Do You Tip Hairdressers and How Much? Use Our Calculator!

Written by Jim Belt in Hair

You just got your hair done and want to know if you should tip. And if so, how much? This article explains if and how much you should tip your hairdresser. It includes a calculator tool to easily determine the right tip amount based on your hair service total.

A hairdresser tip calculator helps you determine the appropriate gratuity for your hair service. Typically, you should tip 15-20% of the service cost. For example, on a $200 service, the calculator would suggest a tip between $30 and $40.

Tipping Customs

Tipping not customary

Summary

  • A hairdresser tip calculator simplifies deciding how much to tip based on the service cost and quality.
  • The calculator considers various factors, including salon extras and exceptional service.
  • This tool aids in balancing appreciation for your hairdresser with your budget constraints.

Understanding Tipping Etiquette

When visiting a hair salon, knowing the appropriate tipping amount can enhance your experience and show appreciation for the stylist's work. Here's what you should consider.

Standard Tip Rates

The industry standard for tipping hairdressers is generally set between 15% to 20% of the total bill. This range is considered a gesture of satisfaction with the service provided.

Tip Amount for Various Services

The cost of different hair services can vary, but the tipping principle remains the same. Here's how to calculate your gratuity:

Service Cost 15% Tip 20% Tip
$50 $7.50 $10.00
$100 $15.00 $20.00
$200 $30.00 $40.00

Hairdresser Tipping Cheat Sheet

Keep these quick tips in mind for a stress-free salon visit:

How to Use a Hairdresser Tip Calculator

Using a hairdresser tip calculator helps ensure that you’re tipping your stylist appropriately based on the bill for the services provided. It simplifies the process of determining the tip amount and calculating the total you will pay.

Entering the Bill Amount

To start, input the bill amount into the calculator. This is the total cost of the hairdressing services before a tip is added. It's important to double-check that the amount entered is accurate to calculate the tip correctly.

Selecting the Tip Percentage

Next, select the tip percentage you wish to give. Common tip percentages for hairdressing services range from 15 to 20%. However, you can adjust this based on the level of satisfaction with the service.

Calculating the Total Amount

Finally, press the calculate button to have the total amount calculated for you. The tip calculator will then display the tip amount and the total amount due, which includes both the original bill amount and the tip. This allows you to understand the full sum of money that you will be paying for the services received.

Remember, a good hairdresser tip calculator factors in the essential components such as the bill amount, and desired tip percentage to instantly provide the tip and total amount. This tool takes the guesswork out of tipping, making the process transparent and straightforward.

Factors Influencing Your Tip

When deciding how much to tip your hairdresser, consider these specific elements that directly impact the gratuity you might choose to leave.

Service Complexity

Level of Personalization

Hairdresser Expertise

Remember that the service cost is a baseline, and your tip should reflect both the quality and the intricacy of your salon experience, from simple cuts to elaborate hair coloring and styling.

Tipping on Salon Extras

When you're at the salon, it's not just the haircut you need to consider when tipping; salon extras like deep conditioning, color treatments, and styling can also warrant additional gratuities to your hairdresser or colorist.

Shampoo and Conditioning

If you receive a luxurious shampoo and conditioning treatment, a typical tip would be an additional $1-$5 on top of the standard tip for your main service. The exact amount can vary depending on the length of your treatment and the level of personal attention provided.

Color Treatments

For color services, which can greatly vary in complexity and duration, tipping your colorist 15-20% of the cost of the color service is a common practice. If multiple colorists are involved, consider dividing the tip proportionally.

Please note, if a color correction is needed and a significant amount of extra time is spent, it's considerate to tip towards the higher end of the scale.

Styling and Blow-Dry

After your cut and color, a styling or blow-dry service provides the finishing touch. Tipping 15-20% of the styling or blow-dry service cost reflects your appreciation for your stylist's work, especially if it elevates your overall look.

Endeavor to be generous yet reasonable, showing gratitude for your hairdresser's time, skill, and dedication to your satisfaction.

Showing Appreciation for Exceptional Service

When you receive stellar service from your hairdresser, showing appreciation through a tip is customary. While the typical tip is around 15-20%, there are instances where you might be inclined to give more.

Giving Above Standard Tip

Average Service:

Exceptional Service:

If your hairstylist has gone above and beyond, a tip calculator for hairdressers can help you determine an above-average tip. Extra attention to detail, custom hair advice, or skillful execution of a complex hairstyle may warrant this gesture of gratitude.

Special Occasions and Holidays

During holidays or special occasions, a larger tip is a warm gesture to express your appreciation. Here's a guideline:

Personal Thank You Notes

A personal note paired with your tip can make a significant impact. Consider these points:

In the realm of hair care, a simple "thank you" paired with an appropriate tip amount can go a long way in showing your hairdresser they are valued for their dedication and artistry.

Tips on Tipping: Payment Methods

When you visit your hairdresser, you have several options for how to tip them. Understanding the nuances of each payment method can help ensure your tip is received in the way you intend.

Cash vs. Card Tips

Cash tips are straightforward and often preferred by hairdressers because they're immediate and tangible. You can simply hand the cash over after your service.

Discounts and Vouchers

If you're paying for your service with a discount or voucher, consider tipping on the full amount of the service rather than the discounted rate. This gesture acknowledges the stylist's full effort.

Tip Splitting Among Staff

Sometimes, more than one person may be involved in delivering your service. Here’s how you can handle tips in this scenario:

Remember, whether you tip your hairdresser with cash or card, or if you’re using discounts and vouchers, always tip based on the quality and full price of the service, and consider all staff involved.

Common Tipping Questions Answered

When visiting a salon, knowing the expected tipping etiquette can make the experience smoother for both you and your stylist. Here's what you need to know.

Should You Tip the Salon Owner?

Yes, you should consider tipping the salon owner, particularly if they personally handled your service. While it's a common myth that you shouldn't tip the owner, the reality is that salon owners appreciate recognition for their work, just like any other stylist.

What If You Received a Discount?

If your service was discounted, it's still courteous to tip based on the original price of the treatment. This is because your stylist provided the same level of service as they would for a full-price treatment.

How to Handle a Bad Haircut

A bad haircut can be disappointing, but if you choose to tip, it should reflect the service and effort given by the stylist. If the stylist or salon manager offers to fix the cut at no extra cost, a tip is still a polite gesture for their time addressing your concerns.

Tailoring Your Tip to Your Hairdresser Budget

When it comes to tipping your hairdresser, it's essential to balance generosity with your personal budget. To do so effectively, consider your regular expenses and financial planning before determining the tip amount that aligns with your capability to spend.

Remember that while tipping is a gesture of appreciation, it should not cause you financial strain. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford, and follow these guidelines:

Service Cost Tip (15%) Tip (20%)
$30 $4.50 $6
$50 $7.50 $10
$70 $10.50 $14

The above table can help you quickly calculate a tip that's suitable for your situation.

Your hairdresser provides you with a valuable service; however, your financial comfort should always be a priority. Establish a tip amount that's both considerate to the stylist's efforts and manageable for your budget.

Published: 27-12-2023

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