How Much To Tip For Haircut And Color?
Tip 15-20% of the total cost of services, increasing to 25% for exceptional results.
Why Is Tipping Important at a Hair Salon?
Tipping for haircuts and color services is essential to hair salon etiquette. Beyond showing appreciation, tipping contributes significantly to your stylist’s income and reinforces high-quality service. In this guide, we’ll explore how much to tip for various hair services, demystifying the norms so you can confidently tip.
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Key Takeaways
- The standard tip for hair services is 15-20% of the total cost.
- For exceptional service, consider tipping up to 25%.
- Tip based on the original price, even if you use discounts or coupons.
- Cash tips are often preferred for immediate impact.
- During holidays, add 10% to your usual tip as a kind gesture.
How Much Should You Tip Your Hairdresser?
Tipping norms can vary, but experts generally recommend 15-20% of the total cost of service.
For straightforward services like haircuts, a 15% tip suffices, while more intricate services like balayage or chemical treatments warrant 20% or more. Here’s a quick guide:
| Service Type | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Haircut ($50) | $7.50 - $10 |
| Hair Color ($100) | $15 - $25 |
| Highlights ($150) | $22.50 - $37.50 |
Pro Tip: Always bring cash to salons, as some do not allow tips on credit cards.
Tipping Etiquette for Hair Color Services: Highlights, Balayage, and More
When it comes to tipping for hair color services, it’s important to recognize the effort and expertise involved in transforming your hair. Different types of coloring treatments vary in complexity and time investment, which can influence how much you should tip.
- Highlights and Low-Lights: These services typically require precision and can take several hours. A standard tip of 20% is recommended, but if your stylist delivers outstanding results, consider tipping closer to 25%.
- Balayage or Ombre: These intricate techniques often take longer than traditional highlights, sometimes spanning 3-5 hours. Tipping 20-25% is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for the stylist’s time and skill.
- Corrective Color: Fixing a color mishap demands advanced skills and often requires multiple sessions. Tipping on the higher end, around 25%, acknowledges the stylist’s effort to restore your hair’s beauty.
Multi-Hour or Complex Treatments
For lengthy appointments, tipping generously reflects not only the time spent but also the expertise required. A holiday bonus tip or a small gift (like a coffee or snack) during a particularly long session can further enhance the stylist-client relationship.
Should You Tip on Discounted Hair Services or Gift Cards?
One common tipping question revolves around discounts and gift cards. Here’s why tipping based on the original service price is considered best practice:
- Why Original Price Matters: A discount doesn’t reduce the effort or skill required to perform the service. Your stylist dedicates the same amount of time and expertise regardless of the final price you pay. For instance, if your $200 balayage is discounted to $150, your tip should be calculated on the original $200.
- Gift Card Scenarios: When using a gift card, the stylist still provides the service in full, and their earnings rely on tips. Always tip based on the full value of the service, not what you paid for the gift card.
Addressing Misconceptions
- “I’m already paying less, so I can tip less.” This mindset overlooks the fact that tipping reflects the quality of service, not the discounted cost.
- “The stylist agreed to the discount, so they don’t need a full tip.” Discounts are often marketing strategies or client retention tools that don’t affect the stylist’s hard work.
Cash vs. Card: The Best Way to Tip Your Hairstylist
When it comes to tipping, cash is often the most appreciated method. Here’s why:
- Immediate Impact: Cash tips go directly to the stylist without delay or processing fees.
- Privacy: Cash tips are discreet and avoid potential tax deductions that might occur with electronic tipping systems.
- Salon Policies: Some salons don’t allow tips on credit cards, making cash the easiest way to ensure your stylist receives their full tip.
Alternatives If Cash Isn’t an Option
- Venmo or PayPal: Many stylists accept digital payments for tips if you can’t carry cash. Ask beforehand about their preferred platform.
- Prepaid Cash Tips: Bring smaller denominations to your appointment so you’re prepared to tip multiple team members (e.g., assistants).
- Gift Cards or Tokens of Appreciation: While not as ideal as cash, a thoughtful gift card to a coffee shop or local store can show gratitude if tipping cash isn’t possible.
Is It Appropriate to Tip Based on the Service Price?
Absolutely! Service pricing reflects the complexity and expertise required. A general guideline:
- $100 service: Tip $15-$20.
- $200 service: Tip $30-$50.
Holiday Tipping Etiquette
The holiday’s is an excellent time to show extra appreciation. Adding 10% to your standard tip or gifting a small present (like a scented candle) shows gratitude for year-round service.
When is it okay to not leave a tip?
While tipping is generally expected, there are exceptions:
- Salons with a no-tipping policy
- When purchasing salon products
However, leaving a small tip is polite even if the service isn’t stellar.
Tipping Salon Owners and Assistants
- Salon Owners: While tipping owners isn’t mandatory, it’s a thoughtful gesture if they directly work on your hair.
- Assistants: These team members often earn minimum wage. Tipping $5-$10 for services like shampooing or blow-drying is appreciated.
Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation
If tipping isn’t an option, here are other ways to express gratitude:
- Leave a glowing online review.
- Refer friends and family.
- Gift small tokens of appreciation like handwritten thank-you notes.
Final Opinion
Tipping is a vital part of salon etiquette that goes beyond social norms to recognize your stylist’s skill, effort, and artistry.
Whether it’s a simple haircut, a transformative balayage, or a discounted service, tipping generously and thoughtfully strengthens the relationship between you and your stylist while supporting their craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip my hairstylist for a haircut and color?
It is recommended to tip your hairstylist 15-20% of the total service cost, including both the haircut and color.
Is it customary to tip when getting a shampoo and style at the hair salon?
Yes, it is customary to tip your hairstylist when receiving services such as a shampoo and style at the hair salon.
What is the best way to tip my hairstylist - in cash or through card?
Tipping your hairstylist in cash is generally preferred, ensuring they receive the tip directly and immediately.
How much should I afford to tip if I am happy with the service my hair stylist provides?
If you are satisfied with the excellent service, it is a good practice to tip around 15-20% of the total bill to show appreciation.
Is there an exact percentage guideline on how much you should tip your hairdresser?
While there is no strict rule, tipping hairstylists 15-20% is considered a standard practice in the industry.
Should I leave a holiday tip for a service at the hair salon?
Giving a holiday tip to your hairstylist during the holiday season is a nice gesture to show how much you appreciate their work.
What is the appropriate way to tip for a blowout at the hair salon?
When receiving services like a blowout, you must tip your hairstylist 15-20% of the service cost.
Scott Farmer
Master Hair Stylist
Scott Farmer is a master colorist and stylist with over 30 years of experience. He is driven by a passion for transforming hair into personalized works of art.
Trained by top global brands like Toni & Guy and Redken, Scott has built a reputation for his advanced color techniques, including balayage and color melting, and his tailored approach to each client’s unique style.
As a salon owner and educator, Scott brings expertise, creativity, and a commitment to enhancing natural beauty, ensuring each visit is a journey toward renewed confidence and style.
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Scott Farmer Hair Salon in Venice, FL offers expert haircuts, vibrant color, and balayage in a private suite. Over 30 years of experience delivering personalized, confidence-boosting styles.