Value added tax is 25,5 %
Hairdressing, barber, beauty and wellness massage services carry the general VAT rate of 25.5%, in force since 1.9.2024. The price quoted to the consumer always includes the tax. For example, of a €60 price, about €47.81 stays with the entrepreneur and about €12.19 is VAT.
Not all services are taxable. According to the Finnish Tax Administration's guidance, healthcare is exempt from VAT when it is provided by a healthcare professional, such as a trained masseur or physiotherapist, for health needs. Relaxation and wellness massage is taxable. For sports services, such as gyms and group exercise, the tax rate is 13.5% from 1 January 2026.
A small-scale entrepreneur can operate without VAT
Not all hairdressers' and masseurs' prices include VAT. If an entrepreneur's turnover stays at no more than €20,000 in a calendar year, they do not have to register as liable for VAT. The limit has been in force since 1 January 2025. That is why a service of the same standard can cost less at a small business than at a large establishment, even if the income left to the entrepreneur is the same.
How have prices changed?
According to the harmonised index of consumer prices published by Eurostat, prices at hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons in Finland rose 1,7 % over the year in August 2026. At the start of 2026 the rise was 0,9 %. At the same time consumer prices rose by an average of 2,2 % according to Statistics Finland, so service prices have risen more slowly than general inflation.
A price index shows change, not price level. Prices vary a lot by locality, the length of the service and the provider's experience, so always compare the same service with the same duration.
From the entrepreneur's perspective, the price is affected not only by VAT but also by, among other things, premises rent or chair rental, hair dyes and other supplies, the till system and booking software, insurance, and the entrepreneur's pension insurance. In addition, not all working time can be invoiced, since cleaning, ordering and bookkeeping take their own time. For this reason the hourly price is always clearly higher than the entrepreneur's hourly earnings.
What must a price list state?
According to the Federation of Finnish Enterprises' guidance on price disclosure, a business must state the total price including taxes to the consumer. The price list must be displayed in the shop and on the website. If not all prices can be listed, the price list must state the most common prices or the basis for determining the price, and the full price list must be provided on request.
According to the Equality Ombudsman, pricing at barbers and hairdressers must not be based on the customer's gender. The price may, however, depend on, for example, hair length, the amount of work or the materials used.
- Check whether the price includes washing, blow-drying or styling.
- Ask in advance about the extra charge for long or thick hair.
- Check the length of the treatment in minutes when comparing massage prices.
Cancellation fees
A hair salon or masseur may charge for an unused appointment if the cancellation or no-show fee was disclosed and agreed before booking, for example in the booking terms. Read the terms in your booking confirmation and cancel the appointment as soon as you know you cannot attend. An unreasonable term can be adjusted in a dispute.
When a service fails
A service is defective if the result differs from what was agreed or the work has not been done professionally and carefully. Notify the business of the defect as soon as possible and give it a chance to put it right. If no agreement is reached, free help is available from consumer advice on 09 5110 1200 or through the web form of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority. Take photos of the defect and keep the receipt. Services Radar brings together the VAT rates of services, price trends and the progress of a dispute.
Frequently asked questions
How much VAT is there on a hairdressing service?
Hairdressing and barber services carry the general VAT rate of 25.5%. Of a €60 price, about €12.19 is tax.
Is massage exempt from value added tax?
Only when a trained masseur or other healthcare professional provides treatment for health needs. Wellness and relaxation massage is taxable.
May a hairdresser price women's and men's haircuts differently?
Not on the basis of sex. However, the price may depend on, for example, hair length, the amount of work and the materials used.
Can a hair salon charge a fee if I don't show up?
Yes, if the cancellation or no-show fee was disclosed and agreed before the booking, for example in the booking terms. Always cancel the appointment as soon as you know you cannot attend.
Calculate it yourself
- Hourly rate calculator for entrepreneurs: what hourly rate do you need? · free
- Annual service costs calculator: hairdresser, massage and others · free
Ready-made tools
- Renovation budget and household tax credit · Renovation budget, quote comparison and household tax credit calculator
- Service-sector entrepreneur's annual plan · Price list and margin €/h, 12-month sales plan, expenses, YEL, VAT threshold and net income
Sources
- Central Organisation of Finnish Taxpayers: VAT
- Finnish Tax Administration: VAT on health and medical care (19.5.2026)
- Finnish Tax Administration: VAT rate for sports services (1.1.2026)
- Finnish Tax Administration: Minor business activity exempt from VAT
- Eurostat: HICP, group CP1313, Finland
- Statistics Finland: Consumer price index, August 2026
- Federation of Finnish Enterprises: Price disclosure
- Equality Ombudsman: Pricing at barbers and hairdressers must not be based on gender
- Yle: Cancellation terms can be agreed in advance (10.12.2022)
- KKV: When is there a defect in a service?
- KKV: Consumer Advisory Service
The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.