How Much Should One Tip a Hairstylist?

I'm a guy and don't think percentages work in the case of tipping hairstylists. I get a nice haircut at a unisex chain salon. When I first started going there they were having a $4.99 sale. A 20 percent tip would only have been a buck. I tipped $5, which was a 100 percent tip. Their regular price is $12. And $2.40 (20 percent of $12) doesn't seem enough of a tip for a haircut. I'm not sure if $3 is. And if I were going to tip $4, I figure I might as well round it up to $5.

So $5 has been my standard tip since going there for my last three haircuts. Two different stylists have cut my hair there and have seemed appreciative. After I paid, the first one thanked me and gave me her card and the last one who cut my hair said she would see me next time. I saw another poster tipped $5 or $6 for a $15 cut, but someone else $10 for a $12 cut. Do the stylists here think my $5 tip for a $12 cut is a nice amount?

I'm a stylist. I've been working for less then a year, so I don't have a large clientele built up yet. Tips are very appreciated, but I certainly don't expect them. I would not be offended if someone did not tip, but it may cause me to wonder if they didn't like their service.

As far as stylists saying they don't make enough, you make more the harder you work. I charge what I am worth. Tips are an extra for a job well done. I choose to get the best continuing education I can, this means weekly cutting classes, color classes, going to Vidal Sassoon schools for advanced education, and attending hair shows at least twice a year. I don't charge my clients extra for all of my education, but when I feel like I've received a lot more education and my services are worth more, I may raise my prices by $5.

Tips are an extra thank you from the client. I appreciate them, but a client should never be expected to tip or treated differently if they don't.

I always, always, always tip hair stylists. I go to Hair Cuttery where cuts are around $15. I usually leave a $5 or $6 tip.

I figure it's the least I can do for getting a decent haircut at a cheap price. I don't think hair stylists should be penalized with lower tips just because the price of the haircuts are relatively low in the cheaper salons.

I recently had this argument with someone about tipping. I was just reading the posts here and some people said something about tipping your garbage people, nurses and teachers. They get paid salary or hourly wages. Garbage collectors, nurses, and teachers all get pension, benefits, etc. Garbage collectors (where I live) get about $25 dollars an hour. Hairstylists have to pay for schooling, their equipment, state license, etc.

I am a hairstylist and I get paid $8 an hour. No benefits, no sick time, no paid vacations. Raises, if you get one, are 10-15 cents if you bring in a certain amount of money per hour. Tips are taxed. All day you are standing bent to the side with your arms high, and with your wrists also bent the wrong way. When you get home, you have back, neck and shoulder pain, and wrist pain. You are breathing fumes, and chemicals all day long.

Most shifts, you do not have a break to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom because someone is waiting to get their hair cut, and if you go to the bathroom someone is waiting to yell at you that they are waiting. God forbid someone had to wait a minute so you could take a sip of water! Then they are complaining and making a scene, maybe posting your name online saying you stink.

I have moved on to another profession, but found myself unable to find a job and I have to do hair again. Business owners will pay you less because they say you are getting tips but as you can see here, that is not always the case.

When I was younger (meaning, early teens), I never tipped my hairdresser. I went to a nice salon, but my parents just dropped me off with money and I had no idea that I was supposed to. I tip my hairdresser now, but I feel really bad reading all of this. Would you have been offended? I mean I was just a kid.

Tipping is a great way to say thank you to a hairstylist. The financial benefits of the job are lacking. We do this because we love it, and it should show in our work. Now, I understand that some don't tip, and I choose not to decipher whether you're just cheap or you don't know. But know this: if you don't tip, I assume my service was subpar and may call you and follow up. I won't ask about the tip, just the service. I notice it more in the newer stylists that they get bummed and their confidence shatters when they don't receive a tip. I imagine it's similar in other service industries.

My issue with the comments are these: We aren't poorly educated. Most who are don't last long. This field requires a continuing study in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, aesthetic facial relations, color theory and application, business and economics, creativity expansion and psychology.

Tips are not a version of tax evasion. I pay taxes on my tips and my income. Booth renters pay extra self-employed taxes per quarter as well as extra licensing to sell products.

Yes, I do think hairstyling is different from being a manager at Domino's. I don't think you truly whip out 300 pizzas per hour yourself (five per minute?), but I understand what you're saying. You work hard as well. There are many industries that work just as hard if not harder than the beauty business. You are also compensated differently, and probably with benefits (or at least you have options for them). We are not compensated for hours we aren't busy, nor are we getting benefits.

We aren't all complaining about how much we bring in. I work smart and am living comfortably, not luxuriously. I love what I do and it shows in my work. I love every client, even the nontippers. I honestly go above and beyond for excellent tippers, and I'm not going to lie about that. But I still treat low tippers with genuine love and respect. Unpleasant clients just get a referral to another salon, whether they tip or not. So I won't just change jobs because I don't get paid well or have no benefits. I'm simply stating those facts so that nonstylists understand why prices are the way they are and why tips are appreciated greatly. On average, my clients tip 25-35 percent on a lower priced service (haircut, blowout) and 20-30-plus percent on higher priced services (cut and color, highlights, keratin). I realize that is higher than most, and I'm blessed. I would say 15-25 percent is a great tip.

That being said, I believe service industry folks should in return be great tippers. I never tip less than 25 percent unless the service is horrible. I'm a firm believer that what you give, you get. Even if you aren't in a tipping industry, it applies to you. Have a blessed day.

I am a stylist who booth rents, which makes me a self-employed small business owner, or independent contractor. I set my hours, rates, and can pick and choose my clientele. I live in a mall town, so to stay competitive, I can't boost my prices too much beyond what other places are charging; otherwise, I would. I don't necessarily expect a tip, and I do a good job on all my clients because they advertise my services.

