When it comes to traditional tipping etiquette, most agree that waiters and waitresses should receive between 10 to 20% of the total bill of a meal for their services. The percentage chosen is generally adjusted based on the level of service provided—with exceptional service being rewarded at a rate of 20% or higher. Proper etiquette regarding gratuity beyond the restaurant; however, tends to get a little less clear. In circumstances involving baggage handlers or cab drivers, many people know that the service warrants tipping but are completely lost when it comes to determining the standard rate of gratuity. This is especially true in places like hair salons where a variety of people may work together to provide a service. Being unsure of the standard gratuity rate for the service, who to tip or even whether a tip is warranted can be confusing and uncomfortable for salon visitors. Avoid this awkward moment and discover the proper way to tip your hairstylists:

1.  Is it appropriate to tip hairstylists?

Not only is it appropriate—it is considered proper etiquette to tip your hairstylists. This is standard for most situations where a professional is providing a service, with exceptions to service fields like doctors, nurses, lawyers, and educators. As it is common practice, failing to tip would indicate that you were unhappy with the service provided. There are visits to the hair salon which do not warrant tipping, however. For instance, if you stop by solely to purchase a retail product or a gift card.

2. What is the standard tip amount?

Like in a restaurant, there is no one standard amount that is deemed acceptable. If you are unsure of how much to tip your hairstylists, you may be tempted to grab whatever cash you have on hand and use that as the tip. Instead, use the same formula that you would use in a restaurant as a basic rule of thumb. Most salon goers tip between 15 to 20% of the pre-tax amount listed on the final bill for the services provided.

3. What if a stylist and a colorist both provided service within the salon?

This is a common occurrence in hair salons in South Florida and around the globe. You may receive a haircut from a stylist and then highlights from a colorist. This is often the most confusing part of tipping hairstylists for clients. In this scenario, you should still tip around 20% of the service cost but divide the tip between both parties. If one staff member provided exceptional service or spent additional time on your hair, you can adjust the tip amounts accordingly.

4. Should I tip assistants and owners?

This is a big area of confusion for many salon clients. This is because tippers assume that the assistant will receive a portion of the tip given to the stylist or colorist, but this is not always the case. If an assistant provides a hands-on service during your appointment, it is considered proper etiquette to tip them as well. Unlike with the stylist or colorist, however, it is more common to tip the assistant a set amount, ranging between $1-$7. For a shampoo only, it is acceptable to stick to the lower end of the spectrum, but if the assistant washes, blow-dries and brushes your hair, consider moving up the scale. Another area of debate is whether to tip the owner of the salon if they are providing the service. Not tipping the owner of the salon is an outdated tradition that is no longer practiced in modern tipping etiquette. This was done because owners had higher skill levels and higher rates. Today, salon owners are often classified as master stylists, but their rates are not much different than other stylists in the salon. Because of this, owners should be tipped using the same scale of 15-20% of the final bill.

5. What about offers?

Offers are a hot commodity in hair salons. Whether redeeming an offer for a free trim or a highly discounted color, it is important to note that the stylist will still put in the same amount of effort. In these situations, it is considered good etiquette to tip according to the pre-discounted cost of the service being provided. If you are unsure of the full price, adjust the percentage rate so that it falls above the usual 15-20% rate. On the other hand, if you have a coupon for retail products and make a purchase without receiving service during the visit, there is no need to tip at all.

6. Do I have to tip with cash?

In today’s tech-savvy world, many salon goers prefer to skip the cash and pay for services using a debit or credit card. Most top hair salons near Fort Lauderdale/Miami and across the country, have upgraded to point-of-sale systems that enable clients to tip using their card. This, however, is not always the case. If you are visiting a hair salon for the first time and are unsure if this option is available, it is best to call ahead and ask or bring cash to err on the side of caution.

7. What if I am unhappy with the service provided?

All hairstylists have one thing in common—they want you to leave the hair salon feeling fantastic about your experience and your results. While some people are easily able to express their dissatisfaction, others fear that their stylist will take it personally. It may be tempting to skip the tip altogether, or simply give a standard tip and flee the salon, but honesty is always the best policy when it comes to working with your stylist. If you are unhappy with your cut, color or longer than anticipated wait time, be sure to mention it. Your stylist will aim to resolve the dilemma before you leave the salon.

As in most industries, tipping is a gift given to your hairstylist for the services that they provide. There are several factors that may alter this amount—someone with a long-term stylist may feel inclined to tip much more than someone visiting a new one, or perhaps a stylist goes above and beyond what is expected. While tipping etiquette serves as a guideline, you should consider your own experiences and determine which amount you are comfortable giving. In either case, tips are always appreciated by hair stylists who strive to bring your vision to life. In need of a cut or color to make yours a reality? Book an appointment at Inscape Beauty Salon today!