Do you have an appointment to see a hairdresser for the first time and want to ensure you tip them right? Or maybe you've gone to the hairdresser before but weren't confident in your tip amount.
Either way, you're in the right place. We'll tell you exactly how much to tip a hairdresser. But that's not all - we'll also go over all of your other tipping-related questions, so make sure you stick around until the end!
How Much Do You Tip a Hairdresser?
The typical amount for a tip is between 10% to 25% of your total cost. So, if your bill is $100, your tip should be between $10 and $25. Your tip should coincide with your level of satisfaction. A small tip shows that you weren't entirely happy with the service or your hair. Remember that 10% to 25% is just the average tipping range.
There's no upwards limit on how much you should tip, so if you feel like your hairdresser really knocked it out of the park, feel free to reward them with a generous amount. But if their service and performance were lacking, you probably won't feel compelled to tip very much.
For poor service, you might want to tip less than 10% or not at all.
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For those who aren't familiar with the term, a tip is a sum of money that's given to a service worker. Tips are paid in addition to the standard price of the service and generally reflect the customer's satisfaction level.
Although tipping your hairdresser isn't mandatory, it is often expected.
Should I Tip My Hairdresser in Cash?
There's no one way to tip your hair stylists. Some accept personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. They may also take mobile payment apps like Paypal, Venmo, and Cash App.
However, most hairdressers prefer cash. Why?
It's the most convenient option and doesn't come with any fees. Although cash is usually the best option for a tip, things may be different at your local salon.
So if you're ever in doubt, ask your stylist or the front desk receptionist how they prefer to receive their tips.
Why Do You Tip Your Hairdresser?
Tipping well helps you build a relationship with your hairstylist. It gives them the incentive to go above and beyond in their service. It also helps set you apart from the rest of their clientele.
They may even show preferential treatment by helping you secure a last-minute hair appointment or making an exception to their rules. But don't expect it.
By comparison, people who have a history of not tipping well tend to receive average or even below-average customer service. Keep in mind that hairstylists have a limited number of time slots available.
So, if they have to choose between scheduling a great tipper and someone who is known for not typing well, they'll typically take on the tipper.
Should You Tip the Salon Assistants Who Helped With Your Hair?
In addition to your hairstylists, many salons employ assistants. Salon assistants play a number of roles and help your stylists perform their daily tasks.
Some of their responsibilities include shampooing, mixing colors, sterilizing tools, and gathering supplies. Some even assist with scheduling and welcoming clients.
Unlike hair stylists, most people tip salon assistants a flat rate of around $5 per assistant. This is the standard amount, regardless of what the actual total is.
So, if two salon assistants helped you over the course of your appointment, you would pay $6 to $10 in addition to your regular tip. You should also give your tip directly to the assistant, so there's no confusion over who gets what.
Should You Tip a Hairstylist Who Works From Home?
With the proliferation of self-employed and home-based hairstylists, there's a little confusion on who you are and aren't supposed to tip. Some people think you don't have to tip home-based stylists since they don't have to rent a booth at a salon.
However, this isn't the case. Whether your stylist works from home or a salon, hair styling comes with a ton of costs. They have to continually purchase styling products and cover the costs of gasoline to get to clients.
They may also provide entertainment, such as magazines or refreshments.
As a general rule, you should always tip your hair stylist, regardless of where they work. The amount should be between 10% to 25% of your total, as a reflection of your satisfaction with the service.
What Do You Do if You Can't Afford to Tip?
While tipping is generally expected, it isn't mandatory. When you visit a salon, the cost of the service is all that you're obligated to pay.
So, if you've already wrapped up your appointment and only have enough money to cover the cost of service, you won't get in trouble for not adding a tip.
You can either apologize for not including a tip, tell them that you'll tip them at a later date, or simply pay without giving any further explanation.
But since tipping is customary, you want to make sure that you can cover it ahead of time. Before scheduling a salon appointment, factor the tip into your projected total.
That way, you can ensure you'll have enough to pay after your salon visit. And if you don't have enough to cover the tip, you can always push your next hair appointment back a few weeks.
Can You Give a Gift Instead?
Giving a gift to your hairstylist is by no means necessary. But it is a nice gesture that many stylists will appreciate. Like tipping, small gifts help show your appreciation to your stylists and assist in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.
So, if you have had the same hairdresser for years and want to show them that you value their service, feel free to give them a gift.
And your gift doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. You can choose something small, just as a token of appreciation.
What Is a Customary Gift for a Hairstylist?
If you rely on your hairdresser to provide you with more than a great haircut, you've probably wondered how you can show gratitude outside of a few extra dollars.
However, by far, money is considered the best gift for a stylist.
There are a few different ways to gift your hairstylist. You can stick the money in a card, or you can include it in your tip. While tips are usually 10% to 25% of your total, you can increase your usual percentage to 25% to 50%.
But we get it. Many people want to give personalized gifts rather than relying on cash.
So, if you're looking for something with a more personal touch, here are some other great gift ideas.
- Gift certificates for dinner, movies, spa services, or local shops
- Scented candles
- Gift baskets
- Bath and body products
- Picture frames
- A handmade gift like a scarf, hat, or gloves if it's appropriate for the season.
Related Articles
- How Much to Tip for a Haircut
- How Much Do Hair Stylists Make
- How Long Does It Take To Get Highlights
So, there you have it! Tipping is the standard in the service industry and is crucial in creating a good relationship between you and your stylist. There isn't a set amount to tip, but you should strive to make it 10% to 25% of your total.
That way, you can ensure that you always have a fantastic salon experience.
We hope that the information we've covered today is just what you were looking for and helped shed some light on how much you're supposed to tip a hairdresser!
Curl Centric salon price index
What common salon services cost
Every range below comes from our guide to that service, so you’ll have a starting point before you sit in the chair. Your final price can change based on your hair’s length and density, the service you choose, your stylist’s experience, and where your salon is located. Each service links to its complete pricing guide.
| Service | What it usually costs | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | $20 to $100 | Your hair’s length and density, your stylist’s experience, the salon’s location, and whether your appointment includes washing, conditioning, or styling. |
| Perm | $40 to $200 | The type of perm you choose. A partial perm generally starts around $50 to $80, a full perm around $80 to $100, and a digital perm can cost $300 to $500 or more. |
| Salon color | $45 to $105 | All-over color starts around $45. Highlights, multiple colors, and longer or denser hair require more time and product, so they cost more. |
| Starter locs | $50 to $150 | The starting method, your loc count, and your hair’s length and density. Two-strand twists generally start around $75 to $150, while interlocks can cost $150 to $300 or more. |
| Balayage | $70 to $300 | Your hair’s length and density, whether you want partial or full coverage, how many sessions you need, and your stylist’s experience. A full head of traditional highlights usually costs around $75 to $150. |
| Keratin treatment | $100 to $500 | Your hair’s length and density, the treatment used, your stylist’s experience, the salon’s location, and any services you add to the appointment. |
| Sew-in | $100 to $500 | This range covers the installation. If the hair isn’t included, expect to add about $80 to $600 for bundles, depending on their length, quality, and whether you choose synthetic or human hair. |
If you’re budgeting for a salon visit in the United States, remember that the tip sits on top of the service price. Most people tip between 10% and 25% of the bill, plus about $3 to $5 for each assistant who helped with the service.
