https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:21:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser/page/2#post-1547958 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 10:57:49 +0000 Style Fan 1547958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been going to my hair stylist for 30 years.&nbsp; We have been through a lot together.&nbsp; She is fantastic with my hair.&nbsp; I have moved 3 hours away and I tried someone closer and it was a disaster.&nbsp; So.........&nbsp; Like many of her clients I travel the distance to go to her because she knows how to do my hair.&nbsp; I don't colour my hair so that cuts down the cost.<br />I tip really well.&nbsp; Probably more than 20%.&nbsp; And sometimes I go and get her lunch.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser/page/2#post-1547576 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 17:02:29 +0000 Anonymous 1547576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to work for tips when I waitressed, and that has made me a lifelong devoted tipper of anyone in the service industry.&nbsp; It makes me feel good to show my appreciation and maybe help make someone's day.&nbsp; I find that it always comes back to me somehow.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser/page/2#post-1547085 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 00:39:18 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1547085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser/page/2#post-1547065 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 00:14:40 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1547065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546970 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:17:47 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1546970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene said "</p> <p>When I tip, I take into account my satisfaction with the service, the nature of the service, and the size and components of the bill instead of just sticking to a percentage." &nbsp;I agree with this wholeheartedly. &nbsp;</p> <p>I actually feel really good tipping 10-15% on a haircut and I'm comfortable with that. &nbsp;20% is too much for a service that someone is already being paid for. &nbsp;I also agree that the tip percentage has inched upwards along with the guilt factor imposed on customers. &nbsp;It's very confusing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546881 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:22:25 +0000 Gaylene 1546881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think tipping is entirely a social custom that is practiced in some countries and not in others. My mantra has always been "when in Rome do as the Romans do". I'll tip in Canada and the US but not in countries where service is included in the final bill or where it is discouraged or impolite. My own feelings regarding tipping--or covering my hair or women's rights or whatever--don't affect my actions at this level. </p> <p>When I tip, I take into account my satisfaction with the service, the nature of the service, and the size and components of the bill instead of just sticking to a percentage. If my husband and I share a burger and choose a non-alcoholic beverage, I'll increase the size of the tip since our bill will be much less than a couple who choose separate mains and an alcoholic beverage; my rationale is my choices can sometimes mean more work for the server even though my bill is less. By the same logic, a $60 tip for a 2-hour, $300 cut and colour is very generous, while a $6 tip on a 1-hour, $30 cut is just average. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546805 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 17:31:07 +0000 Mona 1546805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was feeling guilty reading this thread until I read what BlondeAmbition and catseye posted. I did not grow up in North America and always thought that tips are used for rewarding excellent services. I pay 10-15% to my hairdresser as she does a really good job and I am satisfied with her. But it is not a given. I go to another salon for some other personal services and tip her the same way. I have always had excellent service at both places so I am guessing this must be normal tipping practice in my small town.<br />I may be missing something on why people working in service industry are victims. I just don't get it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546709 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 15:33:27 +0000 catseye 1546709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tipping is a unique American phenomenon. I think the public's generosity is contributing to the problem. It is creeping higher and higher. &nbsp;Tipping was supposed to be rewarding excellent services. Now it is expected for anything that is not extraordinarily bad. It has completely lost its utility. I would like to see a movement to stop the tipping madness and give service work a realistic wage and just publish the real price of services. &nbsp;But it will never happen because too many people enjoying tipping and rightfully feeling very generous doing so.&nbsp;</p> <p>You can tell that I did not grow up in this country. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546650 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:30:15 +0000 Anonymous 1546650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm blessed because my favorite hairstylist now works for Supercuts. I tip 20%, which I think is appropriate. If she ever leaves the salon, I'm going to have to start forking out a lot more for haircuts and color. I'm crossing my fingers that won't happen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546642 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:14:58 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1546642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always hear that people who used wait tables tip better but that's not true for me. &nbsp;I was a waitress and I still don't overtip. &nbsp;I think the problem is that service professions are made out to sound like victims and I don't think they are. &nbsp;A lot of people are single mothers and raising kids, that only gets mentioned if you're in the service industry though. &nbsp;I'm a musician and believe me, nobody's paying me any big bucks and nobody even cares that I'm raising a kid. &nbsp;</p> <p>At salons the hairdresser is earning 45% of the cost of the service. &nbsp;So if I'm getting a cut and color and paying $300 for it the stylist is getting $135. &nbsp;That's $67 per hour for the 2 hrs she worked on me. &nbsp;I don't make that much money per hour, don't