You’ve just spent hours in the salon chair, and the final reveal is perfect. Your hair colorist has worked their magic, and you feel like a new person. But as you head to the front desk, that familiar question pops into your head: how much should I tip for this incredible service? It’s a common moment of uncertainty, but a little guidance can make it easy to show your appreciation appropriately.
Tipping your colorist is a direct way to thank them for their skill, time, and the artistic touch they bring to your look. It’s not just about the final color; it’s about acknowledging their expertise and the personal care they provide. Let’s break down the standard expectations so you can feel confident at your next appointment.
The Standard Tipping Rate for Your Colorist
A good rule of thumb is to tip between 15% to 20% of the total service cost. If your colorist is the salon owner, the etiquette can sometimes be different, as they set their own prices. However, tipping an owner is still a gracious and common practice if you’re happy with the result. For an exceptional experience where your colorist has gone above and beyond—perhaps with a complex color correction or a particularly detailed technique—consider tipping 25% or more.
When Your Service Involves Multiple People
It’s not uncommon to have an assistant help with rinsing, applying toners, or blow-drying your hair. In these cases, it’s a kind gesture to tip the assistant separately. A tip of $5 to $10 is standard, depending on how much they assisted. Your main tip should always go directly to your colorist for their primary work.
Handling Tipping on Complicated Services
For services like balayage or a major color transformation that takes many hours and significant skill, leaning toward the higher end of the tipping scale (20% or more) is a wonderful way to acknowledge the extra effort. If you’re on a tight budget, remember that even a slightly lower percentage on a very large bill is still a substantial amount. The key is to communicate your appreciation, both verbally and financially, for their artistry.
Easy Ways to Calculate Your Tip
To make the math simple, you can calculate 20% by moving the decimal point of your total bill one place to the left and then doubling that number. For example, on a $200 service, moving the decimal gives you $20. Doubling it gets you to a $40 tip. Most salon credit card systems will also offer a tipping option, making the process seamless.
At the end of the day, tipping is a personal way to say “thank you” for a job well done. It strengthens your relationship with your colorist and ensures they feel valued for the craft they’ve honed. A generous tip, paired with a sincere compliment, is the perfect finish to a great salon day.