Tipping the hair stylist

Antje

In another thread someone mentioned that you don't tip the owner of a hair salon. Is that true universally?

I have to admit that I'm often unsure about tipping and there are many situations in which I worry about over-tipping or under-tipping (except at restaurants where it's so clear cut).

I get my hair cut by the owner of the salon and I have tipped her in the past. Is that odd or unneccessary? (not that I'd feel comfortable stopping now, but I'd like to know for if/when I ever change salons)

17 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Antje

julijuli

Active Member

I have heard that you don't need to tip the owner of the salon, and somehow I've always felt a little wierd about that. When I was going to an owner I always did tip. I'm thinking if I change salons I will now start out *not* tipping and see how that goes.

17 years ago

Anonymous

I have heard that you don't tip the owner but I always have and they don't turn it down. It's definately a grey area.

17 years ago

shannon

Active Member

I also see an owner and I tip when I feel I have a little extra to do so. If I am getting a highlight, cut and style and it is running me around $200.00 I will not tip. If I am just getting a haircut I will usually tip. I tip 20%.

I did read in a magazine that you don't have to tip the owner, but I also feel a little strange not doing so. I'm not sure if she even knows who tips and who doesn't. My sister-in-law sees the same gal and she tips off and on as well.

My stylist surely does not need the tips. She says what tips she does get she puts in a jar and saves it for her next Botox appointment.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

My hairstylist owns her salon and I tip her about 15%. If she was just a stylist in a salon I would tip her 20%. She's the only one cutting hair (the others who work there do waxing, nails, etc.) so maybe it's a little different than some situations.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I get my hair cut by the owner of the salon as well. I tip her 15 -20%. I did not know I did not need to. I’m confused with tipping etiquette in the US. I do not get this part right. I’m either tipping too much or too little. Oh well

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Interesting! I've always been told (and I'm sure I've even looked it up online to double check) that you don't tip the owner. You do, of course, tip anyone who helps like the person who shampoos your hair, or comes around to bring you coffee and massage handcream on you during your wait for the highlights.

I buy oodles of styling product when I am there, and I give my salon tons of referrals, so I'm not going to feel guilty for not tipping him. He's given me great service - two cuts so far and also did my daughter's hair too, and is in cahoots with me for my DD's 16 bday when she gets to have him dye her hair funky colors or whatever she wants - so I don't think I'm being rude!

17 years ago

Taffy

Active Member

I used to be unsure of when to over and regular tip. i.e Should I be more generous if I'm doing better financially at the time and can afford it? Then I was reading an article on Warren Buffet (there are a lot of those here in Omaha). Who else could better afford to over-tip? But you know what? He always tips 15%, so now that's what I do. (if only Mr. Buffet would run for president!! hee hee) I found that by standardizing it like that, it removed a lot of stress and pressure that I was unduly putting on myself.

17 years ago

yogabear

(website)

Active Member

I get my hair done by the owner and I do tip her 20 percent. But, in her salon, I have one person wash my hair, one person do the color, she does the cut, and well, I want to be fair to the others involved so they get a cut. Plus, I've been going to her for years and she sorta cuts me a discount, so I feel it's very good karma to tip her. I enjoy getting my hair done and going to her salon. I am always offered coffee and treats if I want it too. You're treated like a Princess...High personal touch = high value...which is rare in our society. That has to be rewarded in my world. And, anytime I'm generous, it comes back to me in surprising and fun ways that I don't expect...not that I'm giving to get in return, but it's a fun concept (Law of Attraction in action, for sure).

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

Just incidentally, did you guys know that we don't tip in Australia? Practically ever. Restaurents do often have a little jar next to the cashier, but it isn't expected that you put anything in there - I think if people do, it would just be for change. Of course wages are higher; it is just a whole different set up. Makes it a bit stressy for Aussies when we travel overseas!

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am also NOT used to tipping, Anne. It takes a while to get used to doing it. When in Rome!

17 years ago

Becky

Veteran

Just for the record, I was born and bred in the U.S. and I *hate* the whole tipping system because it is so stressful and confusing. I wish we'd just pay people what they're worth and leave it at that. I remember vividly being accosted by a rude bellhop at a hotel who insisted on a tip when we didn't even realize he had helped another bellhop (whom we had already tipped) with our luggage. I withheld the tip because I felt his aggressive and demanding behavior was completely inappropriate.

My stylist is the owner/sole operator of her salon, but I do tip her 15%. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to, but as Antje said, I'm certainly not going to stop now!

17 years ago

Anonymous

Becky I agree with you on the whole tipping issue. It is always a point of confusion and should just be done away with. Let it all be wrapped together with wages. I don't know how people in the service industry feel about this. Maybe we can be enlightened, but that might be another forum.
The bellhop who was rude to you was certainly not doing himself any favors by his actions. That is so bad to be accosted for just showing up at the hotel.

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

Thank you all so much for your input. It sounds like most of you -like me- do tip the salon owner between 15-20%. I'll continue to do so and try not to feel weird/doubtful about it.

I hate the whole tipping issue, too. In restaurants it's fine since it's so clear cut; I tip 15% for average service and more for great service. Everywhere else, e.g. in cabs, I struggle to figure out the right amount.

And then when I'm in Germany, I'm so used to the American system that I tend to over-tip in restaurants and everywhere else. People do tip in Germany, but very moderately, e.g. you'd round up a tab of 9.50 to 10 Euros at a restaurant. There isn't a clear formula like the 15-20% in the US. I can never figure out what's enough vs. over the top and always ask my friends or family members to do it for me... Stressful indeed.

17 years ago

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