Tipping Hairdresser: Simple Guide to Salon Gratuity

If you’ve ever left a salon wondering whether you gave enough, you’re not alone. Tipping a hairdresser feels a bit like guessing a price at a market – you want to be fair, but you don’t want to overpay. This guide breaks down the basics so you can walk out confident, pocket happy, and your stylist feeling appreciated.

What’s a Fair Tip?

Most salons expect a tip between 10% and 20% of the total bill. If you got a simple trim, 10% is usually fine. For color, extensions, or a major transformation, aim for 15‑20%. The rule of thumb: the more time and skill involved, the higher the tip.

Tip on the pre‑tax amount, not the final total after discounts. That way you’re not penalized for a sale you asked for. If your stylist gave you a free product or an extra service, bump the tip a little – they’ve already gone the extra mile.

Special Situations and Tips

What if the stylist is also the salon owner? It’s still polite to tip a small amount (around 5‑10%). Owners often take a cut of the service fee, so a tip shows you value their personal work.

Going for a group booking? You can tip each stylist individually or split a single tip based on how much each worked. If you’re booking a wedding party, a larger tip (20% or more) shows appreciation for the extra coordination.

Cash is the easiest way to tip because the stylist receives it right away. If you prefer card, write the tip amount on the receipt before signing – it’s still recorded as a gratuity.

Don’t forget to consider your budget. If 20% feels too high, a heartfelt thank‑you note or a product recommendation can go a long way. Most stylists notice genuine gratitude just as much as the dollars.

In short, aim for 10‑20% based on service complexity, tip on the pre‑tax amount, and use cash or a clear card tip line. A little extra for owners or large parties shows you respect the work that goes into making you look good. Now you’ve got a clear plan – next time you sit in that salon chair, you’ll know exactly what to do when the bill arrives.