When it comes to personal grooming and self-care, few services feel as intimate and essential as a trip to the hair salon. Whether you’re getting a trim, color treatment, or complete hair makeover, your hairdresser works hard to deliver a service that not only enhances your appearance but boosts your confidence. With all that effort and attention to detail, it’s only natural to want to show appreciation and tipping is the most common way to do it. But how much should you tip your hairdresser? While tipping etiquette can vary, there are some widely accepted guidelines to help you navigate this area with grace and confidence.
The Standard Tip: 15% to 20%
Generally, the standard tipping range for a hairdresser is 15% to 20% of the total bill. If you’re happy with the service and feel it met or exceeded your expectations, tipping within this range is appropriate and appreciated. For instance, if your haircut costs $60, a 15% tip would be $9, while a 20% tip would be $12.
For exceptional service, going above the 20% mark is a generous way to show your appreciation. On the other hand, if you feel the service was just average, a 10% to 15% tip may still be acceptable, although it’s typically reserved for when you’re not fully satisfied — yet don’t feel the need to complain.
When to Tip More
There are certain scenarios where tipping more than the usual range is warranted. Consider offering a higher tip if:
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You’re receiving a complicated service, such as balayage, color correction, or a full hair transformation that takes several hours.
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You’re booking a last-minute or off-hours appointment, such as early in the morning, during a holiday, or outside the stylist’s normal working hours.
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Your stylist fixed a mistake made by another salon, which often requires extra time, care, and skill.
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You’ve been given a discounted service or a coupon deal, since the tip should reflect the value of the original price, not the discounted one.
Going the extra mile with your tip in these cases not only shows gratitude but also strengthens your relationship with your stylist, who may be more inclined to prioritize you in the future.
What If You Don’t Like the Service?
Tipping is a form of gratitude, but it doesn’t mean you have to reward poor service. If your experience was unsatisfactory perhaps your stylist was rude, inattentive, or ignored your instructions you’re not obligated to tip the full amount. A reduced tip of 10% or less can reflect your disappointment while still maintaining basic courtesy.
However, if the service was truly unacceptable, and you’re planning to complain or not return, you might consider skipping the tip altogether. That said, it’s always best to address issues respectfully and give the stylist a chance to correct any mistakes.
Tipping Assistants and Shampooers
In many salons, your stylist might not be the only person working on your hair. You may be shampooed, blow-dried, or assisted by other staff members. While tipping your main stylist is essential, don’t forget about the assistants.
It’s common to tip $3 to $5 to the person who shampoos or blow-dries your hair. If you’re not sure who to tip or how much, you can always ask the receptionist or your stylist directly. In some salons, tips are pooled and divided among the staff, but in others, each person relies on their individual tips.
Cash vs. Card Tips
Most salons accept both cash and card payments for tips, but cash is often preferred. It ensures the stylist receives the tip directly and immediately, without the potential delay or deduction that can occur with credit card processing. If you’re paying for the service by card, you can still leave a cash tip in an envelope or hand it directly to the stylist for a more personal gesture.
If cash isn’t convenient, tipping via card is perfectly acceptable just be sure to double-check that the salon’s point-of-sale system includes tip options and that the right person receives it.
Tipping the Salon Owner
There’s an old-school belief that you don’t need to tip the salon owner, especially if they set the prices and benefit directly from the business. However, in modern times, many owners also work behind the chair and rely on tips like other stylists. If the owner is personally styling your hair, it’s polite and customary to tip them as well.
Holiday Tipping
During the holidays, it’s common to show extra appreciation to service providers you see regularly. For hairdressers, a holiday tip equal to one full service (for example, the cost of your typical haircut or color treatment) is a generous and thoughtful way to say thank you for their hard work throughout the year. Alternatively, a gift, such as a gift card or a personal token of appreciation, can also be appropriate if you have a strong relationship with your stylist.
Conclusion
Tipping your hairdresser is more than just good etiquette it’s a way to acknowledge their skill, time, and effort in helping you look and feel your best. While the standard 15% to 20% rule is a solid starting point, tipping should always reflect the quality of service you received and your personal level of satisfaction. By being mindful of the type of service, the level of care, and the contributions of all salon staff, you can ensure your gratitude is both appropriate and appreciated.