How much do you or should you tip your stylist?

[Lindy]

Some salons do send out coupons in the mail now and then (like 20% off a service) but mine doesn't!! I do sometimes feel resentful of giving a tip; especially when the price of the service seems high to begin with!! I could see if I was paying $50 for a touch up, but $78.50 PLUS a tip??? Come on!!

 

[DeepBluSea]

I did not always think to tip stylists. But I used to call my old stylist before my appointment and ask her if she wanted some breakfast or lunch. I had been seeing her since I was in grade school.

I did tip my stylists later in life. I was very pleased with their job and they accomodated my very crazy schedule. So, I felt a tip was warranted. I have never got the feeling that they expected the tip, most are suprised. I have been blessed to never encounter some of the crazy stuff I've heard on hair messageboards.

 

[SoforReal]

And if you can't afford it, there's nothing wrong with that. I don't see anything wrong with letting your stylist know that you appreciate her work and would love to tip or tip more, but your funds are kinda low. In lieu of a tip, it would be a nice gesture to bring her a cup of coffee, her favorite candy, a cold drink, or some other small treat every now and then if you can. One of my best customers brings me lunch or dinner, bottled water, snacks, etc., because she knows that I'm often too busy to even THINK about eating anything. Another bought me a disposable camera to keep at my station for those photo opportunities to help me build my portfolio. Yet another surprised me with a smoothie while I was cutting her boyfriend's hair. These niceties will never be forgotten. So it's all about showing your stylist your appreciation. It doesn't have to be about money all the time.

Thank you balisi! I never thought about doing that

 

[iCandey]

I do 20% and have them split it (stylist and shampoeer) I get wash braid (for underneath wig) and pressed in the front. Now I feel bad for them splitting bc my stylist does the most work but you know what she is the one that gets most of the fee so I think I am ok.

Also to the person who said they dont know how much they have bc they slip it in their apron, they DO know. Sometimes they put it in other pocket, some kind of pocket trick they have.

 

[tschizum]

Ok I know I'm going to catch flak for this but I don't tip stylists.

I never have either but then again after being in a salon for 5+ hours I'm keeping my little chump change.

 

[balisi]

I've been to the stylist under 10 times in my life, so untill now i NEVER knew you were supposed to tip a stylist

I really really really dont get it

They choose a price to do a job, and you pay them what they want---

A tip in my opinon is something you give when you are very pleased with the job done---like a bonus when you feel like it only, or the actuall worker makes a living off of the tips almost excuslivly ( waiters, baggers)-

--why do stylist always expect tips? They are already doing there job--your sure dont expect anything less than, and getting the pay that they set up themselves.....If they expect more money why dont they just raise thier prices? Isnt your returning as a customer enough?

Im not meaning to sound offensive to any stylists or anyone, im just really trying to understand
To me its just weird, like paying a cab driver for driving extra well, but im never in the salons so i would have no clue ( if i could find some LHCF members in my area i would be their every week though, but untill i see a stylist with healthy hair themselves, and not shaved all off...)


ETA---i can understand tipping the shampoo girl though
Because its like the stylist is the cashier, and the shampoo girl is the bagger

That's not always an option. What about stylists working at a chain salon? They do not set their own prices, and the prices are typically low. They also work on commission, and it's usually 50% or less.

Raising prices is not that easy. No one ever wants to pay more, even if it's only a few dollars and/or they've been paying the same amount for 10 years. But overhead costs do go up and prices must be raised eventually.

Another option for tipping is sending referrals to your stylist. Many stylists will offer a free service for each referral who receives a service.

 

[balisi]

[/B]." Historically tips were given BEFORE services were rendered as a way to insure good service on your visit.

This is false, according to the article posted.

 

[gabulldawg]

This is false, according to the article posted.

I don't know which article you are referring to, but I have definitely heard that before. Of course things could change throughout history. I'm not sure exactly when this was established. I can look it up and post it on here if I can find one.

