As a salon owner, this is a subject that frequently comes up with new clients. With close to 30 years in the business, I will do my best to share my perspective on this topic, from several points of view.
Tipping the stylist who’s a salon employee: Many salons employ hairdressers who are paid an hourly fee, or a percentage of their services. For these stylists, a cash tip of 10%-20% would be ideal, provided the salon doesn’t have a policy against this.
Tipping the stylist who’s a Booth Renter or Independant Contractor: With the advent of boutique salons over the last 15-20 years, many salon owners have chosen to go the route of renting out their chairs, or stations, to other hairdressers. This is a win-win for both the salon owner and the stylist. Since the stylist is basically an independant entity, he or she usually is responsible for scheduling their own appointments, supplying their own styling products, haircolor, cutting tools etc. This stylist also has the ability to set their own hours, testing the waters of added responsibility, which may be beneficial if they have dreams of opening their own salon. Therefore, while this type of stylist keeps a larger piece of the pie, they also have higher expenses. As a booth renter for 15 years, I was always grateful for the additional gratuities, which ranged from 10%-20%.
Tipping the Salon Owner of Booth Renters: Tipping the salon owner in years past was always considered taboo, and sometimes even offensive. While this rule has relaxed greatly over recent years, most new clients at my salon will ask if I accept tips. I let them know that they’re welcome to if they’d like to, but that it’s not required. Some of my clients tip, and some don’t, it’s a personal choice. While the salon owner of booth renters has more freedom from the responsibilities of managing and caring for employees, they also receive a much smaller piece of the pie. For my clients who do choose to tip, they generally tip in the range of 10%-20%.
Tipping the Salon Owner of Employees: While this is personally a grey area for myself, I would assume that most salon owners under the age of 40 would not be offended by tipping, however, to be on the safe side, feel comfortable to pose the question to either the salon receptionist or the owner him/herself.
Every time that you schedule your follow up appointment 4-6 weeks out, you’re voting with your hard earned dollars, and that in itself is a compliment to your stylist.
A gratuity is an added bonus for a job well done, and is never mandatory.
And for the client who spends hours driving to another town, or flying across country to see their stylist, extra kudos to you. Time is becoming more and more of a precious commodity for all of us, and that commitment speaks volume to your styilst and your choice in caring for yourself.
To do my hair, it costs about $200 dollars - this is such a stretch for me! I usually only get it done twice, maybe three times, per year because of the cost. Last time, I left a ten dollar tip. Is this appropriate? Sometimes I just can't afford to leave 20 extra dollars. It does not mean I do not appreciate the care that the stylist has put into my hair, believe me I do!
I appreciate for Romi's post. It helps. However, in general, I think that this whole tipping society is not right. All workers should be paid accordingly. It's because of the tipping system in U.S., some worker's wage is too low to begin with. Why should the customers worry whether they get good service or not. I rather have tips built in the price so that everyone is happy. For the time being, I tip tipycally 20% just because I live in a society with tipping system. But I also live with an aunt who hates to tip. It's very hard to convience her to tip appropriately.
$10 on a $200 bill?? Thats pretty low if you ask me! I tip $20 on a $100 bill. You are tipping them 5%. Thats very low. At least tip 15% or find somewhere that can do your hair cheaper. You're saying you can afford to pay $200 to have your hair done but then cannot afford an extra $20? That really makes no sense.
i never tip them, because it's already so overpriced. do you realize how much money these people make in a day and hide from the IRS???
salon beauty(unregistered guest)22 May 2009
I think it depends on the stylist. Like my salon, even we make good money, the company takes most of the money and pay us a little bit. Otherwise, we are paid by hourly. It's sad...if you give some tips to your stylist, I'm sure your stylist is really happy and try to make more effort towards her/his job.
petey(unregistered guest)21 Jul 2009
if you don't tip, I wouldn't recommend going to the same place twice.
most dont hide from the irs and in most place such as chain salons they make a whole whopping 7 dollars an hour and often do 4 to 6 haircuts an hour an whole 1.50 haircut, give them at least 2 dollers or one will get the rep of being a no tipper and then they stop caring cause no one wants to do the no tipper
This is such a ridiclous statement. You are paying someone for their craft and thoughtfullness. The industry standard is 15 to 20%. If you can't afford to tip , that's one thing.. but your logic is seriously misguided. The mjority of hairdresser keeps about 40% of what the charge pre tax. Not to mention product charges, cost of shears and education.
This is not true and you should be ashamed of your self. You dont realize how expensive it is to go to school, buy your own products and tools. they are not cheap. You cant buy average crap from Walmart and expect a good cut. I cant stand ignorant ppl. You are paying for our time, knowledge of hair, skin, and nails, and yes the product, booth rental or salon expenses.
School costs $22,000. Booth rent average is $1000 per month. Purchase of all supplies is not cheap. Plus all the on-going education is costly. So to tip is pretty fair since we are making you look great!
You r rude. you dont know what goes into our line of work and how dare you say that. We have to feed our family and we pay for our products that we use out of pocket. We only get paid fairly for time and product. WHat do you do for a living?
I am not sure how I am rude. I was completely agreeing with San Diego5583, that hairdressers have to spend quite a bit on school and rent and thus tipping well is definitely important. So I'm not sure how that is considered rude.
That is what I hate most about tipping -- feeling like you're paying off the Mob. Really, we should get rid of it everywhere -- even wait staff, who should be paid better for what they do. Just add it to my bill. Don't make me have to do math! :)
I appreciate for Romi's post. It helps. However, in general, I think that this whole tipping society is not right. All workers should be paid accordingly. It's because of the tipping system in U.S., some worker's wage is too low to begin with. Why should the customers worry whether they get good service or not. I rather have tips built in the price so that everyone is happy. For the time being, I tip tipycally 20% just because I live in a society with tipping system. But I also live with an aunt who hates to tip. It's very hard to convience her to tip appropriately.
Tips are how hairdressers make most of their money, and actually are required to claim with the IRS, much like restaurant servers, and baristas.
You have a very good point San Diego.
-Britt
Hi Cosmo,
I am not sure how I am rude. I was completely agreeing with San Diego5583, that hairdressers have to spend quite a bit on school and rent and thus tipping well is definitely important. So I'm not sure how that is considered rude.
Thanks,
-Britt