I've been looking for a new stylist for a while now and went to one last weekend who I think did a good job. I will be going back to her in a couple of weeks to do my highlights/lowlights. She works on commission, so I feel fairly sure I need to tip her. I didn't tip my previous 2 stylists (the first of whom I loved and went to for years and only stopped b/c we moved, the 2nd of whom I only went to twice and wasn't happy, which is why I've now gone to someone new) as they rented their space and set their own prices, so I assumed a tip wasn't necessary because they owned their businesses. The problem is I've been looking for a lower-priced stylist b/c I really feel guilty in today's economy spending so much money on my hair. I thought this one was going to be less expensive (after reviewing the salon's prices on their website), but it turns out she really isn't-the website was a bit misleading. It will basically be about what I was paying previously. The problem is I don't think I can afford to give her a big tip on top of the already-high prices, but I don't want her to think I don't like her work. Do I just need to keep looking for someone who charges less so I can afford to give a good tip? (which at this point seems an impossible feat--it seems that all salons charge about the same.) Or do I give this stylist what I can afford (maybe 10%?) and hope she's happy with that?
I read the first response, and I appreciate the input, but I guess what I'm really asking is...what is an appropriate tip for a stylist? I've done a bit of research and have seen anything from 10 to 25%. Is it better to go somewhere else to avoid an expensive tip, thereby depriving a stylist of my business altogether? Or would she rather keep a customer than get a really great tip? Judging from what I've seen on the internet, a lot of people are in my shoes and confused about how much to tip. I would just like to know what others tip, to see what is realistic. Thanks!
I tip pretty much what the other ladies are tipping. I have found out that they like cash much better. So when times (and the tip) get tight, I try to always pay for the service and tip in cash!!!!
Hi Lynnette
I am a stylist , so I can only speak for myself. I work off of commission, so tips are a part of my income. I have several clients whom I've done for many years and they never leave a tip. They are of an older generation, so I dont think they know its a part of our income. I love all my clients dearly, whether they tip or not. My tips vary from 0%-30%.(mostly its between 15-25%)I do not expect everyone to do the same. I'am grateful for their business, friendship and referrals, but having said that, I think 15%-20% is the best whether its a stylist or any other tip based business, if you are pleased with services. I know for myself when I go out to eat, or have a nail service or massages, etc. and I was pleased, I always leave 20% gratuity. I hope that made sense and that it was helpful information.
Hi Lynnette. I've been going to the same stylist for years and I usually tip her $5-10 depending on what she does (i.e. for cut, hi and low lights I would tip $10). Like your previous stylist, she sets her own prices and definitely is not cheap! If you really like the new stylist you should just ask her if she would rather keep a client longterm that tips less than not have that client at all. I bet she'd rather have your longterm business! Goodluck...
I'm not sure how to say this nicely and I'm not trying to offend you, but part of the cost of getting your hair done is leaving an appropriate gratuity for the job they did. If she does a great job, then it just isn't right to take away from her income by tipping less just because you can't afford it. If you can't afford the entire cost of the service (including the gratuity), then you should consider leaving your hair it's natural color or continue searching for a place that you can afford. It isn't fair to the stylist to make less money than she should because you want to do something you can't truly afford to do. That's called living outside of your means and you probably need to rethink that.
I hear ya. I am in the same boat. Found a great sytlist but a cut costs 60 bucks. I like what she does and i am willing to pay the big bucks but then tip on top of it? I did 20% last time, that is 12 bucks!! I cannot afford that. Now I am too emabarrased to go back b/c I swing 72 bucks for a haircut. I don't have any advice. I am going back to a cheapo haircut once a year and doing it myself in between! No advice, just support.
I always tip my stylist around 15% or so. Now if you go to a really fancy place where they have a different person from your stylist washing your hair, I read you are supposed to tip them as well, which can really add up. I don't know where you live, but if it is anywhere close to NW Houston, I have an awesome lady I can recommend. Her name is Ann and she and her husband own Hair by Sony and Tony. Here is the address and phone number: 4505 Highway 6 N Ste 300 Houston, TX 77084###-###-####. I always go to Ann and she does a great job. She does exactly what I ask her to do, doesn't over cut my hair, and is quick. A haircut is only $10, I think if you do a wash and blow dry it is about $15. So even with a tip you walk out for under $20. I believe highlights are around $30 or so. I haven't had color done there but I have a friend who does and her hair always looks great. In fact I was complimenting her hair and asking her who did it and that is how I found out about this place. So if you are anywhere near the salon try it out! If not I hope you find a great place that doesn't charge an arm and a leg!
I'm so glad you are asking this question! My sister is a stylist, so I have your answer. The appropriate amount to tip is 15% to 20% of the charge for the service(s). I think the stylist will understand if you can't afford to tip as generously as you would like during an economic hardship, & as long as you resume an appropriate tip when you are able, I think it will be fine.
I live in NW Houston & have a fantastic sylist! I usually tip about 20%, but from what I've heard from friends & family, they usually tip their stylists $5-10 regardless of how much the service cost. My gal bends over backwards to get me in and always does a fabulous job! I go in not knowing what I want done (I change my hair a lot), and she always does just what I didn't know I wanted! LOL I followed her to her current spot from another salon, and now she rents space, but I still tip her the same percentage. Her prices are lower now that she sets them herself, so it still comes out cheaper for me!
I bartended & managed a bar in a past life (LOL about 7 yrs ago) and worked for tips, so to me I feel that if someone does a great job, they deserve a great tip and vice-versa. Something else to consider is that when people know you are a good tipper, they go out of your way to help you out. I'm not saying it's right or wrong; just saying it's something I've noticed in all areas of tipped service.
You must must tip your stylist at least 15percent if not 20 percent! Most salons yes they rent their space but they do not keep the money you spend on the hair job, how do you think the salon stays in business and covers all the overhead etc. Tipping is mandatory and 10 percent would be an insult.
