Walking out of a hair salon with a fresh cut and color can feel amazing. But that feeling is often followed by a moment of quiet panic at the front desk. The question hangs in the air: how much do I tip? You want to show your appreciation for the stylist’s skill and time, but the rules aren’t always clear. Navigating salon tipping doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple guidelines, you can handle the transaction with confidence and ensure your stylist feels valued for their hard work.
The Standard Tipping Amount for Stylists
For most salon services, a good rule of thumb is to tip between 15% and 20% of the total service cost. If your stylist provided exceptional service, nailed a complicated color, or you’re a regular client, leaning toward 20% or even 25% is a wonderful way to show your gratitude. This percentage is calculated on the pre-tax total of the services they personally performed.
What About the Salon Assistants?
It’s not just your main stylist who contributes to your great hair day. Often, an assistant shampoos your hair or applies treatments. For these helpful team members, a tip of $5 to $10 is a thoughtful gesture. If an assistant did a significant portion of the work, like applying a single-process color, you might consider a slightly higher amount.
Handling Complicated Salon Visits
What if multiple stylists worked on your hair? If a colorist and a cutter are different people, it’s standard practice to tip each one separately. A common approach is to tip each specialist 15-20% based on the cost of their specific service. When the salon owner does your hair, the etiquette can feel fuzzy. While it was once considered unnecessary to tip an owner, it is now widely accepted and appreciated to tip them just as you would any other stylist.
When a Cash Tip is Best
While tipping on a card is convenient, leaving a cash tip directly to your stylist has its benefits. It ensures they receive the full amount immediately, without any potential delay from salon tip-pooling systems. A handwritten thank-you note with the cash can also make the gesture feel even more personal and meaningful.
At its heart, tipping at a hair salon is about acknowledging the artistry and effort that went into making you look and feel your best. Using these guidelines as a starting point, you can focus on enjoying your new style, knowing you’ve supported the professionals who helped you achieve it.