Q: At my salon there are different people who work on my hair: One for shampoo, one for color and one for styling (cutting). Do I tip each one? How much should each person receive?
A: Yes, you should leave a tip for each person. Typically you leave $2-3 (regular salon, $4-5 if you’re at a high-end salon) for the shampoo person. For stylists and colorists leave the customary 15-20 percent. You can let the receptionist know how much you are leaving for each person, and she’ll take care of divvying it up.
For more on everyday etiquette dilemmas, check out Peggy Post at Good Housekeeping or Etiquette 17th Edition by Peggy Post.
Loading ...
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
What about reducing your tip? How should you handle it when your stylist starts working out of her home instead of a salon? Or how should you handle it if you regularly give a substantial tip, but now would like to give the recommended 15-20%?
When my stylist left the salon and worked out of her home, I lowered the amount I would tip her, and did so at my first “in home” appointment. My reasoning was that any overhead she paid while working at the salon was now gone.
A service is still a service. Dispite location. Did you get the service you have always gotten?
If the stylist is working from home, the stylist is self-employed and, therefore, the ‘boss’. One does not tip the boss.
I go to a beauty school. The guy did a great job. I gave him $7. Do you think that was too little. I paid five for the hair cut.
The general rule on tipping is 15 – 20% for a haircut. Seven dollars for a five dollar cut is just about right unless you felt like being a big tipper because the experience/work was perfection.
Why is it expected to leave a tip for a hairstylist?
It is accepted practice to tip those who provide personal (and by “personal” I mean something affecting our bodies) service to us, and when we are pleased with their work and want to acknowledge it above and beyond the price paid for that service. That being said, one assumes a hair salon prices their services to make a profit and the stylist does not need a tip to make a living wage, unlike below minimum wage food servers. But then, by this definition, why don’t we tip our brain surgeon? Is it because of the fact the stylist is paid a lot less to begin with? It is interesting to see how certain industries have the culture of tipping when others do not. I must admit there have been times I’ve felt held hostage to tipping because I had the feeling if I didn’t, it would show in my next haircut. But, every now and then, we all have a joyous commercial experience in which a tip is well-earned and gladly given. I’m convinced this is because of extra positive vibes the customer gives off and the service provider seeks to exceed.
I know I haven’t answered your question. Maybe someone else in this forum will clue me in, too!