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It can be awkward and nerve-wracking to arrive at the front desk after your appointment only to realize that you’re so confused about who to tip and how much. If your appointment includes a shampoo, cut, colour and blow-out, all done by different stylists, it can seem overwhelming. Did your stylist give you an amazing shoulder massage or curl your hair to perfection? If you arrived late or if your stylist agreed to fit you in last-minute or work late, tip more.
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In addition to expressing gratitude for the hard work and dedication salon professionals put into making you look and feel your best, tipping at a salon goes beyond a monetary exchange. The tips and guidelines outlined in this article will help you navigate the world of salon tipping confidently and elegantly. It is about acknowledging the skill, effort, and artistry that goes into it. So, the next time you walk out of a salon feeling fabulous, tip generously and express your gratitude. Whether it’s an intricate balayage or a simple trim, tipping reflects our appreciation for their skill and time. It’s more than a monetary gesture; it’s an acknowledgment of their profession’s hidden challenges and the personal touch they add to our lives.
How can I show my appreciation for excellent service beyond tipping?
Some people may tip 15% to 20% on the total bill, while others may choose to leave no tip at all. However, you should only do that if the service was absolutely terrible. “It’s not a to-go order — they’re cutting your hair.” She points out that you’re choosing to get this experience, which involves tipping. Our experts offered a couple of different views on what to do if you can't afford the tip. While tipping is a “very, very nice gesture,” Swann says, “if you’re not able to leave a tip, then so be it.” In other words, say thank you and leave without tipping. If you're not pleased with how your hair turned out, it’s OK to leave closer to 15%, but do not skip the tip, says Diane Gottsman, founder of The Protocol School of Texas.
Do you tip a hairdresser’s assistant?
This is due to the percentage that credit and debit cards take from the overall service price. Tangles Hair Salon has been operating in Pasadena, California for over 14 years. Their staff of senior stylists are trained in all forms of hair crafting and styling.
What if you can’t afford to tip your hairdresser?
Our four celeb stylists all agreed that they don't expect clients to tip if they are not satisfied. "If a client is still unhappy after I’ve tried fixing their haircut, I wouldn’t expect them to tip. I would expect little or no tip until you redeem yourself the next time," says Abrio. Just like a stellar piano solo onstage garners a standing ovation from the audience, talented hairstylists should also be awarded, with 20 percent considered the industry standard.
"Twenty percent for the owner is a nice gesture, but it's not mandatory," he says. While Nunzio Saviano, owner of his namesake New York City-based salon, points out that a long-term relationship with a client usually results in a tip, it's still not something he expects from all of his customers. Even after 30 years in the business, there are times when he isn't given a little extra something on the side—which he understands. Tips don’t always have to be a figured-up percentage of the total cost of the service. Some customers find it easier to leave a flat rate dollar amount tip each time.
"Tipping your hairstylist is the same as tipping anyone else in the service industry." As the daughter of a long-time hair stylist and salon owner, she’s spent most of her life as a guinea pig for new color and cut techniques. Writing for respected publications like Forbes and HuffPost, she’s committed to bringing her passion for great hair to the masses. Salons are social, customer-centric businesses and stylists rely on tips to indicate how satisfied their clients are. Maybe you’re dealing with a hairdresser who doesn’t care about your dissatisfaction.
But even in this scenario, says Swayze, there is still uncertainty. A hairdresser’s assistant is usually straight out of cosmetology school and is in the salon to learn. They help to make the time when you get your hair done run seamlessly while getting real world experience. You should know if a gratuity is accepted prior to your appointment, and if you don’t just ask the front desk staff or your service provider. A great way to determine if a tip is the “norm” for a hairstylist is by the way they charge. Most salon professionals who charge by the hour, not by the service are no-tip salons.
How do I handle tipping for a group appointment?
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They wear multiple hats, metaphorically — stylist, confidant, therapist. Especially in times of heightened health concerns, like during flu seasons or COVID, the extra mile they go matters significantly. "When seeing any type of service provider, typical industry standard is your best bet," adds Carter.
Some clients also thank their stylists with Birthday and Christmas gifts as an extra way to show their appreciation. Just like restaurant staff, hairdressers rely on tips to boost their income. They don’t get paid holiday pay, they have no sick days, and no Christmas bonus. During the holiday season, which is the busiest time of year for a stylist, an extra generous tip is so appreciated.
While hairstylists are happy to oblige unsatisfied clients on a return visit, this is not ideal for them nor the client. Ideally, clients would be happy after their original appointment. "A client being unhappy is an unfortunate situation," says Monzon. For starters, 20 percent of the price of any service is considered the standard as far as how much to tip your stylist, but you should also remember to include all of the people involved in the process.
However, generosity goes a long way toward showing appreciation for someone’s time and expertise. For these types of services, I find that a tip of $5 to $10 is a respectful gesture. It acknowledges the stylist’s professional skill and the time they have carved out of their busy schedule to accommodate my needs. It’s about fair compensation for the work done and the service provided. Ultimately, tipping after a fix isn’t just about the correction itself—it’s about valuing the entire experience and the stylist’s dedication to ensuring you leave with a smile. Factoring in the complexity of your request or personal challenges (like showing up late or rescheduling last minute) that the stylist accommodated also plays a role in deciding the tip amount.
As salon owners tend to be business owners who set their prices, tipping them typically isn’t expected. However, a tip may be appropriate if the owner performs the service. Salon owners often hold the title of master stylists, and though they might have a slightly elevated price point, it’s generally not drastically different from that of their employees.
