You’re at the front desk, hair looking amazing, feeling like a million bucks. And then… the moment of dread. The receptionist flips that little screen around. The tipping options flash before your eyes, starting at a cool 20%. Suddenly, your brain is doing panicked math. Did the toner count as an extra service? How much for the person who washed your hair? Was it $5? Or 10%? You just don’t want to get it wrong.
Let’s just say it: salon tipping is weirdly stressful. It feels like a high-stakes, unspoken test that nobody gave you the rules for. You don’t want to be cheap. You also don’t want to overpay. The “rules” seem to be constantly shifting. It’s time to clear up the confusion, for good. Here is a simple, no-stress, no-sweat guide to salon tipping.
Why Is This So Complicated Anyway?
The anxiety is real, and it’s not your fault. The confusion is rampant for a few key reasons. First, salon prices have risen *sharply*. A 20% tip on a $400 balayage service feels dramatically different from 20% on an $80 haircut. Second, the service structure is unlike most other industries. You’re often juggled between multiple people—your main stylist, an assistant who mixed the color, and a shampoo tech. Who gets what? And finally, many stylists are now independent contractors just renting a booth, which makes people wonder, “Do I still tip if they own the business?” (Spoiler: Yes. Yes, you do.)
The Simple, Standard, No-Fail Rule: 20 Percent
Okay, let’s cut through the noise. The standard widely accepted tip for a good salon service is 20%. In the modern service world, 20% is essentially the new 15%. This percentage should be calculated based on the *total, pre-tax price* of your services. It’s a simple, reliable number that ensures you are showing proper appreciation for a skilled professional.
Is 15% ever okay? Sure, but it’s now considered the bare minimum. A 15% tip signals that the service was just… fine. Not great, not terrible, just fine. Tipping below that is a clear, intentional message that you were unhappy. On the flip side, tipping 25% or more is for those times when your stylist truly went above and beyond, creating magic or squeezing you in at the last minute.
What About the Assistant or Shampoo Tech?
This is where most of us stumble. Do you tip them separately? The standard, and kindest, etiquette is *yes*. The person who gives you that amazing scalp massage and washes your hair is often an apprentice or assistant. They are likely paid minimum wage (or close to it) and are almost certainly *not* included in the main tip you leave for your stylist.
A good rule of thumb is to tip them $5 to $10 in cash. Handing it to them directly with a “thank you” is a wonderful gesture. If you’re like me and never have cash, you can ask the receptionist to add a separate tip for the assistant to your credit card bill. Just make sure to specify.
The Old Rule That’s Dead: Tipping the Salon Owner
You might have heard this one: “You don’t need to tip the owner of the salon.” This rule is ancient, outdated, and officially dead. The old logic was that since the owner sets the prices and keeps all the profit, a tip wasn’t necessary. This no longer applies.
Today, most salon owners are also working stylists. They stand behind the chair all day, just like their employees. They face the same rising costs for products and rent. If the owner of the salon performed your service, you should absolutely tip them. And you tip them the same standard 20% you would give any other talented stylist.
The Coupon Question: What If I Got a Discount?
This is a critical, non-negotiable rule of good tipping. You *always* tip on the *original, full price* of the service, *before* the discount. Your stylist performed the full $400 balayage service; their skill and time aren’t discounted just because you had a 25% off coupon. They did the full amount of work, so they deserve the full tip. Period.
Help! What If I Go Back for a “Fix”?
This is a tricky one. Let’s say you get home and realize your color is a little brassy. You call, and the stylist graciously has you come back for a free toner. Should you tip? Yes, you absolutely should. They are spending *additional* time on you (often unpaid). They are using *more* products. While you don’t need to re-tip on the entire original service, a gesture is required. Tipping 20% of the *cost of the fix* (i.e., what a toner service would normally cost) or a flat $20-$30 is a classy way to show you appreciate their time and commitment to getting it right.
When in Doubt, 20% Is the Answer
Look, tipping isn’t just some arbitrary fee. It’s a vital, and expected, part of your stylist’s income. They are licensed professionals who often pay for their own tools (those shears are *expensive*), rent, and continuing education. When you sit in that chair, you’re paying for years of expertise. That 20% tip is the standard, respectful way to say “thank you” for a job well done. So, next time you see that screen, you can tap “20%” with total confidence. No sweat.
What are your thoughts on salon tipping? Does it stress you out? Share your take in the comments.
What to Read Next…
- Waitstaff Say These 8 Tipping Habits Are the Rudest
- 10 Outdated Habits That Are Quietly Costing Boomers Thousands
- 9 Passive-Aggressive Things Waiters Do When They Can’t Stand a customer
- 8 Things People Do That Make Waitstaff Remember You Forever
- 6 Things You Should Never Say to a Waitress (If You Want a Good Dining Experience)
Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.
