Hairdresser Tip Question

[2disneyboys]

Just a question - when you go to a salon and have your hair cut, colored/highlighted etc and if you were to also purchase products, do you tip on the total bill or just the "services" portion of it. Also, what is the "general" % tip for hairdresser? I *know* this varies by region etc, just trying to get a general ideal. My sister and I don't agree and I'm trying to figure out which one of us is being unrealistic! Thanks!

 

[tink_n_pooh]

20% of the service total (not products)

 

[shoney]

I would not tip on products only services. I generally give 20%.

 

[kim929]

I'm another one that tips 20% on the service only...

 

[girli565]

Tip on service only.

 

[LJSquishy]

I don't tip anyone 20% except for food servers (although reluctantly). I think tips should only be given when someone goes above and beyond their normal duties, not as an expected part of their salaries. But, that is beside the point.

I guess I am a cheapskate because I will only give a $2-$5 tip for a hairdresser. What ever amount you decide to tip, you do not tip on product purchases, only service.

 

[ceecee]

I've heard that you don't tip the owner if that's who is doing your hair???
Is it 10% then for the shampoo person? I usually do 10% and 15%. Why don't dental hygt get tipped?????????????????

 

[aubriee]

I agree. I always tip 20% on services only.

 

[mjkacmom]

20% on services. I tip the girl who washes my hair between $5 - $10, depending upon what she does (when I get highlights, she takes out all of the foils, washes, puts on a glaze, washes that out, conditions...).

 

[TheRatPack]

I've never thought to tip the person who washes my hair.....hmm, guess I'll carry cash next time for her.

 

[pixiewings71]

Well my stylist is the one who washes my hair so I only tip 1 person. I don't tip on products only on the service itself and I give 15-2-% depending on the service being provided and the quality of that service.

 

[Duchie]

My stylist totally did away with tips this year and it's awesome. He asked me about it last year when he was considering it and I told him I loved the idea because who to tip and how much was so arbitrary and confusing so it takes the guesswork out of it.

 

[shortbun]

20% on services. I tip the girl who washes my hair between $5 - $10, depending upon what she does (when I get highlights, she takes out all of the foils, washes, puts on a glaze, washes that out, conditions...).

I go to a salon where all the hairdressers do their own washes and everything else. They are all private contractors. I tip on the final amount, just like in a restaurant. It's what I choose to do and I would never assume that I should instruct anyone else on tipping-well, maybe my son, who is 16.

 

[tigger_mommy]

Tip on services only. I also don't so a percentage, if the cut is $12 I give them $15 and tell them to keep the change. I am a massage therapist so I understand tips are very appreciated.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

... It's what I choose to do and I would never assume that I should instruct anyone else on tipping-well, maybe my son, who is 16.

The OP asked for tipping advice.

 

[englishteacha]

Oh, how I hate tipping at salons. Around here it's one person who does your shampoo/cut/color/style, everything. I usually just round up to the nearest $5 increment.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

I've been going to the same guy for over 10 years. About 4 years ago he opened his own salon, but I still tip. Total bill is $130 or so for highlight and haircut, but I only give him $25. Just can't handle more. I have tried to find someone else who is less expensive, but the highlight is the best I have found.

 

[wishesuponastar]

I'm going to get my hair highlighted for the first time soon and I'm going to give $5 for the tip on a $60 bill.

 

[it's kelly]

I don't tip anyone 20% except for food servers (although reluctantly). I think tips should only be given when someone goes above and beyond their normal duties, not as an expected part of their salaries. But, that is beside the point.

I guess I am a cheapskate because I will only give a $2-$5 tip for a hairdresser. What ever amount you decide to tip, you do not tip on product purchases, only service.

As a hairstylist, tips are greatly appreciated. My base salary is much lower then someone who doesn't receive tips and I rely on tips as most of my pay.

That said, no need to include products on the tip.

 

[mistysue]

I ran a salon for a few years, people generally tipped in increments of $5- the exception being for a cut only. Men tended to tip either $2 or $5 (13/33%) while women would tip $5 or $10 (20/40%) for a cut. Once you added color or perm, it seemed like they were mostly $15/$20 (18/25%) So the 20% people are mentioning sounds about normal for a small sort of run down town.

If you believe you shouldn't tip an owner, you also shouldn't tip somebody who isn't an actual employee of the salon. When you got a stylist who rents their booth they are running their own business and usually even setting their own prices. That person who only washes your hair, they are usually paid under the table by the stylist and paid less than minimum wage.

Then again, the average cosmetologist stays in the field something like 2 years- most don't make much money if that information means anything to do. I was looking into my competition once and at Borics they actually gave out forms to apply for gov. assistance with a job application. Somebody had a sense of humor at that location, but it was sort of sad that it would even be a thought.