 

[kally]

Ok I know I'm going to catch flak for this but I don't tip stylists.

I only go to get my hair braided (by the africans) they don't have a shop and I dont tip. Heck I am paying 180.00 a visit. I did one time ($20.00) years ago and the girl looked at me like I was crazy and did not even say thanks, so I said never again.

 

[gabulldawg]

I didn't really look very long on the net but I already found one source to back me up. I'm sure if I had the time to look longer I would find more. Also, keep in mind that the internet is never the best source of information for any topic. There are numerous books and articles that have been written about tipping that would probably be a better source. I suggest those of you (particularly stylists on this board) should probably check one out from the library or purchase one to have in your own personal collection. Maybe it would put things in perspective for you. Some books even give tips (no pun intended) on how to recieve better tips from clients. As you can tell I am very passionate about this topic. I have a serious problem with people who do mediocre to down right substandard work and expect people to shovel out EXTRA money on top of what they have already paid for the actual service!!

From tipping.org:

"another little piece on tipping and its history:

Actually, tipping began as something people did BEFORE their 'service' began. The word stands for (To Insure Promptness) and was handed over prior to ordering food, getting your hair done, etc."

 

[Energee]

I have a serious problem with people who do mediocre to down right substandard work and expect people to shovel out EXTRA money on top of what they have already paid for the actual service!!

I definitely agree with this statement specifically. Although I believe in tipping and tipping well those who deserve it, I do not tip and will not tip anyone who gives me substandard service--any service--beauty service (hair, nails, spa treatments..etc), food service or any other industry I may receive service from but don't receive top notch service.

 

[balisi]

I didn't really look very long on the net but I already found one source to back me up. I'm sure if I had the time to look longer I would find more. Also, keep in mind that the internet is never the best source of information for any topic. There are numerous books and articles that have been written about tipping that would probably be a better source. I suggest those of you (particularly stylists on this board) should probably check one out from the library or purchase one to have in your own personal collection. Maybe it would put things in perspective for you. Some books even give tips (no pun intended) on how to recieve better tips from clients. As you can tell I am very passionate about this topic. I have a serious problem with people who do mediocre to down right substandard work and expect people to shovel out EXTRA money on top of what they have already paid for the actual service!!

From tipping.org:

"another little piece on tipping and its history:

Actually, tipping began as something people did BEFORE their 'service' began. The word stands for (To Insure Promptness) and was handed over prior to ordering food, getting your hair done, etc."

No thanks, it's not that serious to me, but I do know how to conduct proper research if I so desire. I do know that tipping your stylist is customary when you are pleased with the service you received. Apparently, the sources to which you refer back that up. If the service received was not pleasing, that's a different story, and rightfully so. Bottom line, those who want to tip, will. Those who don't, won't.

 

[SoforReal]

I only go to get my hair braided (by the africans) they don't have a shop and I dont tip. Heck I am paying 180.00 a visit. I did one time ($20.00) years ago and the girl looked at me like I was crazy and did not even say thanks, so I said never again.

Really? I don't know about tips but I know their prices are negotiable but if you try to be cheap about paying them then your braids will reflect that. A girl I use to work with tried to get her micros done for dirt cheap, but when they were finished she had micros all different kind of sizes in her head. I guess she learned her lesson...you get what you pay for as far as braiding is concerned!

 

[balisi]

double post

 

[gabulldawg]

I just think it's SO sad that the quality of service is so dependent on the amount of money someone gives you!! Whatever happened to taking pride in your work and doing your best whether you got paid $1000 or were doing it for free?? I have NEVER skimped on anyone's hair because I was doing it for free! It's still YOUR work and when someone sees that person's hair they will ask, "Who did your hair?" You can't then turn around and try to say, "Well, see I did a crappy job on her hair because she didn't give me a good tip!" That is SO awful! I would NEVER go to some of you stylists on this board and wouldn't recommend you either! Then you wonder why you don't get tips!! It's a wonder you even have any customers!!! I WISH a stylist would do a crappy job on my hair simply because I didn't give what HE or SHE feels is a big enough tip!! WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO????? It's good to know that I have a stylist that will do a good job on MY hair regardless of how much extra money I give her... I guess she's one of the few stylists with integrity and morals.

