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UK Court Rules Severe Hair Loss a Disability

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A landmark UK ruling classifies severe hair loss in women as a disability, affecting VAT on wigs.
Mark Glenn Ltd challenged HM Revenue and Customs' VAT bill of £277,083.10 for Kinsey System wigs.
Judges Swami Raghavan and Kevin Poole ruled that severe hair loss affects daily activities due to social significance of hair.
The decision applies specifically to women with severe and patchy hair loss, recognizing their distress.

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Story summary

A landmark UK ruling classifies severe hair loss in women as a disability, affecting VAT on wigs.
Mark Glenn Ltd challenged HM Revenue and Customs' VAT bill of £277,083.10 for Kinsey System wigs.
Judges Swami Raghavan and Kevin Poole ruled that severe hair loss affects daily activities due to social significance of hair.
The decision applies specifically to women with severe and patchy hair loss, recognizing their distress.