Do You Tip an Esthetician and How Much?

Written by Jim Belt in How Much To Tip

You just had a skin treatment and are wondering about tipping your esthetician. We'll help you figure out if you should tip and how much is right. This article gives you the clear answers you need.

It is customary to tip an esthetician 15% to 20% of the service cost. This range is a standard guideline reflecting satisfaction with facial, waxing, or other skincare services provided. For exceptional service, some clients may choose to tip above the standard percentage.

Tipping Customs

Tippping is customary

Summary

  • People typically tip estheticians 15-20% of the cost of the service.
  • It's good to tip estheticians at spas, nail salons, and hair salons, but not doctors and nurses.
  • Estheticians rely on tips as part of their income, so it's polite to tip them.

Do You Have to Tip Esthetician and How Much?

When you receive a service from an esthetician, it's common to question whether to tip and the appropriate amount for the gratuity.

What Do Other People Typically Tip?

Typically, people find it appropriate to tip estheticians in the range of 15% to 20% for services rendered. This is similar to tipping for other beauty and spa-related services. Specifically for aesthetic treatments, here's a quick reference on typical tipping practices:

The decision to tip can also be influenced by the type of establishment and the relationship you have with your esthetician.

Other Things You Could Do or Give

While cash tips are traditional, other forms of appreciation can also be meaningful. If you're short on cash or prefer a cashless method, consider these alternatives:

Remember, tipping is ultimately about expressing your gratitude for the service provided.

When to Tip

When you receive services from an esthetician, navigating the tipping culture can be simple with the right guidelines. Typically, it’s customary to tip an esthetician just as you would in other service-based industries. Here’s when it’s appropriate to leave a gratitude gesture:

For other scenarios, consider these points:

Valet: After retrieving your car from a valet service upon leaving the spa, $2-$5 is a common tip.

Bar or Restaurant: For any beverages or meals you may enjoy at an on-site establishment, a 15-20% tip on the bill mirrors standard practices.

Remember, while tipping is a sign of gratitude for the service provided, it's always at your discretion based on the quality of experience you've received.

When Not to Tip

In the realm of professional services, you may encounter situations where tipping is not customary or even allowed. This holds particularly true for the healthcare sector, where medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and physicians typically do not expect gratuities for their services.

When receiving services from healthcare professionals, including aesthetic treatments from a doctor or a nurse at a medical office or clinic, you're not expected to leave a tip. Here are some specific guidelines:

Service Provider Tip Expected?
Doctor/Physician No
Nurse No
Plastic Surgeon No
Dermatologist No

Remember, the primary goal for these professionals is your health and safety, and they are compensated through fees for their services rather than tips. However, if you receive a service in a spa-like setting where aesthetics are the main focus, it may be appropriate to tip, reflecting your satisfaction with personal care services as discussed in Tipping in the Health and Wellness Sector.

Checking the policy of the establishment can also be useful; some places have clear guidance on whether tips are accepted. If there is no stated policy and you’re unsure, it’s perfectly acceptable to discreetly ask.

What Estheticians Expect Themselves

When considering a tip for your esthetician, understanding their income and reliance on tips can influence your decision.

What Do They Make?

Estheticians in the beauty industry often receive an hourly wage that reflects their professional skill level and the location of their practice. However, many estheticians also earn income through various forms of commission.

Their pay structure may also include performance-based commission, rewarding them for attracting and retaining clients.

Are They Dependant on Tips?

Estheticians do factor in tips as part of their overall earnings. Here is a closer look:

For you as a client, tipping is a way to express satisfaction with the service received and helps support the esthetician's livelihood.

Unique Tipping Circumstances

When it comes to tipping your esthetician, there are moments that call for extra consideration. These include holidays, peak times, and special events which may warrant a different approach to showing your gratitude.

Tipping During Holidays, Peak Times, or Special Events

During holiday seasons or special events, you might consider tipping your esthetician more than usual. It's a way to show appreciation for their work at a time when they are often busier and may be going the extra mile to accommodate clients.

Remember, tipping is discretionary, but these circumstances often call for a bit more generosity to show your esthetician that you value their hard work and dedication, especially during these busy and important times.

Published: 08-12-2023