I still remember overhearing two women argue about tipping at my favorite espresso spot—one was convinced you should always tip your salon owner, the other wouldn’t dream of it. It stuck in my mind because, honestly, I’d asked myself the same thing: do you tip your hairdresser if she runs the place? There’s no universal rule and, trust me, what you do in Wellington might raise eyebrows in Auckland, Melbourne, or New York.
What’s the Proper Tipping Etiquette for Salon Owners?
Salon etiquette is like an unspoken language, and tipping the owner is one of those questions people hardly ask aloud, but many secretly wonder about. Traditionally, tipping at salons started in the United States, where service industry tipping is the norm. In plenty of other places, though, people don’t even think about it. In New Zealand, tipping isn’t ever mandatory—you’ll rarely see a jar labeled for tips on the counter. But as more expats relocate and as cultural habits evolve, expectations can blur. Here’s the quirky truth: owners in most countries (including here) don’t expect tips, but some clients do it anyway, especially if that personal relationship has grown over years—or if the owner goes all out with a complicated restyle or squeezes you in on a Sunday morning.
There’s an old idea that owners “don’t need” tips—that they pocket all the profits and have it cushy. Not quite true. Many owner-stylists cut costs by forgoing staff, handling admin in their downtime, and taking on extra clients just to keep the doors open. Some have told me the bulk of their earnings go to rent, products, insurance, website upkeep, and council fees. Sometimes, a generous client tip is a rare little treat they can tuck away for coffee or, in my case, a sneaky flat white with Harvey after a long shift.
Still, some owners genuinely feel awkward accepting tips. I once handed an envelope to a friend who owns a boutique salon here in Wellington after a gorgeous copper balayage. She chuckled, “I’m the boss, so you don’t have to bribe me for better service—it’s my name on the door!” Some owners will redirect tips to junior staff or ask you to leave a positive online review instead—which, by the way, can be even more valuable than a few extra dollars. So, if you want to tip, but feel unsure, simply ask: “Do you accept tips?” There’s zero shame in asking—most stylists have experienced all sorts of gestures and will happily let you know what feels right for them.
What Actually Happens Behind Salon Doors?
When you step into a salon, especially one where the owner is clipping and coloring alongside her team, you’re seeing the tip of the iceberg. Owners are often the hardest workers, juggling roles like manager, therapist, and educator—all while wielding a pair of shears without missing a beat. It’s easy to guess they’re raking in the cash if you see their name on the license, but the reality? Here’s the unpolished truth: research from the Professional Beauty Association in 2023 showed that over 60% of independently-owned salons in Australasia reported profit margins of under 10%. That means most of your payment covers overhead, not just the labor of love that went into your fresh look.
Let’s break down what that bill covers:
| Expense | Percentage of Income |
|---|---|
| Rent/Utilities | 30% |
| Product Costs | 18% |
| Staff Wages (if any) | 25% |
| Taxes/Insurance | 10% |
| Marketing/Web/Booking Fees | 7% |
| Owner Take-home | 10% |
Sometimes, at independent or home-based salons, the owner may be the only stylist. Even at small salons, owners may pay themselves last after all other bills and suppliers are sorted. That makes any tip you give feel a little extra special, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Behind the scenes, owners are hustling all hours, restocking after clients have gone, and attending industry events to keep their skills sharp. That’s a world apart from multichair chain salons where owners are often just investors, not stylists.
Remember, tipping culture isn’t just about money. It’s about saying, “I notice your hard work.” If an owner hesitates to accept, just respect their comfort—there’s genuine pride in what they do, and a heartfelt thank you means just as much, if not more.
Tipping Around the World—Cultural Shifts and Local Habits
Scroll TikTok or listen in at the nail bar, and you’ll notice the internet is full of passionate opinions about tipping. In New Zealand, tipping is more a mark of appreciation than a social rule, unlike the United States, where service workers often rely on tips to make minimum wage. In the UK, it’s a similar vibe to here—tips are a pleasant surprise, not part of a stylist’s expectation. Across Australia, you’ll see more people tip around the holidays or after big life events, like a wedding updo or a dramatic color change. Canadians are leaning American, and the French, well, they rarely tip anyone except waiters in fine restaurants.