 

[Finesse]

I just think it's SO sad that the quality of service is so dependent on the amount of money someone gives you!! Whatever happened to taking pride in your work and doing your best whether you got paid $1000 or were doing it for free?? I have NEVER skimped on anyone's hair because I was doing it for free! It's still YOUR work and when someone sees that person's hair they will ask, "Who did your hair?" You can't then turn around and try to say, "Well, see I did a crappy job on her hair because she didn't give me a good tip!" That is SO awful! I would NEVER go to some of you stylists on this board and wouldn't recommend you either! Then you wonder why you don't get tips!! It's a wonder you even have any customers!!! I WISH a stylist would do a crappy job on my hair simply because I didn't give what HE or SHE feels is a big enough tip!! WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO????? It's good to know that I have a stylist that will do a good job on MY hair regardless of how much extra money I give her... I guess she's one of the few stylists with integrity and morals.

Whoa......

 

[Britt]

Question: I went to the Salon recently to get a wash and set. The first lady shampooed my hair 3 times, put the deep conditioner on my hair and sat me under the dryer. When I came back to the sink the 2nd lady combed my hair and rinsed out the conditioner. How should I divide the tip? Or how much should I give each of them? I hate when 2 people wash my hair!

I hate this... I like for one person to do all of my services, but this common at Dom. salons up here. It also makes me feel obligated to shell out different tips, which I usually won't do. I decide on one person to get the tip.

With that said, when I have a certain person or two that I usually go to, I will tip them $3 for my wash and set. May sound like a little bit, but my wash and sets are generally no more than $17, and you may see me weekly.. thus $20 a week, i can't really afford to pay more than that, nor do I feel I should since I bring ALL of my own products to the salon with me .
If I get a relaxer ($35/$40), or a rinse ($30) I will tip anywhere from ($5-$10) depending upon how good of a job the hairdresser did. Was she gentle? Patient? Rude? etc... these things are def. taken into consideration and I will tip accordingly.

 

[Maynard]

I tip 20% of my services, no matter how much the services are.

If you cant afford the tip, dont go...

You tip anyone who performs a service for you and when you dont tip, dont expect the person who's performing the service to go the extra mile for you..



(I know yall gonna be mad at me, but that's how I feel)

 

[Artemis]

I tip 20% of my services, no matter how much the services are.

If you cant afford the tip, dont go...

You tip anyone who performs a service for you and when you dont tip, dont expect the person who's performing the service to go the extra mile for you..



(I know yall gonna be mad at me, but that's how I feel)

I agree

 

[fluffylocks]

I tip 20% of my services, no matter how much the services are.

If you cant afford the tip, dont go...

You tip anyone who performs a service for you and when you dont tip, dont expect the person who's performing the service to go the extra mile for you..



(I know yall gonna be mad at me, but that's how I feel)

I dont go to the salon, but i kind of think if someone only has enough money for the actuall service, then they still should still be able to get their hair done without anyone looking down on them (anyone). You are not actually obligated to pay the tip, its a reward, im sure stylist would gladdy expect someone who had money but no tip over nothing at all. Some people actually dont have alot of money, and they want to go to the salon too, if they dont have extra they just dont.

 

[ChocalateDiva]

I dont go to the salon anymore, but when I did- I did not tip. The stylist that I went to are independent and only pay booth rent. That means that all the money was going into there pocket anyway, so why should I tip? I pay for the service and leave- if they want/need more money the increase the prices.

That my 2 cents- goodnight ladies.