However, clients who do tip get other extra things from me besides my services. I might come in on my day off to fix your hair emergency if I know you will tip, or even work on a holiday. I will give discounts on expensive hair products if I know you will tip. I will squeeze your daughter in for a cut on a day that I am booked if I know you will tip. I will reserve a space to do your hair for prom or your wedding a year in advance if I know you will tip.

But also, if you aren't a good client (not just on tipping, but blowing off appointments, asking for extras but still complaining, etc.) then I can fire you, too. I don't have to take your calls or make time for you, and this can be really problematic for some, because I do alternative hair, and there aren't a lot of stylists specializing in that. So if that's the service you want, and you're a crappy client, then you won't get it from me. It's a mutual agreement of respect and appreciation, and if one side doesn't offer that, then the relationship won't work.

As a booth renter, I don't clock in and get paid regardless of whether or not I am working or doing a good job. I have to do a good job 100 percent of the time, or my business will absolutely suffer for it - no one will come to me, so I won't make money.

It gets exhausting from time to time, and a tip is a little motivation booster for us to keep it up, just like salary or wage jobs offer bonuses, promotions, benefits, raises, and vacation time to motivate you to keep doing a good job for the company or business you are representing.

If you think we go above and beyond, then sure, give us a "bonus", because you are the business for us; you decide if we do a great job or not, and no one can give us that bonus except you. We all need incentives to keep going sometimes, to keep working hard and doing the best we can. That's what tips are for the service industry.

I make minimum wage as a hairdresser starting out in this profession. My education was expensive and my tools are expensive. While I realize not everyone tips, I greatly appreciate those that do. I also wouldn't treat a repeat customer any differently if they didn't the first time. I want all my clients to leave happy. But do know every tip I received is appreciated, from the one dollar tip to the two who left me more than the price of a haircut.

Not defending non-tippers but up until recently, i just did not know that stylists relied on tips like servers. i don't go to the salon regularly and when i was asked by the receptionist if i wanted to leave a tip, i thought it was just as a nice gesture, and i left less than 10 percent.

i have an aunt who is a career waitress and because of that, i know to tip servers, and if i didn't have enough for the tip, i would not be eating out. So stylists, it may be tacky, but maybe a sign saying "please tip your stylist, it's how we make a living" would not be a bad idea.

It might even shame some of the people who knowingly do not tip to do the right thing.

The hairdresser most of the time does not share her tips with the shampoo person. The shampoo girl/guy works for little or no money and people feel that they are unworthy of a tip. They are on their feet all day and most of the time are unappreciated by everyone.

Just because you work for a high end salon doesn't mean that you get paid a lot of money. Tips are very much appreciated.

I am a hairdresser and i have only been in the industry for three years. It takes a long time before you make real money. I work in a coffee shop, and make more making coffee than i do for doing hair. I give my all at both jobs and i always tip everywhere i go, even when i don't need to.

Personally, it's up to you what you like to tip, but either way i am also a regular person who gets her hair done too. I pay $150 every month to get my hair done, and i always tip my hairstylist. I am just as poor as everyone else and i still tip without complaining because every job has its ups and downs and no matter what you do your never better than someone else. Everyone works hard and deserves a reward now and again.

If you want to save money and not tip that's okay, but complaining and thinking your too good to tip, then you're just a bitter individual and maybe you are getting a bad cut or color because you treat people poorly.

I have a few problems with some of the comments here. I'm not a stylist; it's not my can of worms. I can't even cut my own hair. However, I do make your food. It's not about education; I have none. But I guarantee when I get through making your food, you're going to be satisfied. If not, I will find out what I can do to make it better or refund your money. I'm sure it's the same with being a stylist. But don't sit there and say you're better than me because you do hair and you're not in the food industry. Some cooks don't get paid well. Then on top of that, we have to rely on the waiters/waitresses to be honest and split the tips. And in my profession I don't get tipped at all (Manager at Domino's). So shame on you for thinking of your cosmetic job as being better than my job that feeds you on the days that you don't feel like cooking.

Now when I don't get tipped, I still don't treat you any different. I don't spit in your food (I fire people for even mentioning messing with anyone's food) or skimp or make your food wrong. I've been doing this for many, many years and I enjoy my job. There is nothing else that I would want to do. I don't go to a hotel and complain that front desk didn't greet me when I walk in the door, or they were on the phone for three minutes. It's their job and I'm sure they are doing what they can to serve everyone the best they can. I would love a tip from every customer. Our drivers average $2 for every delivery that they take, with an average of three miles round trip per run. That's wear on starters, engines, brakes, and the door locks (they have to lock the doors. people like to steal other people's food and make us remake it, and I get questioned for all of it). On average, I get maybe $1 a month from tips because people don't see the behind the scenes.

They think this stuff is pre-made. Try making 300 pizzas an hour at minimim wage and still have a smile. That includes specially made pizzas (light sauce, half veggie, half with salami, feta, spinach, tomatoes. Not just peperoni pizza). I don't think some of you can.

Bottom line: tips are needed in any profession. The biggest one is your garbage man. picking up your garbage that you hate to take out once a week. That guy has to do it five or six times a week.

Next time you decide to complain about lack of tips, try not to compare yourself with someone you think has an easier job.

Did you know that when they give you a time for a car repair it's done in monkey hours? In other words, it would take a trained monkey three hours to do the job. However, your mechanic can probably do the same job in 20 minutes. When is the last time you tipped your mechanic? Ever wonder why you don't get your car back for two days?

I'm done with this. I could probably go on for a while with this but now I'm upset and tired.

Why wouldn't you tip your hairdresser? Some industries live off of tips. I would never consider going in to get my hair done if I didn't have the money to tip my stylist. I don't go to a high end salon. I often pay $12 for a haircut and the gal who cuts my hair is amazing and meticulous and I tip her $10.

As for the education level: I've been a paralegal for seven years and I am leaving that profession to go to cosmetology school. And I have a dear friend who was an investment banker and is a barber, so the next time you think the person cutting your hair is an ill educated person - think again.

