How to Tip a Hairstylist

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

Rate: (32 Ratings)

As with most tipping situations, the amount of the tip depends on the quality of the service.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Tip the stylist 10 to 15 percent of your total bill if he or she is the only person who worked on your hair.
Step2
Give the shampoo person - if there is one - a separate gratuity. Typically, a shampoo person receives $1 to $2.
Step3
Offer a 10 percent tip in a barbershop. If you don't get your hair cut very often but usually go to the same shop, consider a $5 tip.
Step4
Tip the manicurist $1 to $3.
Step5
Use common sense for everyone else, from the hair setter to the assistant.
Step6
Keep in mind that a good tip to your colorist or hairstylist might help the next color job or cut.

Tips & Warnings

  • Usually, the tip is cash and slipped to the service provider separately from the bill paid to the owner or cashier, so have some smaller bills on hand. In a fancy shop, you can add the tip to the bill and let them know how to split it.
  • Tradition dictates that one does not tip a salon's owner, who may charge more for his or her services and therefore will refuse a tip. But these days, more and more owners are accepting tips. The best solution? Consult the receptionist to find out whether the owner accept tips.

Comments

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on 9/20/2007 I think it is up to the client. Did you get a good service? Then make your choice, tip or don't. As a hairstylist/owner, I would rather see someone go out happy and tell everyone than not. Do not assume everyone can afford the service and a tip on top, and when a tip comes your way appreciate it. I also have clients that don't tip but give chocolate at christmas or one tip a year, and quite frankly the gesture of those are sometimes more meaningful if you know it is from someone who maybe saves to come and see you every six weeks or if they honestly enjoy all your hard work. I have one client who brings me coffee everytime she comes. The 1.60 she spent on it means more than the 20 dollars from the arrogant person who treats me like a hired hand. If you are a true professional and do what we do because you love it, you know appreciation comes in many forms from clients.

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on 8/13/2007 Beauty Industry Tipping - We always have a choice to go to someone who charges more or less, but keep in mind that the majority of this industry only receives commission & gratuity for the work they do and also do not receive benefits, vacation, sick time, or retirement. Why would you tip a waiter for bringing you food more than a stylist who has probably spent more time on you, has to have a license that must be continually renewed to perform any services, pays to get more education in their field, and performs many different skills from cutting to coloring or highlighting, perming, etc...Also remember that the stylist gives you splendid service before he or she even knows what type of gratuity you will be giving them. If you want continued great service then you must always let your stylist or food server know by the percentage of gratuity you give. It feels great when you look great!

rnssally said

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on 7/25/2007 Some people mentioned that anything less than a $5 tip is insulting on cuts that are $12. GIVE ME A BREAK. Thats over 40%. Sorry, if we choose to go to a "chop shop" it's obviously because we cant afford to tip the higher end shops. The extra money I save I keep, not you. Besides, I believe the rule is 10-15%? That's $2. I would rather insult you than insult good sense.

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on 4/26/2007 While I think that this is an agreeable article, doing away with a tip is absurd. It is a gracious gift that a guest can give to whomever is taking care of them. Like they say with the restaurant business, if you can't tip don't eat out! If you know you can't afford to say thank you with a tip, then don't go to the expensive salon. This industry is certainly different than a grocery store or even a job that you get with your degree. I have my degree and I'm a hairstylist, I do make more money than I did with my degree, But that is because my clients trust me with their hair and I make sure that I keep that trust. Which is why they tip me and I tip them back with a fabulous set of locks

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on 4/25/2007 Tomorrow I have an appointment in a two-chair salon, figure I'd try out a real professional just once. He quoted me $375 for a full head of highlights, which is $75 dollars more than it states on his website. How much is the customary tip if he owns the salon? Maybe the $75 was figured into the bill for the extent of his services?

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eHow Article:  How to Tip a Hairstylist

eHow Culture & Society Editor

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