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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Hairdresser asking me to pay in cash

256 replies

Sally3490 · 28/06/2026 05:32

I've been going to my hairdressers for about 10 years. It's quite pricey £160 for full highlights and a cut (London). When I was last in they asked if I would pay in cash in future. The ATM is on route so in theory I could, but it adds some level of inconvenience and I'd rather not be carrying that amount of cash with me. But also, I feel it's damn cheeky. They are charging alot of money and should be paying their taxes. AIBU?

OP posts:
Bellic · 30/06/2026 21:32

ChristmasCwtch · 30/06/2026 21:01

I refuse to pay cash at my nail salon. They ask every time!! There’s no upside for me to help them avoid paying tax. I see them taking money out of the cash box. I always do a bank transfer to their business bank account.

As a “net contributor” in the UK, I’m in a minority pool of people who pay tax after tax after tax and get nothing back.

Most people in the UK take more than they put in! I’m not averse to paying a tradesman in cash if I save the VAT equivalent 🤷🏼‍♀️ But I wouldn’t pay cash if there’s no benefit to me.

Edited

You facilitate tax evasion by the trades person? Gah, what’s with the scuzzy morals? If you’re a net contributor can’t you afford to not evade tax?

TheWytch · 30/06/2026 21:34

MummyWillow1 · 30/06/2026 15:02

Normally I am in defence of card payments. However, for some traders it is really expensive. Sole traders aren’t subject to business banking charges the same way as other businesses and hairdressers usually fall into this as they are usually not turning over enough to fall into business rules.

So with the small margins it is easy to see why hairdressers will choose to only accept cash. However, saying that, when mine stopped taking card she moved to accepting cash or bank transfers. I just do the bank transfer there and then from my phone. Just ask if you can do that instead.

Edited

I wish -I've had to have a business account for my jewellery business from day I and very few banks accept silversmiths so I'm not exactly spoilt for choice either.

msmolli · 01/07/2026 00:30

Sally3490 · 28/06/2026 05:32

I've been going to my hairdressers for about 10 years. It's quite pricey £160 for full highlights and a cut (London). When I was last in they asked if I would pay in cash in future. The ATM is on route so in theory I could, but it adds some level of inconvenience and I'd rather not be carrying that amount of cash with me. But also, I feel it's damn cheeky. They are charging alot of money and should be paying their taxes. AIBU?

Don't want to be mean but....it's "en route", just for your information.

MrsAntiSocialonTheTyne · 01/07/2026 16:09

Then other small business need to think outside the box. I pay tax as a salaried worker. I don’t begrudge helping others and making their lives a bit easier if I can.

Bunbun22 · 05/07/2026 15:41

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 29/06/2026 22:29

But it's money! You can process it using your phone directly into a bank account.

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Yeah but they bounce

latetothefisting · 05/07/2026 15:57

Sally3490 · 28/06/2026 07:04

Or just keep paying by card? They aren't refusing to take cards for all customers. I was specifically taken aside as I left the salon to ask if in future I could pay in cash. To be fair they weren't saying that was the only option. I can only assume I was targeted as I'm a long standing customer.

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then do one of the other options?

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