And for the record, I had four years of schooling for my bachelors, but I didn't have to pass a state licensing board exam, in fact the cosmetologist and nurses and doctors in Wisconsin have to pass state licensing but the lawyers don't if they went to school in Wisconsin. Just some perspective.

This post is ridiculous. Your hairdresser is busting his or her hump for a minimal salary, and deserves to be tipped. I tip $20 in cash on a $45 cut every four weeks. I let the stylist worry about taking care of the shampoo lady/guy.

It's about developing a relationship with the person who takes care of your looks. I like to let mine know they are appreciated.

I am not a stylist, but $5 for $70 service is insulting! My minimum is $15. If you can't afford to tip on any service, don't go at all Go to an atm to get cash for tips!

I understand if you hate it but if you are raving about it. That tells the stylist that you hated it. I would feel that way if i did hair!

why would you let the stylist persuade you anon138884.I would never give them that power. I'd say cut it the way i want, and if you don't there'll not only be no tip but I'll be walking out of here and not paying for the cut either.

All the people who think hair dressers should not tip, should probably get a home job done. To the person who said that about working fast food and never had to please the customers, let's see: you never had to go to school to get an education on how to flip burgers and deep fry fries. So i do not think that's an argument whatsoever. How would you like it if someone from off the street cut your hair and it was a hack job? That's pretty much what you should be getting if you're not appreciative and giving a tip to a stylist.

Anyone can flip burgers and deep fry fries, but talented people are can good hairstylists, and they are few and far in between.

As a stylist I can't understand some people. I have been doing hair for 18 years. Some of my customer asked what should I tip, well I don't know. I can't tell them what to tip. I have noticed most my customers tip 5 on a cut and at least 20 on a chemical service. I think that is fair. I do seem to favor my bigger tippers though.

I am a hairdresser and I love what I do but I am astonished to see some of these comments! I work at a salon that pays hourly at minimum wage and I really depend on tips! I make about $320 a week before taxes. There is no insurance and no benefits, but that is the norm in the industry. I actually would love to be paid a salary so I know that all of my bills get paid! Unfortunately, that's not how it works here.

I have about $900 dollars a month that is guaranteed to pay for bills. My tips usually cover everything else. I wouldn't be eating if I had all you non tippers in my chair! I would actually prefer that you do go somewhere like your mom's house than come to me!

I never know what a person is or isn't going to tip, so I always give 100 percent and hope that it's appreciated. I always like to see others' viewpoints but don't not tip me because you assume I'm making big money! I could go to booth rental or commission, but being single with no support from anyone, I need a little stability! You do realize that we get taxed on tips that are applied to a credit card and don't even get the full amount!

I spent three hours foiling a woman with thick long hair and was to date the proudest of anything I had done. She looked and told me how much she loved it. I went to get my tips and she left me nothing. Let's just say I didn't spend as much time on perfecting it the next time or throwing a few extra foils in to get it perfect. You can hate me, but if I can do six haircuts and make $30 to $50 bucks in the same amount of time, what do think I would rather do?

Sometimes stylists can choose our customers too. I have built my clientele and go above and beyond for those who appreciate me. I want to be brutally honest because I want to speak up for my fellow hairstylist. You can only truly understand from behind the chair. We know who the non tippers are and you will get what you pay for and not an inch more. No extras, in the chair or out of the chair. I never will be rude and I won't chop your hair up. I will smile and thank you for coming in. You will never know any different, but you won't get the best out of me.

Now I can't promise you other stylists will be the same. I have known a few who will deliberately chop too much or cut your bangs too short because they don't want you to come back. Not saying it's right, but it happens. Don't blame us for how we get paid. If I could change it I would, but tipping is a part of how we get paid. I don't care if it's 10 percent or 30 percent, but don't leave me change – it's insulting. So non-tippers, sit at your own risk! Those who do appreciate us, we thank you and couldn't live without you.

This is the most ignorant thread of comments I've seen for awhile. Although I'm not a hairdresser, I understand that they work off tips and that's part of a way that they make their money. If you want to complain about tipping people in the service industry, then why don't you move to a country where it's not an issue?

I'm assuming half of the people making comments on this post are not originally from the US. That's fine, and now you'll learn how we do things here. As for you socially awkward and ignorant people, if you're so conscious about paying extra for services then you should buy color in a box and go to Supercuts.

I tip my hairstylist 20 percent on the services. I have long hair and when she does a highlight, it sometimes can take three hours. She works hard and my hair looks amazing when it's all said and done. That's just how things work.

The same goes for when you're out to dinner. I personally believe you should tip 20 percent on the total bill but 18-20 percent is fine. In a restaurant atmosphere, you're tipping out at the end of the night, sometimes up for $150 so if an ignorant person leaves a 10 percent tip, you're losing out.

As for the individual who made the comment about lower educational levels in the service industry, I beg to differ. That's like saying all black people are thugs. I live in the city of Chicago, and most service industry folks are just making some extra cash while they're in school.

This is too funny. I don't think we should have to tip you! I don't tell my life story and I don't expect you to relax me and take away my problems. I worked in fast food for 10 years and slaved in the drive through for picky people who are never happy with what they order. I did *not* get tips and I did *not* complain about dealing with them. That was the job I signed up for. I guess if you are a hairstylist for a rich place then your rich customers can tip you but, I am poor and I still *need* a haircut.

I believe anyone who has done a superb job, from waiters/waitresses to stylists to nurses to anyone who is in the business of providing a service should be tipped. When I get a good hair cut, I tip $10-15. When I go out for dinner and had great service, I tip minimum of $20 on a $100 tab. As for nurses, in my circumstance, there were so many nurses looking after my father that giving them a tip was impossible. So instead of giving them all a tip, there were two nurses that stood out from all the rest, kind, and answered questions when asked and overall were friendly with the family. I gave them each a box of chocolates with a gift certificate for $50 for lunch/dinner.

