It’s common in any service industry to say, “Tipping is not a city in China!” Gratuity is a very large part of the income for a barber or stylist. It also shows that you value this person’s service and the relationship between the two of you.
Much like a restaurant server who has regular customers, a barber orstylistmay often perform at a higher level for clients who tip well. But what are the customary rules for how much to tip your barber or stylist?
Generally speaking, for good service, you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the entire bill. Tip more for exceptional service or less for what you consider to be inadequate service.
Tipping is your way of saying “job well done,” so tip more if the person performing the service has gone above and beyond what is expected. If you don’t feel like you can tip well, it may be time tofire your barber or stylist, but if you like them and enjoy their service, tip as much as you can afford.
If someone works on you other than your barber or stylist (such as a shampoo person or shoe-shine person), give them a few dollars as well.
Tipping During the Holidays
During theholidays, it is generally acceptable to tip the normal cost of a visit. For example, if you normally pay $30 for a haircut, then you should tip them $30 before the holiday. It’s a nice way to say “thank you” for a year’s worth of great hair.
If you have a close relationship with your barber or stylist, you might also include a small personal gift that reflects his or her interests as well as a monetary gift.
When to Tip More
While it’s a subjective judgment, good service is when the barber or stylist listens carefully, has a pleasant attitude, and takes the amount of time necessary to give a great cut.
An exceptional barber or stylist will be engaging, entertaining, quick to offer suggestions on how to better wear your hair, and keep an immaculate work area. Tip more for exceptional service.
When to Tip Less
Barbers and stylists should receive less gratuity if their area is not clean, if they don’t listen well, or they rush through your haircut. Also, if they talk on the phone while performing your service, that’s simply rude and cause for less of a tip.
Of course, a bad haircut should also result in a lower tip. That said, if your barber or stylist is guilty of any of these offenses, find a new person to cut your hair.
Tipping the Owner
For many years, it was considered inappropriate totip the owner of a shop or salonwho also styled and cut your hair. But it’s done more and more, and most owners say that while they don’t expect tips, they always appreciate them. If you’d like to leave a tip for the owner but aren’t sure you should, take your cue from the receptionist when you pay your bill. If she asks if you’d like to leave a tip, that’s a signal that you may.
Why Tipping Really Matters
When you tip your barber or stylist well, it does not go unnoticed. It speaks volumes about how you appreciate their work.
Barbers know who theirgreat tippers are and will almost always go the extra mile to make sure customers know they’re appreciated. And tips just don’t have to be about money. Bring your stylist lunch or a coffee at your next appointment.
FAQs
There is no set rule on how much to tip your barber or stylist, but a good rule of thumb is to tip 15-20% of the service fee. This will generally cover the barber or stylist's expenses, such as rent, wages, and insurance.
How much do you tip an expensive barber? ›
The recommended tipping standard for barbers is 15-20% of the total cost of the haircut. This means that if your cut costs $40, you should tip between $6-$8. Of course, tipping is always at your discretion. Feel free to tip more or less, depending on those considerations above.
Is $10 a good tip for a hair stylist? ›
“$10 to $20 is generous,” Rivera said. “Most people will do $5.” Others said people should leave a similar tip to what they would leave at a restaurant. “I would say around 20% is fine,” said Adam Quintero, owner of Up Hair in the Castro.
Is $5 a good tip on a $25 haircut? ›
So whether you get a basic trim, a blowout, or a major color change (like the super-trendy blue hair you've been saving on IG), 20 percent is a rule of thumb. Here's a simple guide if quick math also isn't your strong suit: $25 service = $5 tip. $50 service = $10 tip.
How much do you tip for a $30 haircut? ›
With a haircut, you can't go wrong with the standard 15% - 20%. For example, if your haircut comes out to $40 and you're happy with the results, a 20% tip ($8) is a great way to say, "thank you".
Is $5 a good tip for a barber? ›
However, standard tips for hairstylists and barbers typically range from $5 to $20. It is always a good idea to tip more if the service was exceptional and the price of the service was reasonable. Likewise, if the service was poor or the price was high, it is customary to tip less.
What is a good tip for a $100 haircut? ›
Remember the golden rule: "You should tip 20% on the entire service cost, not per individual," says Schweitzer. So if your haircut and blow-dry cost $40 total, and your color was $60, your total service cost comes to $100. That means you should tip $20 divided between the colorist and stylist.
How much to tip a barber in 2024? ›
In the US, tipping expectations for barbers suggest a guideline of 15-20% as a show of appreciation for the services rendered.
Is $10 a good tip for a men's haircut? ›
Generally speaking, for good service, you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the entire bill.
Is $50 a good tip for hair stylist? ›
20 percent to 25 percent:
20 percent is the most common tipping percentage in the hair industry. Tipping anywhere from 20 to 25 percent is a great range for anyone who is a salon regular or just received a haircut they love. Tipping properly is a great way to strengthen the relationship with your stylist.
In many places, $30 could be considered a reasonable price for a basic haircut. However, in upscale hair salons or in certain cities, $30 might be considered cheap. It's best to research local prices to understand what is considered standard in your specific area.
Do you tip your barber if he owns the shop? ›
While tipping the owner was not always expected in the past, it's becoming more acceptable to tip the owner the same 15-20% as you would a regular barber. Ultimately, tipping ensures your barber receives fair compensation and can lead to better service in the future.
Do you tip at supercuts? ›
You can add gratuity or tip your stylist in cash if desired just as you typically have for non-subscription services. What services are included in my subscription? The Supercuts Unlimited subscription is valid for haircut services only.
Do you tip on expensive haircuts? ›
"The amount to tip can vary, but a common guideline is 15% to 20% of the total service cost. Clients should take into account the quality of service, the hairstylist's expertise and the overall experience when deciding the tip amount," Jarvis says. Mac and Renegar also say tips of 20% are customary.
Is 15% tip OK for haircut? ›
FAQ about tipping your hairdresser
According to Consumer Reports, you should tip at least 15% of the service fee, even if the service wasn't the best.
How do you calculate tip for haircuts? ›
Most of these experts suggest leaving 15% to 20%, depending on the service and your satisfaction. Going with 20% is nice for the stylist and you because that math is pretty simple. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.
How much do you tip for a $200 hairstyle? ›
How Much to Tip Hairdresser or Barber: Standard Gratuity
| Total Bill | Industry Standard: 20% | Above and Beyond Service or Holiday Tip: 25% |
|---|
| $100 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
| $250 | $50.00 | $62.50 |
3 more rowsMar 14, 2024
With a 20% tip on a $300 Bill, that's 60 extra dollars. That's a lot to expect out of someone, so the next time you think they're stiffing you, just remember that.
How much to tip for $600 hair? ›
The tipping standard is usually 20%.
How much do you tip for a $45 haircut? ›
Tip Chart Example:
| Service Cost | 15% Tip | 20% Tip |
|---|
| $35 | $5.25 | $7.00 |
| $45 | $6.75 | $9.00 |
| $80 | $12.00 | $16.00 |
Aug 27, 2024