If you visit salons in Wellington, Auckland, or Queenstown, you’ll notice most prices are set high enough that tips aren’t built in. Yet, as travel and digital culture blur global boundaries, younger stylists report more Kiwis offering tips—especially when they’ve had a stellar experience or if they’ve watched enough beauty vloggers from abroad. Recency matters, too. After the COVID border closures, many stylists noticed clients budgeted more for gratitude, saying things like, “You helped me survive my split ends and home dye disasters—here’s a bonus.” Others never think to tip unless prompted at the electronic payment screen.
Here’s a quick look at average tip habits by country:
| Country | Tipping at Owner-run Salons |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Optional, rare but appreciated |
| Australia | Optional, often during holidays |
| USA | 15%-20% is normal, owner or not |
| UK | Occasional, often small round-up |
| France | Very rare, usually no tip |
If you’re ever traveling or booking abroad, check ahead what’s usual. You really don’t want to offend by offering a tip where it’s taboo—or, the other way around, miss a chance to make someone’s day.
Practical Tips for Navigating the Tipping Dilemma
So, you’re sitting in the chair, and your ‘hair whisperer’ has just delivered exactly what you dreamed of. Should you tip? Here’s how I approach it—you want your gesture to match your appreciation, not just follow a rulebook. If your stylist went above and beyond, squeezed you in after hours, or has worked magic on hair that other stylists refused to touch, a tip can feel right—regardless of who owns the scissors.
- Ask directly: “I’d love to leave a tip. Is that something you do here?” It keeps things low-pressure.
- Go digital: If handing over cash feels strange, most modern salons in New Zealand (especially after 2022) let you add a tip via PayWave or EFTPOS. It’s private and less awkward for everyone.
- Spread the love: It’s not just about money. I’ve gifted fresh baking, left glowing five-star reviews, or given the odd bottle of local wine at Christmas. Stylists definitely remember these gestures.
- Avoid making assumptions: Just because your stylist owns the place doesn’t mean she’s better off or doesn't appreciate a tip. But don’t feel bad if you don’t tip—the fact you’re wondering means you care!
Here’s a real tip: if a salon owner seems uncomfortable, don’t push—sometimes, business policies legally restrict tips, especially if they’re structured as a corporation. I’ve learned to read the room. Most importantly, speak honestly. If you’re a regular, a “Hey, your work is amazing. What’s allowed here with tipping?” is the easiest way to sort it out.
Building a Lasting Relationship With Your Salon Owner
The best hair results come from a trusting client-stylist bond, not from the size of your envelope. When I started seeing my current stylist in Wellington—she’s the owner, by the way—I asked how she felt about tips, and she admitted that heartfelt feedback and referrals built her business more than extra cash ever could. I started sharing her posts on my socials, referred my friends, and even booked extra services (scalp massage, anyone?). The outcome? She remembers my name, recalls my preferred coffee order, and gives honest advice about what’ll actually work on my hair, not just what’s trendy online.
Salons survive on more than tips. Loyal clients, glowing reviews, and regular bookings keep the doors open. If you’re happy with your service, say so loudly—to everyone except the bathroom mirror. Tag the business in photos, recommend your stylist to mates, and swing by just to say hi between appointments. If you do want to give a tip, your gratitude will shine through, but don’t stress if you choose not to. Here in New Zealand, and in much of the world, what matters is that you show respect—not just with money, but by being a reliable, thoughtful client.
But if your heart says yes—and you know your owner-stylist will accept—a little extra never hurts. After all, that head massage, perfect color blend, or last-minute rescue job might be the highlight of their long day, too.
So, to tip or not to tip? There’s no single right answer—but you can never go wrong by showing appreciation, in whatever way feels right for you and your stylist. Whether it’s cash, a kind word, or sharing the love online, you’re making someone’s day a bit brighter.
