Hair Salon Etiquette: Tipping 101

Table Of Content

• As a hairstylist, what is the biggest mistake you see people with curly hair make?
• How much do you tip for a $100 hair color?
• Medical Professionals (Nurses, Doctors, Therapists)
• Cowgirl curls
• The important and overlooked job people always forget in their gardens
• Tipping Etiquette for Gray-Area Situations
• Sofia Richie’s Hairstylist Shares All of Her Beset Bun Tips
• Services

Hairdressers rely on tips for additional income and to indicate how satisfied their clients are with their work. Tip your hairdresser at least 10%, but preferably 15% or 20%. Or maybe you visited a new salon and didn’t really dig the results. If you’re like most people, you want to offer an acceptable tip to your stylist – without undertipping or overtipping.

As a hairstylist, what is the biggest mistake you see people with curly hair make?

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That said, if an assistant blow-dried or shampooed your hair, you should give them $4-$5 since they're likely getting paid minimum wage and really rely on tips. Unless the call absolutely can't wait, don't pick up or make a phone call at the salon. It's hard for the stylist to cut or color your hair when they have to avoid your phone or earbuds. Jason has personally seen some clients conduct business calls during their shampoo, but he thinks "it's disrespectful" to the stylist, who has to try to keep the water and suds away from the phone. And while some texting is fine, don't sit there scrolling through Instagram the whole time.

How much do you tip for a $100 hair color?

Hairstylist Monica Davis, a professional hairstylist and founder of the My Straightener blog, says no, you shouldn’t reward a bad job … but you shouldn’t stay mum. “Helping a hairdresser understand where they lack proficiency is the best way to tip if you don’t like the result,” she explains. Everyone makes mistakes.” A tip can be a nice gesture in this case. Making the decision at the hair salon to add caramel balayage highlights or a major bang chop to your hairstyle?

Medical Professionals (Nurses, Doctors, Therapists)

This all being said, it's important to be honest with your stylist. If you're unhappy with the result of your service, give them the opportunity to course-correct before you decide to tip less. They may have you come back the next day to reach the result you're looking for; in this case, you should hold your tip upon the first visit and then give a full tip when you come back to have your hair corrected. They understand that some people just want to chill and get pampered. And if you snooze during the hair-coloring process, so be it. After all, the relationships you form in a salon can be the most intimate in your life.

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Cowgirl curls

Sometimes, I’m tempted to wave off the idea of tipping for a complimentary service, but then I remind myself that even a free bang trim is part of the overall salon experience. It’s a touch-up that keeps me looking polished and, quite frankly, saves me from the annoyance of overgrown bangs. It’s a benefit that adds value to my relationship with the salon, which is why I lean towards giving a tip. In these cases, I’ve learned it’s customary to maintain the standard 20% tip if you’re ultimately pleased with the outcome. It’s a sign of gratitude for the stylist’s time and expertise, especially when they’ve gone out of their way to make things right.

It offers a range of services including cuts and styles for the whole family, shampoo, mini facial, bridal, and spa services. Its owner and master stylist, Kate, specializes in men's hair care. She is joined by her experienced staff who receives continuous education on the latest trends and techniques of the industry.

Instead of giving a large amount at the end of your stay, leave about $2 or $3 a day for housekeeping, suggests Graf. "In most hotels, the housekeeper who cleans your room one day is not necessarily the same one the following day," he says. "To be fair, tip every day." Traveling with kids or pets?

Sofia Richie’s Hairstylist Shares All of Her Beset Bun Tips

Ask to see a manager and share what you loved most about your server. In the service industry, repeated positive feedback can often lead to preferable shifts or a promotion into management. Thank employees for their hard work with a small present or a thoughtful gift card. “I leave it up to the client, and I’m thankful for whatever they can leave.

Deciding on a tip for complimentary services, such as a free bang trim, can be a bit tricky. 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. Showing appreciation for a stylist’s dedication and time holds irrespective of being thrilled or disappointed with the outcome.

With the impact of the pandemic making their job not only more complex but also riskier, tipping has become an even more critical aspect. However, if you’re still not satisfied after the fix, it might be worth considering a lower percentage. A tip of around 15-18% can be appropriate in this scenario. What’s vital here is communication with your stylist about what you’re not happy with before leaving the salon. This gives them a chance to understand your concerns and address them promptly. Remember, the hassle isn’t just for me; stylists prefer ease and immediacy as well.

"Generally speaking, the stylist does not pocket the full amount of their service fee—most of that money goes back to the salon to pay for overhead costs to keep the business running," says Amy Abramite, professional hairstylist. "A substantial part of the stylist's income comes from tips, which can show to them that their skill level is appreciated and valued." Let’s say a loved one gets you a gift certificate to a salon. Technically, the service is already paid for, so should you still tip your hairdresser? Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, says it’s still nice to tip if you’re using a gift certificate.

This shift in the industry means that the custom of withholding tips from owners doesn’t hold up any longer. Let’s dissect the reasons behind the change and how to navigate this aspect of salon etiquette. If you’re short on cash, consider other ways to express your appreciation until your budget allows for that extra monetary thank you. Don’t let the tipping etiquette deter you from treating yourself to a hair service that you need or want. Remember, a hairdresser would rather keep you as a client than not. While hairstylists are happy to oblige unsatisfied clients on a return visit, this is not ideal for them nor the client.

For rideshares like Uber and Lyft, tip at least $2 per ride, says Jonathan Cousar, a former Uber driver and the director of outreach at Ridester, an online resource for rideshare drivers. If you're only ordering drinks, go for flat amounts rather than percentages. Leave $1 for a beer and $2 for a cocktail, advises Salvatore Tafuri, bar director of the Times Square Edition Hotel in New York City. However, if you order a bar snack or the service was especially good, tip 20 percent.