And no, I am not made of money, but I do believe that if you receive great service, you should tip or do something for that person to show them your are thankful. I also believe if the service was poor or down right horrible, no tip should be left.

The first 30 years of my life I lived with difficult hair. Then I met my stylist. She is amazing and I tip her well for it- which is about $25.

I visit her for a color and style every six weeks. She is a great listener and always makes me laugh. She shares her knowledge on tools and products and provides samples for me to try.

I keep her business cards on me because I am always getting compliments on my hair. I refer people to her all the time and several have become long-time clients as well.

My advice: Find someone that you trust with your hair, tip them well and stick with them. It's worth the investment.

What? I have to tip the hairstylist too? There is a systemic problem with this country. Nothing ever costs what the price tag says here. Not only do I have to add taxes (why?) to the price tag, every other person expect money in different situations. Just bundle it all together so I can make an easy judgment if I want to purchase the good or service. Even you natives argue about these issues it seems.

If a hairstylist feels she or he has a low wage, increase the price. If you provide a valuable service compared to others the customers will still come, one of the pillars of a free economy. If the tip is a substantial part of the earnings as explained by some earlier in this thread, have a fixed cost for booth rent and add those tip percentages you need to the price.

Or is it just a way of avoiding taxation, read lack of social responsibility towards the state and your fellow countrymen, is it not?

I need to pay taxes, but it seems as when you are in a particulate service industry, usually where formal education tends to be low, off the books transferals for the said service is the expected way of doing business.

I've been to 20-plus countries at least (and lived on three continents) and US is the only country where I experienced this system. It makes me feel uneasy. In fact, I choose not to use services or sometimes not even speak or acknowledge people in situations because I am not sure if they expect money out of me or because they are just nice.

I don't mind paying what it costs, not at all. All I want is a fixed price where I know I can return to the same person, boutique, etc. without fear of retaliation because of indirect expectations I inadvertently did not fulfill. Today, I do not.

Oh, and using listening to carp as an argument for a tip is lame. If I, for instance, go to a therapist, let's say a psychiatrist, with an emotional problem, am I supposed to give the person 200 percent or so in tips? Or if I just sit there without saying a word while you cut my hair and do not say a word, then I should not give you a tip? You would not do less than your best if I would return a second time? I think there is a possibility.

Eventually, colorists will be faded out as boxed hair dye continues to improve so that it will eventually be "fail proof". Then we can all save a lot of money.

I went to a salon today and got a partial foil. I was looking for a cut and highlights. My partial foil cost me $50 and I chose not to get a cut, but rather a shampoo and blow dry. The woman was very nice and talked to me throughout the process, which I enjoyed. Also, she gave me suggestions on where to get the highlights so that it would look like a full foil and also chose the color (I gave her guidelines because I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted) and she did a great job.

Anyway, my total came to $70 for the foils, shampoo, and blow dry. I left her a $5 tip (would have left $15 easily if I had more cash on me). Regardless of whether or not she pays her booth rent, for her supplies, etc., she is a great stylist and deserves a little extra money for helping me out (and taking me as a walk-in!), in my opinion. Also, I am making another appointment with her in two weeks and will leave a larger tip.

I do give tips, but I honestly can't stand the concept. I feel that "the tip concept" is an excuse for a business owner to offer less salary to their employees. I say- raise the cost of the services. Give employees the extra and do away with tipping!

I am an RN- we do not expect tips from our patients, and we must maintain the same quality of care to all patients (which can include nice people and severe complainers).

I did not like the comment from the hair dresser who said that she has to listen to people's problems all day. We nurses do that too -- it is part of the job.

Accept your job for what it is, and if you do not like it, change jobs! Simple!

Why is hairstyling more worthy of a tip than any other service profession? I teach voice lessons at a studio. I only keep 2/3 of the price of a lesson, I purchase all the music, I do not get benefits or any paid time off and I don't get paid when people don't show up. As well I don't get paid if the student has not paid their monthly fees. I do not expect a tip, yet I provide a service. Please explain to me how this is different.

My hairdresser rents her booth and makes her own hours and prices. Most of the time I have to listen to "her" life story. I'm usually there no longer than 1 1/2 hours to get cut, highlights and styled. I feel I am rushed in and out. Don't get me wrong -- she does a good job, but I figure she makes her own prices and could ask for more if she thought it was worth more. I do, however, leave her a $10 tip.

Yes, hair stylists can make great money, there is no denying that. However, you must take into consideration the overhead a stylist has. Most small town salons are purely booth rental. You have to pay rent(100 and up), pay for all your supplies, pay the help (shampoo girls, etc), pay for continued education (which you nontippers do still want us to take right? or do you want a hair style from 1989?).

You must pay all of your own insurance, there are no sick days, no vacation days, no paid maternity leave. If you're not there, you don't make money(and yes, we do still have to pay rent even when we're not there). Not to mention the fact that we have to pay a cpa to do our taxes and pay for advertising.

I love my job, but before you fuss about being expected to leave a $5 tip, think of how many times you have came to a salon sick (most people get their hair done regardless of health), how many times you have went on and on about how much you love your hair, then walk out of the door leaving nothing. If you can't afford to leave a tip, then say so. We will always understand, but if you simply feel that we make enough as it is, stop and think about everything that comes out of our pay.

To break it down, if we make 500 a week, after everything has been taken out, we might bring home 300 - 350. Not so glamorous is it?

There is an RN above who is saying a particular stylist on commission makes only $7.00 less than her. No one has added that the vast majority of stylists receive little to nothing in employee benefits. The only benefits I ever received were a week of paid vacation after one year. There will never be a reasonable medical and retirement plan. And medical coverage for your spouse or children? Unheard of.