 

[meaganita]

My shampoo girl gives neck massages and blowdries my hair on "cool" and still gets it straight without barely pulling any hair out. So I tip her at least $10. My stylist's tip depends on the service, but can range anywhere from $5 to buying her lunch!

 

[Maynard]

I dont go to the salon, but i kind of think if someone only has enough money for the actuall service, then they still should still be able to get their hair done without anyone looking down on them (anyone). You are not actually obligated to pay the tip, its a reward, im sure stylist would gladdy expect someone who had money but no tip over nothing at all. Some people actually dont have alot of money, and they want to go to the salon too, if they dont have extra they just dont.

That is understandable. You are not obligated. But your stylist is also not obligated to give your extras (squeezing you in at the last minute, no cost DC's) either. One hand washes the other. By doing these types of things to stay in her "preferred customer" circle..and for a great stylist, I will pay a lil extra for the perks...


Who tips ginormous amounts of money? What is $5 or $10 dollars? Come on! If you actually like your stylist, and you scraped the money to get your hair done, your cant scrape up an extra few bucks for a job well done?

 

[Energee]

I tip 20% of my services, no matter how much the services are.

If you cant afford the tip, dont go...

You tip anyone who performs a service for you and when you dont tip, dont expect the person who's performing the service to go the extra mile for you..



(I know yall gonna be mad at me, but that's how I feel)

Exactly. ITA! I can understand if the person is someone elderly and is on a fixed income or something and still wants/needs their hair done but everyone else should tip IMO or just don't go to the stylist because if you don't have the extra for a tip then you really don't have the money to be in a salon to begin with.

 

[Artemis]

I dont go to the salon, but i kind of think if someone only has enough money for the actuall service, then they still should still be able to get their hair done without anyone looking down on them (anyone). You are not actually obligated to pay the tip, its a reward, im sure stylist would gladdy expect someone who had money but no tip over nothing at all. Some people actually dont have alot of money, and they want to go to the salon too, if they dont have extra they just dont.

IMO that's where non-monetary tipping would be used. Like some of the previous posters mentioned: bringing the stylist a snack or drink, or maybe running an errand for them b/c they're too busy to leave the shop (if you know your stylist that well!) or a gift you made, etc...showing appreciation to a fabulous stylist doesn't have to be done financially.

 

[Maynard]

IMO that's where non-monetary tipping would be used. Like some of the previous posters mentioned: bringing the stylist a snack or drink, or maybe running an errand for them b/c they're too busy to leave the shop (if you know your stylist that well!) or a gift you made, etc...showing appreciation to a fabulous stylist doesn't have to be done financially.

They are much appreciated! My father is a barber and he has a regular customer who brings him lunch on Friday's (his busiest day), now mind you the lunch is no more than 4 or 5 dollars, but it is greatly appreciated, and my father never charges him full price for his haircut because of it. My father will also take this guy in front of anybody, no matter how many people are waiting. Now this same guy gave my dad $50.00 bonus at Christmas time, so my Dad has no issues with "going the extra mile" for him.

I have a sneaking suspiscion that you ladies who dont tip stylists, dont tip in any other areas of your life (waitressess/bartenders/pizza guys/bellhops) Is this true?

 

[Energee]

I just think it's SO sad that the quality of service is so dependent on the amount of money someone gives you!! Whatever happened to taking pride in your work and doing your best whether you got paid $1000 or were doing it for free?? I have NEVER skimped on anyone's hair because I was doing it for free! It's still YOUR work and when someone sees that person's hair they will ask, "Who did your hair?" You can't then turn around and try to say, "Well, see I did a crappy job on her hair because she didn't give me a good tip!" That is SO awful! I would NEVER go to some of you stylists on this board and wouldn't recommend you either! Then you wonder why you don't get tips!! It's a wonder you even have any customers!!! I WISH a stylist would do a crappy job on my hair simply because I didn't give what HE or SHE feels is a big enough tip!! WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO????? It's good to know that I have a stylist that will do a good job on MY hair regardless of how much extra money I give her... I guess she's one of the few stylists with integrity and morals.

