How Much To Tip Beauty Salon? The universal rule if tipping says 20% of your total without discount is the average tip you should be paying to your salon. Getting a new dramatic hair colour, a refreshing facial, or even a new haircut is one way to show appreciation to the specialists who make you look your best. Tipping guarantees that all beauty professionals, from stylists to aides receive fair payment for their expertise and help.
Why Tipping Matters at the Salon?
More than just a custom, tipping is a means of showing appreciation. “Gratuity comes from ‘gratitude,’ and tipping generously can even create perks like complimentary touch-ups or advance booking,” says etiquette expert Lizzie Post.
Salon professionals rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Like restaurant servers, many stylists work on commission, meaning their base salary may be lower than expected. A tip not only rewards their hard work but also helps maintain a strong client-stylist relationship, ensuring better service in the future.
How Much To Tip Beauty Salon? —Hairstylist
The general rule of thumb is to tip 15% to 20% of the total service cost, depending on your satisfaction level. Here is a quick breakdown:
• Basic services (haircuts, blowouts, styling): 15%-20%
• Coloring and highlights: 20% or more if the service takes extra time
• Extensions or other specialty services: 25% to recognize the expertise involved
Tipping Guide by Service Price
If you struggle with quick mental math, here’s a simple guide:
Service Cost
Tip (20%)
Higher Tip (25%)
$25
$5
$6
$50
$10
$12.50
$100
$20
$25
$200
$40
$50
$300
$60
$75
If the stylist’s work went above and beyond during the servicing you, then tipping 22%-25% is a great way to show appreciation.
Do You Tip Salon Assistants?
Yes! If an assistant shampoos, conditions, or helps with any part of your service, it is courteous to leave them a tip separately. They may not receive a portion of your stylist’s tip, so giving $3-$5 directly to an assistant is a nice gesture.
If multiple assistants work on your hair, you can ask the receptionist how tips are distributed. Some salons have a shared tipping pool, while others rely on individual gratuities.
What About Discounts and Coupons?
If you are using a discount or coupon, always tip based on the original service price, not the discounted rate. The stylist still performs the same work, so it is important to tip fairly. If a haircut originally costs $100 but you have a 50% off coupon, so in your total bill of $50. you should still be 20% rather than 10%.
Should You Tip If You Do not Like Your Hair?
Yes, but you can adjust the tip based on your satisfaction level.
• Loved your hair? Tip 20%-25%.
• Satisfied but not thrilled? Tip 15%-18%.
• Unhappy with the result? Tip 10%-15%, but let the stylist know what didn’t meet your expectations.
If the mistake is significant, politely discuss a correction before you leave the salon. Most stylists will be happy to fix issues free of charge.
When Not to Tip at a Salon?
The only time tipping is not expected is when purchasing hair care products (like shampoo, conditioner, or styling tools). If you are checking out, ask for separate transactions to avoid confusion about whether a tip is necessary.
Additionally, if you return for a fix or correction, you generally do not have to tip, especially if the issue resulted from a mistake during your original appointment. Many stylists even refuse tips in these situations.
Do You Tip the Salon Owner?
Traditionally, salon owners did not expect tips. However, modern salon etiquette has changed. If the owner is also your stylist, tip them as you would any other hairstylist, 20% of the service cost.
If you are unsure, you can ask the front desk about their tipping policy. Some owners choose to share their tips with assistants, while others prefer to decline gratuity.
Tipping for Other Beauty Services
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizazimmerman/2019/08/05/a-wine-soaked-manicure/ If you get a beauty treatments, then tip accordingly to each service like, Manicures and Pedicures 20%, Facials & Skincare Treatments 18%-20%, Waxing Services 15%-20%, Massage Therapy: 20%-25%, and Eyebrow or Eyelash Treatments 20%.
How Much to Tip During the Holidays?
During the holiday season specially clients choose to tip extra as a thank-you for a year of great service. During you visit to the salon, consider tipping 30% instead of 20% in holidays.
You can also give a holiday bonus equal to one full service. For a 60 $ haircut give an extra $60 tip during the holidays to show appreciation.
If you are on a budget, small gifts like candles, chocolates, or a handwritten thank-you note can also make a stylist’s day.
What If You Can not Afford to Tip?
Tipping should always be factored into your beauty budget. However, if money is tight, consider:
- Spacing out your appointments (e.g., visiting every 10 weeks instead of 8).
- Choosing a junior stylist or lower-cost service.
Give your salon a tip! Most important thing when you are getting your hair done is to remember that whether you are receiving a simple cut or an intricate balayage, it is courteous to offer a 20% tip. It certainly is one of the best ways to show appreciation to the experts who go out of their way to make you look and feel good. Knowing how much to tip beauty salon will help you avoid stress, maintain a positive relationship with your stylist, and have an enjoyable experience every time you go to the salon.