There definitely are successful hairdressers, but on average they make very little money, barely above poverty level, and no benefits. Any stylist working at a SuperCuts, Great Clips, etc. is making a flat hourly wage of minimum or 25 cents above minimum wage, and are expecting tips to scrape by a living, while many of their cheapskate customers are expecting a Vidal Sassoon haircut, and not even leaving a $2 tip on their $8.00 haircut!

Hey, I just had my first salon appointment ever. I was going to get my extremely long hair trimmed a little. But the stylist persuaded me to cut it more. She was trimming and cutting and then did some hi-lites just to try the color on my hair, because I want to color it soon. Well it looks fine, though really short, less than a half of what I came with and what I had all my life.

Also, I told her that I divide my hair on the side and she said she's going to cut it so i can do both sides, but the haircut works when I'm just a little off the middle, but I do further to the side, so it kind of looks messy.

I was charged $160 for everything, and I left only $10 in tip. Is it too bad? I am planning on coming next time for a color job and a little nervous about how she is going to treat me because I left such small tip. Honestly, I didn't expect the price to be so high. They didn't have prices on the web site so I was looking at up to $100 for the hair cut. So is it possible that she might use some bad colors on me, or screw my hair up purposely, because I left a small tip last time? I'm going to leave a bigger tip next time.

What is all the stupidity about? People actually wonder why they should tip a hairstylist? Are you serious? Of course you should, even if all you have is $5, hey it is appreciated!

As a stylist myself, not only am I cutting and coloring your hair, but I am listening to all your whining and crying about how much you hate your husband and life. Also, how depressed you are and how your maid didn't show up on time.

I expect a tip especially if I did an awesome job on your hair and had to hear your entire life story. We are not just stylists, we are also therapists. We massage your scalps, relax you, take you away from the "real world so to speak" aren't you grateful? We fix your messed up hair color because you jumped in the pool without any color protection from chlorine or sun and messed up your hair. Your water pipes are made out of copper and your hair turned green, and we fix that too! If you have a scalp disorder we refer you to the proper medical care to get treated.

You people come in crying sometimes needing to feel uplifted and feel as if you truly are pretty and we make you feel that way, and you still think you shouldn't tip?

I guess you all go to supercuts to get your $12 haircut, and if you don't, then you should just go there. You'll feel like you should be treated, as a guinea pig.

I'm shocked by a lot of these posts. Why wouldn't you tip? I understand that tipping is not as customary in other countries, but in the U.S., the unwritten rule is to tip workers in service industries. Not doing so shows a complete lack of social class. I don't make a lot of money, but I plan to tip well when budgeting for dinner or a haircut.

I pay whatever the price is from the stylist (35.00 and up) and I expect the end result to be a great style and cut that flatters my face. Why should I tip for that? Isn't that why you charge so much? Isn't that why you went to school? Isn't that why I came to you? Most stylist are so fast at what they do you don't even sit in their chair for an hour. That's good money in a short time.

I once had a stylist who said I was her "walking billboard". She was awesome, she didn't have to worry about tips because I always had so many complements on my hair people wanted to know where I went! She was extremely busy and you never missed your appointment! Unfortunately I moved to a different state and never found anyone with the same work ethic and talent she had! It has now become a quest to find someone close to her!

I don't tip, so don't expect it! Learn your trade well, give your clients what they want and you will be extremely financially successful!

It is so true when they say, "If I don't look good, you don't look good."

your kidding aren't you? why would i tip someone for stuffing up my hair? i don't go near hairdressers anymore. i get my sister to trim it every few months. she does a great job and all she asks for is to shout her a coffee now and then. by the way, i live in australia, and we don't tip unless you do an exceptional job.

Where I live, the hairstylist does the shampooing. And yes, you should tip. Why? Because most of those people have loans to pay and are not making a ton of money in an hourly wage. And, because it's the right thing to do.

If you are pleased with your cut, and pleased with what they did, then you tip. If they did a horrible job, then don't tip. They have families---hell, who knows if most of them can afford to get lunch that day or give their kids lunch.

I am disturbed by most of the comments on here. Most non-tippers and hairstylists sound bitter.

My stylist is and was a very close friend of mine before she even went into this. Because of that I give her 15-20 percent, sometimes more if I have extra cash. I give her this great tip (yes it is great and not minimal) because she does a fantastic job and does little extras for me (like letting me know if my favorite shampoo is going on sale, etc.). At any other place I will give them a small tip, even for average service, just because my hair is so long and usually uses more color products because of that.

Some hairstylists and clients on here are comparing this and waitressing in the same boat. For waitresses they make a minimum wage (around $3/hour) and they rely mainly on their tips. Hairstylists, as far as I know at most places, get 50 percent or more of the charge and then get tips. If a waitress doesn't make enough tips to equal minimum wage the employer makes up the difference.

Hairdressers get above minimum wage with or without tips. I am not sure about this. I know that waitresses have to claim their tips. Do hairstylists? Besides that, hairstylists have to have a degree and continuing education, etc. Waitressing requires no professional skill, so in essence, on that fact alone, hairstylists should get more. You can't compare these two so stop with that. The only thing they have in common is they each provide a service.

Next, I'm a registered nurse. A medical practitioner isn't the only one who has a license to touch or whatever you were getting at. I find it funny how hairdressers have to take one or two medical classes (probably over dermatomes, skin conditions, alignment, and such which is about 1/25 of medical knowledge) and are comparing themselves to people in the medical profession. Anyway, if you want to take it there, here we go. As an RN I can't give better or worse service depending on how the client treats me or if I like them or not. I am paid, as you are, to service these people the best care I can (if not there are much more serious consequences than a bad haircut). And if you want to call yourself a professional that is all there is to it.

