What did judges rule about female baldness?

Judges ruled that severe hair loss in women constitutes a disability, affecting their ability to carry out everyday activities.

Why is female baldness considered a disability?

The ruling acknowledges that severe hair loss can cause distress and adversely affect women's participation in social and professional life due to societal expectations.

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Female Baldness Declared a Disability by Judges

Q: Are wigs for hair loss now tax-exempt?

Yes, specialist wigs designed for women with patchy hair loss have been deemed eligible for zero-rated VAT following the ruling.

29 Jan

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Summary

Judges ruled severe hair loss in women constitutes a disability.
Wigs designed for hair loss are now zero-rated for VAT.
The ruling impacts women's ability to carry out everyday activities.

Female Baldness Declared a Disability by Judges

Judges have officially classified severe female baldness as a disability in a significant ruling that could have broad implications. This decision emerged from a £277,000 tax court battle involving a specialist wig maker and HMRC.

The court accepted the argument that female hair loss constitutes an impairment affecting everyday activities, including work and social interaction. Judges noted the distress caused by hair loss, acknowledging the cultural significance of hair to female identity and societal expectations.

As a result of this groundbreaking decision, specialist wigs, which cost £2,400 annually and are designed for women with patchy hair loss, have been deemed eligible for zero-rated VAT. This exemption applies to 'aids for the disabled'.