I so wish we could get rid of tipping in the US - or at least as a standard expectation; obviously tipping for a truly above-and-beyond extraordinary experience is understandable.

There is a difference between restaurant wait staff and hairdressers - there's an exemption in the minimum wage law in most (all?) states that allows wait people to earn a base salary lower than the minimum wage, with the difference being made up in tips. Hairdressers aren't subject to that exemption and I'm pretty sure they make a much better base salary than the waitress at a typical chain place. That's one of the reasons I am OK with tipping 20% for meals but rarely do that for any other service.

I'd definitely go more if the cost was less, but consider tipping a part of the service and never begrudge it after working in a restaurant in my teens.

I used to work for tips when I waitressed, and that has made me a lifelong devoted tipper of anyone in the service industry. It makes me feel good to show my appreciation and maybe help make someone's day. I find that it always comes back to me somehow.

I have been going to my hair stylist for 30 years. We have been through a lot together. She is fantastic with my hair. I have moved 3 hours away and I tried someone closer and it was a disaster. So......... Like many of her clients I travel the distance to go to her because she knows how to do my hair. I don't colour my hair so that cuts down the cost.
I tip really well. Probably more than 20%. And sometimes I go and get her lunch.