My stylist is a kind person in general. Yes, I tip her well--that's just me and what I do--- because she gives me a lot of extras. I can call in to schedule an appointment today and she will put me in tomorrow if I needed her to. She has never let me down in the 2 years I've been going to her. Also, I always get VERY early appointment due to my schedule. She will come into the Salon at 7-8am on a Friday or Saturday or any day just for me. She normally would not come in until 10 or 11am. She doesn't even complain. She comes in with a smile and gets to work.

However, I can tell you that I don't think she treats any of her other clients differently. I know that a lot of women in her salon probably do not give her a tip and if they do give her one it's not much but I see her interact with all of her clients in the same manner as she does with me. I don't know if she goes the 'extra mile' for them...like set Sunday appointments like she does with me and a couple of her other clients sometimes-- but in general she treats everyone the same.

I've never encountered a stylist like the ones you are describing (though I know they exist) and I didn't take it that any of they stylist on this board fit your description. I think everyone, including the stylists in the thread, was just stating their opinion on tipping. Some tip..some don't. It's really not serious enough to 'battle' over...LOL. JMHO

 

[Energee]

IMO that's where non-monetary tipping would be used. Like some of the previous posters mentioned: bringing the stylist a snack or drink, or maybe running an errand for them b/c they're too busy to leave the shop (if you know your stylist that well!) or a gift you made, etc...showing appreciation to a fabulous stylist doesn't have to be done financially.

Good Point.

 

[gabulldawg]

I dont go to the salon, but i kind of think if someone only has enough money for the actuall service, then they still should still be able to get their hair done without anyone looking down on them (anyone). You are not actually obligated to pay the tip, its a reward, im sure stylist would gladdy expect someone who had money but no tip over nothing at all. Some people actually dont have alot of money, and they want to go to the salon too, if they dont have extra they just dont.

AMEN. People are just too greedy nowadays.

 

[gabulldawg]

My stylist is a kind person in general. Yes, I tip her well--that's just me and what I do--- because she gives me a lot of extras. I can call in to schedule an appointment today and she will put me in tomorrow if I needed her to. She has never let me down in the 2 years I've been going to her. Also, I always get VERY early appointment due to my schedule. She will come into the Salon at 7-8am on a Friday or Saturday or any day just for me. She normally would not come in until 10 or 11am. She doesn't even complain. She comes in with a smile and gets to work.

However, I can tell you that I don't think she treats any of her other clients differently. I know that a lot of women in her salon probably do not give her a tip and if they do give her one it's not much but I see her interact with all of her clients in the same manner as she does with me. I don't know if she goes the 'extra mile' for them...like set Sunday appointments like she does with me and a couple of her other clients sometimes-- but in general she treats everyone the same.

I've never encountered a stylist like the ones you are describing (though I know they exist) and I didn't take it that any of they stylist on this board fit your description. I think everyone, including the stylists in the thread, was just stating their opinion on tipping. Some tip..some don't. It's really not serious enough to 'battle' over...LOL. JMHO

I wasn't battling. I thought that this was a board where everyone could express their opinion. I've already stated that this is a big pet peeve of mine -- people expecting tips for doing their job. I never said that I was against tipping, but a few of the stylists that have voiced their opinions have alarmed me. Stating that they give preferential treatment to those who tip well (according to their standards) is bad business. THe majority of salons get business off of referrals. It's not a great idea to do a mediocre job on someone who doesn't tip well because you never know who will see their hair. Any hairstyle that you do is a representation of you and your work. No one is going to accept the excuse that your client's hair looks half-done because he/she didn't tip you well. You also don't know people's circumstances. You should be happy enough that a person took whatever money they had to bring it to YOU in order to get their hair done. I just really think that stylists should be happy with what they get instead of always tryin to get more. And shouldn't you be able to get good service without having to pay extra?