Dear Sugar
What are you supposed to tip your hair stylist? I’ve gotten different advice on this matter ranging from 10%-25%. Each time I get my hair done, I never know what’s appropriate. I usually get highlights, a cut and buy products. Am I supposed to be tipping on the entire bill or just for the highlights and cut? Also, what should I leave the person who shampoos my hair? I don’t want to look cheap, but getting my hair done is very expensive and I don’t want to over tip either if it isn’t necessary. Groom Me Gretchen
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Dear Groom Me Gretchen,
The rule of thumb is that you are supposed to tip your stylist but not the owner of the salon, which oftentimes can be the same person. Reason being, they get the full payment for the cut where as another stylist who is employed at a salon only gets a portion and really relies on tips to supplement their income.
Moving on, remember that tips are subjective, but if you are concerned about costs and want more of a defined answer, anywhere from 15%-18% of the cut and highlight bill is standard. You do not tip on product purchases.
You can tip below 15% if you've gotten a below standard cut or a haphazard blow out - and you can tip more than 18% if they threw in a few extra highlights, took the time for an in depth long consultation or gave you a great conditioning treatment for funnsies. Like anything in the spa/salon industry, you are paying for the level of service you are receiving. Your tip should reflect the experience you had.
Lastly, yes tip whoever shampoos you hair. I think that $3-$5 is sufficient. Again, if they are giving you an unbelievable scalp massage, opt for the higher range, if it’s a quick wash and go, then a couple of dollars will suffice.
After you've checked out at the front desk, ask the receptionist for tip envelopes. Personally, hand the tips out and say thank you. It's a little more comfortable and discreet then handing someone a rolled up wad of cash.
Dorotennis
Vertbaudet
Judith Leiber
I do 20%, however....if I am getting highlights I usually go up to 25%. Sometimes my stylist gets lazy and does not do a great job on the blowout and I may go a little under 20.
1I always tip 20% (I don't get color and my haircuts are $50 so it's easy to give an extra $10). I tip the shampoo girl $5.
2i usually tip my hairdresser 20% as well. i will not skimp when it comes to my hair. no way, no how. good rule of thumb..don't ever piss of the person who does your hair..you could suffer the consequences.
3i tip what i feel they deserve i never always tip a certain amount.
4i used to tip my previous stylist quite a bit because she was a-w-e-s-o-m-e! but then she moved, and i have been in search of a stylist as good as her, and i'll be damned if i have found one yet! so the usually isn't too good because the cut i ask for hasn't been the one they've been giving me
5I tip 20%. I've never tipped the shampoo girl, I had no idea that was expected. Oops.
6I tip 20% too, but I made the stupid mistake of tipping 20% of the total once; I bought $60 worth of products! The receipt wasn't itemized so I just did it fast in my head and didn't realize until I was out the door why it seemed so expensive! I guess since I liked her it wasn't a big deal, but dang, I tipped her 50% of the service.
7My hairdresser is a family friend, who thankfully knows my financial situation..sometimes she charges me less than others, so when she does that i give her a bigger tip to compensate...if by chance i don't go to her, i'll tip based on the service...so far the hairdresser has been the one washing my hair so i don't have to tip another person...my bf is getting me to tip more than i used to tho..lol...it's still a work in progress
~*I heard your heartbeat, it took away my fear*~
8My stylist also does my shampoo...and massage, so I generally tip 30%, however, if it is a pay week, he gets a whopping 40%! My hair has never looked better thanks to him, and I want him to know I realize that...he is such a flashy dear!!!!
On a quick note, I never went to a stylist until I lost my hair from a sickness, now that I have survived, by hair is my crown, if you will, so Robert is well worth the happiness he gives me!!!!
9I don't tip as my Hairdresser is the Salon Co-Owner, and I always buy a product. It's not cheap and it wipes me out money wise when I go there, but it's worth it.
I had a fantastic head massage/shampoo last time by one of his assistants but it never crossed my mind about a tip. I'll ask about a tip envelope when I go next, and I'll take a small envelope with me just in case.
10I had no idea you didnt tip the owner. My hairdresser was the owner of the salon I used to go to intill he closed and moved somewhere else( i went with...) and I always tipped him (way too much anyways, but how do you tip less when you tipped too much before? ). Now I still tip the same as I did before when he owned the salon (he is fab though ). Let me tell you I know how expensive hair gets I go every 3 weeks to the salon and between my roots and highlight and everything else plus my tip its a wallet breaking trip thats for sure. But just like everyone else is saying you get what you pay for.
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