know many who do, why should I give an additional $60? &nbsp;Sure, I give 20% at a restaurant but the waitress is only getting paid a couple of dollars salary, he/she actually lives off <i>only </i>tips. &nbsp;</p> <p>And I have tried to go to less expensive salons. &nbsp;Not only is it exhausting to research and visit other salons but do you know how awful it feels to get a bad haircut and have to live with it for 4 months? &nbsp;I haven't been happy with my hair when trying to go down a few notches in price. &nbsp;I even stopped coloring my hair for a year and having bad hair was probably a major contributor to my post partum depression now that I look back on it (I was trying to save money when the baby came along). </p> <p>I lived in Europe for many years and tipping was never something I had to deal with. &nbsp;There you just go to a restaurant, get a haircut, and you don't have to leave with an overwhelming guilt that you have to put your hairdresser's kids through college. &nbsp;I'm certain that guilt is the number one factor that's raising the tip amounts. &nbsp;That and the fact that salons are publishing their own expectations of tip amounts on the internet. &nbsp;I'm feeling utterly suckered. &nbsp;Sorry to be a downer, I just feel very uncomfortable being responsible to pay someone's salary when employers really need to take care of the people that work for them. &nbsp;There was a story on NPR about this the other day and it's gotten me thinking. &nbsp;There are even tip jars set on self service counters nowadays. &nbsp;Everyone wants in on getting tipped. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546561 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:20:19 +0000 viva 1546561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is there no tipping for anything in Australia? I did not know that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546377 Thu, 27 Aug 2015 03:22:56 +0000 anne 1546377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;<i></i>I am no help becaue of course I <i></i>don't tip at all - living in Australia! I pay from $10 for a bargain basement trim at a place that only does cuts, and doesn't even have a basin, to I think around $30-40 for a take a ticket place. My budget records paying $68 dollars, for a cut and blowdry.</p> <p>I colour my hair myself in the most low effort way - every so often I just spray a bit of lightening spray on.&nbsp; </p> <p>Tipping freaks out many Aussie travellers to the US! I hope I would be generous if I ever go there again.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546224 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:14:56 +0000 retailgirl 1546224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tip my hairdresser twent percent...she works out of her home. I've been going to her for over thirty years, and have followed her from salon, to her own salons, to times when she rented a chair, to now. She only charges $25 for a cut. She is extremely talented, has trained with some international hairdressers, and knows my thick, curly hair. A few times I've gone to someone else, but I always go back to her. The only thing I miss is the "salon experience", but for $25 plus tip, it's OK! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546161 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 20:30:48 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1546161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm getting a bargain here.&nbsp; I met my stylist over 20 years ago when I first moved to Denver.&nbsp; I've followed her to various salons over the years - they are always close to my home as we both live in the same area. I do my own color and she says I do a good job and should just keep doing it.&nbsp; I go for a cut every 5 weeks and she charges only $35 - my hair is usually in some sort of pixie so it's not just trimming the ends.&nbsp; It takes a lot of time.&nbsp; She does the shampoo herself.&nbsp; I end up tipping around 30% and still feel that I'm getting a bargain.&nbsp; She&nbsp;cuts my son's hair as well and charges by age - so he's 13 and it costs $13.&nbsp; I pay her $20 for that.&nbsp; And I give her a nice holiday gift.&nbsp; She's a treasure to me.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1546037 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 16:36:07 +0000 rachylou 1546037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally just tip 20% on everything... it's easier on my brain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545965 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 14:44:29 +0000 Robin 1545965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Question: Have the "rules" about tipping owners changed? </p> <p>I've generally understood the "rules" said it was not necessary unless they've done you a favour, you've inconvenienced them in some way, or you're just saying thank you. </p> <p>I do think it makes a diference if the owner is a one-person operation (or small business) versus someone who runs a space with lots of operators. IN the latter situation, they already have extra revenue outside of the work they do themselves.</p> <p>Am I off the mark?Your reply </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545900 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:05:04 +0000 viva 1545900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always tip 20%. Occasionally I wistfully think of the days when you didn't tip the owner, but those days are long gone, and I am a business owner myself now, so I do it gladly.&nbsp; I always tip 20%. And maybe I should be tipping more, since we have no shampoo person -- whoever is providing the service (cut or color) also does the shampoo.</p> <p>What's so interesting to me here is hearing about cost. I've been dragging my heels scheduling a color for September because of cost, but the fact is I am getting a DEAL in little Portsmouth NH -- even with the top colorist at the newest salon in town -- compared to the city rates I am seeing in this thread, so I need to get over myself. Thanks for the reality check. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545892 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:51:55 +0000 Gail 1545892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tip 20% wherever I go, unless the service is simply awful. My Daughter lives in NYC and NEVER has her hair cut there either, she has it cut when she comes home :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545869 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:16:39 +0000 kkards 1545869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>tipping is voluntary, so if you don't want to tip 20% don't. on the other hand, if it feels like you're paying to much, maybe its time to find a less expensive hair dresser? in NYC there's plenty of choices.