@Anon100273 says: I realize this is not everywhere you go but, it was posted so I am using it. $17/hour for a haircut which probably takes 30 minutes. Hairstylists complaining? That's ridiculous. Depending where you live a RN makes around $24/hour starting out. We also have many clients to take care of, standing or running on our feet all day, good rapport with clients, etc. And enough whining about how much you have to pay for things out of pocket. We have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for school (50,00 for mine to be exact), pay for some of our supplies (stethoscopes, uniforms, shots required, tests, etc.), we pay yearly fees to keep our licenses, pay hundreds for state boards, constant continuing education and classes, and medical malpractice insurance (to protect us). And you only make around $7 less than us. No more complaining about that.

Now your expectations for tipping. It is astronomical. I would be paying $200 (inc. 30 percent for excellent job in your standards) every six weeks to get my hair done -- almost 1,800 a year for one service. No way. It is easy to say and give excuses (lack of a better word) to say why you should make more money and spending more for doing something you're passionate about. I could say the same thing, that nurses, doctors and teachers should get paid more for what we do because that's my profession and passion and it is easy to see yourself spending a lot on something you care for.

It is unrealistic, however, for someone who just wants their hair to look nice and expect them to pay that much. Saying that you don't expect a tip and then putting a but, (ex. they will not get as good service) is ridiculous and you're kidding yourselves with the but. You are paid to do a good job in the first place. I've never heard of a stylist complaining about getting paid for a bad job done. 15 percent at a minimum is not rude and people shouldn't be guilted into giving that. I think you have forgotten the point of a tip: it's a privilege, not a right. If you do an exceptional job (above average) then you get a nice tip. The client is not responsible for giving a tip just because of inadequacies of the employer or some workers "might" be getting "screwed" by their employers and not getting paid enough. That is a conversation that needs to be handled with your employer and if you can give them good reasons why you are an asset to the facility and it shows then they should have no problems working with you on that.

I absolutely love the very few people on here who say I would much rather you recommend me to others than worry over a tip. They have the right idea. They are probably the best at it also. It simply shows that they are confident in what they do and know they can make the most money with a satisfied customer. This will actually make you more money if you think about it logically. If you do not do your job that is required of you and you are getting paid for and give a substandard job just because someone didn't tip you last time (and face it maybe sometimes it's because you didn't deserve a tip), they are definitely not going to recommend to any others and you are losing out on a ton of business by being bitter.

Moral of the story: Customers: Be fair, not cheap. If you only have enough money to get your hair done and not leave a tip (in case they do an exceptional job) then you are going to have to wait until you can or make sure they know for sure that you will make it up to them the next time if they did a great job. If they did a great job and you don't want to leave a tip the best thing you can do for them is sell them. Make sure all your friends and family know how good they are. Do not feel guilted into leaving a tip or for how much a tip. If you don't feel they deserve a praise then don't give them extra money. If you feel like leaving 10 percent then leave just that, don't let others decide what your standards are and what is considered to be good.

Stylists: Some people may have higher standards than what you have (it's not you sometimes, people are just different). Go into every haircut/color/etc. doing the best you can. Just because you didn't get a tip from them doesn't mean they aren't making you money, could be networking for you (and you don't even know it).

A lot of my friends who are hairstylists (about 8/10 of them) act like they are the stuff, and although I love them dearly, they are not. Quit acting so entitled and work for it. If you go into every appointment not expecting a tip and actually doing your best working for it and having great rapport (most important) with your clients you will have happier customers, bigger clientele, and bigger wallets. I promise you. It will definitely be best in the long run. Then when you are famous because you are the best there is, you can charge an arm and a leg to the celebrity.

Lastly, wow! I never thought I would have this much to say. Sorry. No, I don't think I'm an angel and/or know it all. I just try to give other points of view. Take it or leave it. And no drama garbage. It won't do any good because I won't fight with you.

@Anon91025: Did you ever stop to think that if you tipped your stylist who does your dreadlocks that maybe, just maybe, they would be on time for your appointment? I'm sure they dread every second they spend with you because they know their hard work will not be rewarded.

Come on, people. You tip because you want better service. If you don't tip you won't be treated like the people who do tip. Nobody will go the extra mile for you non-tippers. It's just a fact of life.

After reading a few comments, I noticed a lot of people saying, "Why should I tip when they charge so much for the treatments/haircut?" The answer is simple. The stylists and massage therapists (unless they are self-employed) don't set the prices. The salon and spa do. The amount you are being charged is not what the stylist or therapist makes. Part of the $40-70, or whatever, is given to the therapist/stylist, and then a cut is taken for products used (oils, styling products, etc...) and then a cut is taken out for the salon or spa.

So when you get a $20 haircut from from Kwik Kuts or Hair Cuttery, or wherever- remember that the stylist is only getting a fraction of that 20 to cut your hair.

I don't have a problem tipping in the food industry as they normally make minimum wage but come on, people in the beauty industry charge enough as it is so why should we tip them? I pay $70 an hour for massage, that's their job. nobody tips me to do my job.

To tip or not to tip. I'm from another country and hair-stylists usually do not get tipped. I think if someone does an outstanding job they should be rewarded for it if that person can afford to.

I think it's rather unfair to the consumer to be told how much to pay upfront and then the stylist is expecting a tip. I have worked in the customer service industry for over a decade, and I don't expect a tip even though customers are allowed to do so if they choose.

For those of you complaining about your bosses and how things are bad with you, try to see it from the customer's point of view. Most likely they are not earning any more than you do and to pay $50-$70 for a shampoo and trim, that is quite a chunk out of their salary as well.

But from reading these posts no one is thinking about the average person who is the bulk of most clientele. So the next time you feel unappreciated because you weren't tipped think about the fact that at least you do have customers and that you don't know people's financial circumstances.

The tipping issue has gotten to the point of being irritating to the client. I think tipping has gotten out of hand and people are tipping out of being made to feel guilty, rather than for some extraordinary service. It makes little sense to otherwise be compensated for doing one's job.

Many years back, hairdressers did not make as much money, but now many salons have raised their prices to where I no longer tip. Even if the stylist only makes half of my $200 bill for two hours' work, she is still making $50 an hour. My son is struggling at a job that only pays $9 an hour and is very demanding. Though he deals with the public at a major chain, no one tips him or is he allowed to take a tip.

