business closures and job losses.

The industry faces a crisis exacerbated by high taxes, which have led some salons to adopt self-employed models where stylists rent chairs. This shift, alongside rising costs, is impacting the traditional role of salons in providing apprenticeships and first jobs for young people.

"We are one of the largest employers of women in our industry," said Hellen Ward, who runs a salon that has styled the Princess of Wales's hair and is co-founder of the Salon Employers Association. "Hospitality seems to get far more support, so it does make one question whether it’s jobs for the boys?"

According to research by CBI Economics, approximately 84 percent of those employed in the hair and beauty sector are women. Analysis for the British Hair Consortium indicates that the sector lost 21,400 jobs last year, representing nearly a quarter of its employees and the highest loss among all professions.

Industry representatives also claim that the number of salon apprenticeships has decreased by 70 percent since 2025 and is projected to disappear entirely in the coming years.

"If we were a predominantly male industry, would the government have allowed employment and apprenticeships to deteriorate for this long without intervening? I don't think they would," stated Jo Moulton, who co-owns Sorella salon. She highlighted struggles with the cost of employment due to increases in National Insurance contributions and wages following the 2025 Budget.

Moulton explained that cost pressures have forced her to hire fewer apprentices and offer them fewer hours. She also noted that salons utilizing self-employed staff can undercut traditional businesses because they are not required to charge VAT or pay employer National Insurance.

Salon owners believe their businesses are crucial for reviving high streets and boosting youth employment, particularly as the industry is resistant to job displacement from artificial intelligence. "You can’t AI a hair cut," Moulton remarked.

Collette Osborne, owner of Nottingham-based Hairven salon, echoed these sentiments. "Over 80 percent of the people working in our industry are female, yet the only sector apparently being lined up for tax reform is hospitality," she said. "That’s left the majority of female salon owners and employees wondering 'why are women not being taken seriously in business by the Labour Party - just how sexist are they', as it really feels like that."

A HM Treasury spokesperson acknowledged the role of hair and beauty businesses in supporting jobs and apprenticeships, citing business rates reform and a £4.3 billion support package. The spokesperson added that decisions on tax are for the Chancellor to announce at fiscal events.