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545810 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 04:30:37 +0000 Anonymous 1545810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My hairdresser gives me a lot of humor, advice and therapy during my appointments, so I always tip big for these extra services!&nbsp; And an extra-large tip for the holidays.&nbsp; He has two kids, so I know it's welcome.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545795 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 03:27:03 +0000 Robin 1545795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I think I'm not tipping my stylist enough. Granted, there's no shampoo person so he's not sharing the tip and I'm not tipping someone separately for that. The cost of my cut - no shampoo but plenty of attention and styling suggestions, is unbelievably low, though. I pay $29 to $34 for a cut and have been giving a $5 tip. I'm still stunned that I found a terrific stylist for so little; the salon is really friendly and nonfussy, which I also like. Yup, definitely tipping more...and taking him a holiday present.</p> <p>Your reply </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545790 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 03:15:14 +0000 Gaylene 1545790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a generous tipper because I spend time in a service job waaay back when I was an undergrad. That left me with the conviction that, if I could afford the service, I could afford giving the person providing it a decent tip IF the person was doing her best to provide me with good service. </p> <p>My current stylist is young, but very talented. She charges less than the other stylist because she is trying to build her clientale base. My cuts only cost me $40 so I never leave less than a $20 tip. I figure I get my money's worth because she'll fit me in on a moment's notice, she gives me lots of advice and tips on how to work with different products, and, most of all, she goes out of her way to make my visits pleasant and fun. </p> <p>I'd be leery of gaining a reputation as a lousy tipper in a situation where someone was using chemicals and sharp scissors near me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545786 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 02:57:56 +0000 Eliza 1545786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes- 20% (occasionally a bit higher) tip and a generous holiday bonus. It does add up, yet the service offered is superlative, making it workable. I appreciate my stylist, who is wise, patient, kind and generous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545733 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 01:53:15 +0000 Anonymous 1545733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tip 20% too, and long ago made peace with it being part of the cost of the haircut. Yes, your base is higher because of where you live, but.....I think it's just the way it is. You'd tip that same amount on a dinner out, so there's really no difference, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545685 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:51:22 +0000 Anonymous 1545685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tip 20%. I go to a very popular and upscale salon. My hairdresser's price just went up to $80 for a cut, but he does miraculous work. So I figure I save a ton of money on not having to use a lot of product in my hair. Just some root lifter or a tiny amount of texturizer. No hair spray ever. I color my own hair with a demi permanent color every 3 weeks so I don't mind spending the extra cash. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545639 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 23:44:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1545639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, yes, it really adds up, doesn't it! I stopped getting highlights and started coloring my hair again myself last year, because I was spending $150-200 every time I went to the salon. It's really hard in this area to find a decent mid-range cut - it's either Supercuts (which isn't that cheap anymore anyway) or $100+ for a haircut.</p> <p>To answer your question, I give a 10-15% tip, but when I was going to a higher-end salon the percentage creeped down. I didn't give more than a $20 tip at any one visit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545622 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 23:20:16 +0000 Elly 1545622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My hairdresser runs a small business and used to support her two boys with it, alone (I've been going to her for 14 years). She gave me the student discount all through college and would often sell me hair products at cost. She is very affordable. Today her kids are all grown and she has a wonderful husband with a great job and has been able to restrict her hours somewhat. Now that I'm better employed I tip 20% depending on the situation on that visit. She told me I was one of her better tippers, which sort of shocked me.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545604 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:43:21 +0000 carter 1545604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tip 20% + $5 for the shampoo girl, but my base number is much lower than yours. Cut and color is $100 fee, but that will go up in September to $120. This will be the first increase in the 6 years I've been going to her. I go every 5 weeks for color ($50) and every 10 weeks for cut ($50).</p> <p>My daughter lives in NY. Now I understand why she only has her hair done when she comes home;-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545593 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:27:07 +0000 shedev 1545593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tip about 30 percent, and get really good service after my first visit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tipping-at-the-hairdresser#post-1545574 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:03:40 +0000 Anonymous 1545574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was a waitress when my girls were little.</p> <p>It's pretty unusual for me to be somewhere or doing something that it's appropriate for me to tip for, only a few times a month. But whenever there's an opportunity I do, and I always tip heavy. </p> <p>I don't calculate a percentage, I think more about what they might be able to do with it, like this could buy lunch, the train for a week, etc.</p>