Why would I tip a hair dresser and not my child's teacher? The teacher deals with her daily, also had to pay for an education and frequently spends her own money to supply extras to the classroom. A valet on a cold, rainy day I would tip, otherwise probably not. I now go to a salon that states that they feel they charge a fair price and tipping is not expected. Someone with common sense.

A therapist has a minimum of a bachelors and a master's degree with a continuing education requirement. Their education for undergrad to grad probably cost over $80K. Then they have to pay to become licensed. All of this comes at great expense. Yet we do not tip the therapist. Why should we tip the hairdresser?

I am extremely happy with the service I received by my hairstylist I recently started using. She has done a full color once and this time highlights. I try to tip right at the 25 percent mark, but sometimes it's a little more. She works in a higher end salon and does excellent work. If I am extremely satisfied, does this seem like a tip she would feel shows I appreciate her work?

I have been a hairstylist for 15 years. I have been fortunate to work in High end salons my entire career. Here is a break down of how we get paid in Canada.

Hair cut $60, I make 50 percent commission out of that $60. I now have $30 while the salon made $30. Off my $30 i have to pay about 23 percent in tax. I now have about $23 out of the $60. I now have to pay $5 for using products on you, and I've now only made $17 in that hour. That is a lot, but once you see the break down, you can see why tips are so appreciated.

I never expect tips, but it sure is nice to know you have done a good job, and were rewarded for it. Tips are my daily living, my wage goes to rent, food etc. Just like anyone else.

I take as many classes as i can. It's not up to your clients to pay for that or your equipment, it goes with our job, plus so many others have to do the same thing. If you want to be a better stylist, you have to pay for it. By doing so, your "tips" should go up cause the clients see that your a professional who is into their career.

I have been flown all over the world to do hair, and i have a A+ clientele. The biggest tip you can give me, is to send more clients. I'll still make money, but i would rather keep returning clients happy with no tip, and with them sending me more clients.

Yes tip, and non don't tip. If you feel we deserve it, all the power to you. I would never hold it against you.

ps: Stylists should be tipping the assistants. They are help you out! In the clients' eyes, they are just doing their jobs!

As I have stated before, I am a professional who loves my line of work. I have to buy my own tools and equipment, keep up with current trends by attending classes and training courses, etc. Just like you - hairstylists - it all comes at my own expense. The money I earn depends on the clients I work hard to satisfy, hoping they will come back or refer me. Sometimes I make good money and sometimes not.

I knew this going into this field as well as you did. I do not get tips and I'm just fine with that! It's not even common in my line of work. Sure I would love one, but I'm not going to whine about it! If you're that bent on making more money, either work harder or get a different job that pays hourly or a salary! It's that easy!

It seems as though many people think hairstylists are uneducated and can't get a "better job." Many stylists have a degree, most are very smart, and most of all, it takes a certain kind of talent and ability to do what we do.

We work hard, continue our education our spare time and always give our all. To tip less than 15-20 percent is rude. We may not "expect" a tip, but they certainly help. We have to buy all of our own tools and equipment on low salaries or no salaries. We do hair because we LOVE to, not because we could not do anything else with our lives. Stop implying that it is a disgrace to be a stylist. It is a proud choice.

Your tips are always appreciated. More than I think you are aware. It takes skill to do what we do, and your gestures of appreciation are never taken for granted.

My stylist is always running late, and I can't go anywhere else because the particular technique she used to tighten my dreadlocks is only done by a few people. I don't feel I need to tip her at all. Being late is not professional.

The high end salon I go to maintains a no tipping policy, and the girls who work there are taken care of nicely.

I send them a little something at holidays. When I do go somewhere else, I only tip if I felt they deserve it (friendly, good job) and I let them know what I think, too.

I think it's funny that some think it's expected. Sorry, but I paid to get an education in my field too, and I pay to keep my professional insurance and certifications (every professional has to do this to maintain, not just stylists).

If you feel like you should be making more, get a better job at a better salon, or be nicer and build up a larger client base to support yourself, you certainly won't get more by thinking you should get something for just doing your job.

Back in the day, tipping was not common. People would only tip if someone went above and beyond their normal duties for them. This is still the case in many countries. It is absolutely ridiculous to expect the general public to tip someone just because they did their job - that's it -- they did their jobs!

I'm a professional in a service industry and I don't get tipped nor do I expect it. My customers won't get treated any differently. I just do my absolute best and people come back to me because of it. People really appreciate that. It's called good customer service!

Here and there they will send me flowers, cards and other goodies just to show their appreciation, but I have never expected anything! This makes any gift so much more genuinely appreciated. It's never good to expect anything. We all learned that as kids -- I hope.

I have to buy supplies and train on my own money. Just like any hairdresser, wait staff, etc., I chose this industry on my own. No one put a gun to my head and told me I had to do it. If you don't like your job, then quit! No one is making you stay!

Don't ever expect anything. If someone tips you, appreciate it and if they don't, you weren't expecting a tip in the first place, so you don't have to cry about i! That's how it works for me and I still love my job. Isn't that so much easier now?

I just got a haircut at a fairly nice hair salon, and the final bill was $175.00. Needless to say I was a little surprised that it was so much for three highlights and a trim.

When she was all done trimming my hair I questioned whether or not I should leave a tip for an already pricey haircut and colors that could come to about 200 dollars.

I just didn't think I can afford to leave a high tip at the moment and later felt bad, because she really did do a lovely job on the coloring.

Where in the world do people get the idea that stylists are salaried? Maybe at a great clips they are guaranteed minimum wage. Comparing a stylist to a food server? Next to a medical practitioner, stylists are the only people licensed to touch you.

