Hairstylists Share 10 Things They Wish You Knew About Tipping

If you’ve ever felt anxious or uncertain about how much to tip when you get your hair done, you’re not alone. Whether you’re worried about under-tipping or if you tipped the right person, we know it can get confusing.

It can be tough to get ahead financially when you’re unsure of these social expectations. But the next time you go to check out with your new look, you’ll know exactly how much to give.

Here are 10 common questions about tipping at the salon and what hairstylists wish you knew about them.

According to most hairdressers, the average tips are between 10% to 25% for the total service.

Julia North, a former hairstylist and salon owner in Jacksonville, Florida, says that some customers can tip even more than that.

“The industry standard is 15-20% of your total bill,” North said. “However, I always emphasize that exceptional service deserves exceptional recognition. Not to mention, stylists usually form a relationship with their clients, so it's not uncommon to see tips of 30% in some cases.”

Depending on the style and cut of the appointment, there can be exceptions to the 20% standard rule.

Former salon owner and beauty industry expert Dawna Jarvis says clients should understand what they’re paying for when determining how much to tip.

“It depends on the service,” Jarvis said. “For example, hair extensions are a high-ticket service where the total can be as high as $3,000. It’s important to decipher what part of that price is the service (like installation) versus the cost of the hair. You shouldn’t be tipping on the cost of the hair, that’s like tipping on a retail purchase.”

Some hairstylists like Alyson Taylor, owner of Trinity Hair Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, understand that tipping the full 20% isn’t always possible.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Taylor said. “Times are tough for some people, and I appreciate their business either way!”

While the salon owner might not always be on the floor serving clients, when they do, it’s expected to tip them just the same.

“This is a question I used to be asked by clients all the time,” North said. “While traditionally owners aren't tipped, the industry has evolved. If your salon owner is providing the same hands-on service as other stylists, they should be tipped accordingly.”

Mistakes and miscommunications happen, but it’s important to communicate with the stylist first rather than opting out of tipping altogether.

“If you're seriously unhappy, speak up immediately so the stylist can correct the issue before it's too late, especially when undergoing a big chop,” North said. “A reduced tip of 10% acknowledges their time while signaling your dissatisfaction. However, complete withholding of tips should be reserved for completely egregious situations.”

When it comes to services that take a few trips to the salon, it’s customary for the client to tip each time.

“I still recommend tipping for each service, even if it takes multiple appointments,” Jarvis said. “For example, if you’re having a color correction that takes three sessions, tip 20% at each appointment. And if it’s a complex appointment or color correction and you absolutely love it, I would consider tipping even more.”

North echoes this and wants customers to know they don’t need to worry about tipping on the total package price upfront. “Tip for each visit based on the service provided that day,” she said.

What happens when several people work on your hair throughout your appointment? Darrius Peace owns Hayah Beauty, a salon in Birmingham, Alabama. He recommends tipping each person separately.

“If multiple people are working on the service, it is best to tip each person individually by splitting the original tip for the total service cost,” Peace said.

North says the front desk can help customers split tips: “I recommend asking at the front desk to split your tip between providers. Generally, allocate 10-15% to assistants who shampoo or assist, and 15-20% to your main stylist,” she said.

Yes, you should tip an assistant. The standard is typically anywhere from $5 to $10 if they are shampooing your hair.

“They're often training to become stylists and rely on these tips as they're not paid a full salary,” North explained.

According to the hairstylists themselves, either option is acceptable. Both go to the stylist, but cash is a bit quicker.

“While cash is always appreciated and goes directly to the stylist, tipping on cards is perfectly acceptable in today's digital world,” North said. “Most salons have systems to distribute credit card tips fairly — it's easier to sort taxes and filings when being paid by card also.”

While no one will bat an eye if you tip by card, Peace also highlights just how much cash tips are appreciated. “Many hairstylists prefer cash tips over card tips,” he said. “Cash tips are less likely to be taxed by the government, and it's extra cash until payday.

Hairstylists do depend on customer tips. According to North, most hairdressers rely on them because they tend to have to pay the salon owners for their chair time.

“This means that a significant part of hairdressers' actual take-home pay comes from tips,” North explained.

Dina Mari, a hairdresser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, says clients don’t always get the importance of tips.

“Some of them probably don’t even realize how dependent we are on their tips to pay bills,” Mari said.

While skipping a tip should be few and far between, there can be a few exceptions for a no-tip service.

“Tipping a hairstylist is a choice,” Peace said. “It is not mandatory. If you are satisfied with the service received from your hairstylist, then tipping is appropriate. If your service is subpar, then tipping may not be necessary.”

While hairdressers do appreciate the extra cash, some are understanding of life difficulties and financial issues.

“I understand tipping is optional, and I do appreciate every client who sits in my chair and receives a service from me,” Mari said. “I’ve had a client since 2017 who lost a part-time job and sometimes tips me, sometimes doesn’t, but I still appreciate her business and loyalty.”

In today’s economy, it is still important to tip your hairdressers. Remember: your stylist likely relies on tips for their wages. Tipping appropriately can help them to lower their own financial stress.

While the industry standard sits around 20% of your service charge, there are some exceptions to this rule — both tipping more for exceptional service and less for something unsatisfactory, on a case-by-case basis.

By following these hairdressers and their advice, you can be a little less worried about what to do when it’s time for payment.