It is a very personal service that a stylist provides and yes, if your stylist makes you feel special you should show your appreciation with gratuities. It is a personal decision to tip and as a professional, I would never let someone know that I didn't want their business for not tipping. However, when I know my client is taking care of me for my efforts, they most certainly will receive special treatment.

I believe that people should tip the shampoo person at least a dollar or two. I started out shampooing at a pretty nice salon, and I made four dollars an hour - and this was in 2009. The rest of my income depended on tips.

If I remembered a customer that didn't tip me, well, her head massage would last one minute while ladies who tipped me would get a longer, more enjoyable service.

Basically, you never know when a shampoo girl is being screwed over by her employer and making less than minimum wage. While you are in school which you paid thousands of dollars to attend, you need to work as a shampoo girl for experience and the potential for a future stylist position.

Be careful how you tip shampoo girls - that girl you never gave a dollar to could be giving you a perm in a year or two.

I pay booth rent per week to hold my place at the salon where I'm employed. However, i know of many salons that are on commission, and that means the stylist receives only a percentage of each service.

I worked commission and made 60 percent and the owner 40 percent. I received no hourly wage, so if i had nothing, i made nothing. I agree, it is my choice of a career but guess what? If no one decided this for a career, who would cut your hair?

The only salons i am aware of that make an hourly wage are usually chop shops like supercuts, mastercuts and the like. So, needless to say, a tip is definitely not required but very much appreciated.

I buy all of my own supplies: color, products, shears, clippers, etc. I also pay for classes to stay ahead of all the trends. I always make sure that i do my best on all clients but the ones that think enough of me to tip me, i remember them more.

Any time i get a new color or see a new cut, i will think of those clients to call first when i know they need something fresh for the season. I also am more inclined to give them discounts on products, a free brow wax here and there, or give them samples of new products to try.

I would say 95 percent of my clientele tips, and as i said before, it is very appreciated. If you don't like to tip, just be aware that your stylist is talking about you behind your back and telling everyone that you don't tip.

It is especially hurtful when you spend two or three hours on highlights, color, etc. The client says they love it and then stiff you! Boo on you!

I get my hair done every six weeks because I am 41 and have a lot of gray. I always tip the colorist fairly, about 15 percent. However, the hair washer/dryer seems to expect a lot because whoever I get goes to a lot of trouble to take her time, etc, even though I always say don't do anything fancy.

I asked the secretary and she said $10 tip for the hair washer/dryer. I am already spending

$75 plus about $10 on the colorist. The hair washer/dryer is getting or should be getting salary, it's not my responsibility.

If I didn't like the colorist I'd be gone. The haircut person washes/dries so thank god I don't have to worry on those visits.

I just don't like the idea of typing. I think if you want more money you should include it in you price. The prices are high as it is.

I don't get tips for providing service on my job; it's against company rules. I'm sure my stylist makes more than I do. I pay the price and that's it!

you tip for customer service, just as you tip for customer service in a restaurant. you are tipping because your stylist is taking the time to devote their life to learning how to do the things you want, and how to make you comfortable and welcome and well taken care of. you tip in appreciation, tip what you want, what you can.

I love my stylist. when i first moved to my current state five years ago I went to her and have every six weeks since.

I pay $114 every time I'm in there. I give her $15, more than 10 percent less than 15 percent. she knows I will be there every six weeks without fail.

I paid for her hotel and meals when she came for my wedding for three days in Virginia Beach. And I give at Christmas. Does this make me a bad client and I should tip more?

Hairstylists have to pay thousands of dollars for schooling and then a couple hundred more just to take an exam to be licensed as a cosmetologist. then they have to pay a fee every two years in order to keep their license updated just because some make a commission. most of it is kept by the corporation or company and even more taken out for taxes.

Cosmetologists have to pay for their own tools like scissors and clippers, which are not cheap. they also have to keep updated, which means paying for classes on newest trends. You should always tip your stylist.

their job is mentally and physically straining and they have to maintain a friendly conversation, focus on your service and be on their feet for eight hours a day. if you don't tip, you're just being rude.

I tip my hairstylist 30 percent. She washes, deep conditions. She also gets a $100 tip for Christmas. She is that good. I have naturally curly hair and it has taken me a long time to find someone who knows how to cut it the right way.

Wait staff are not *just* paid $2/hr. If their tips do not meet the minimum wage, their employer has to make up the difference.

Don't tip wait staff or anyone else - If they want more money, charge more money up front. I work in a service industry (as do millions of others) - what tips do I get?

Think before we throw hairstylist underneath a bus! How about think before you decide to take on a career that requires you to gamble with your checks?

I have many stylist friends and trust me -- tip or no tip, they make plenty. I'm tired of people complaining for their poor choices in life.

If you go to school and still don't make an adequate amount then you should have picked more wisely. If a haircut is $60, then expect $60. if you needed more then include it in the price. What idiot gets a job where their pay isn't for sure? That's not a job -- it's called volunteer work. Stop complaining! Get a better job!

For now on, no tip for anyone who does my hair! 20 percent. Ha!

I have to clear one thing up, when you go into a high end salon, stylists do not make an hourly wage. They make commission on what they do, and don't make money on what they do not do.

Tipping is not something you have to do, but is something that you should do if you appreciate your stylist. It takes a lot more schooling, and a lot more talent to be a good hairstylist compared to any waiter or whatever you want to compare a stylist to.

So please once again think before just throwing stylists underneath a bus, and appreciate who makes you look beautiful!

You can't compare tipping a hairstylist to wait staff. Hairstylists make an hourly wage or a salary and wait staff makes like $2 an hour.

Somebody wrote that they take 2 1/2 hours with her hair so she tips them, but they are getting paid for that 2.5 hours so she tips them 30 percent. I already have to pay 120.00 to get my hair done and I'm not tipping 36.00 on top of that. That's crazy.

You pay for your food and tip for service with waitstaff. You pay for a service when you get your hair cut, so why are you tipping? To do a good job? If they don't I will not come back. So I do not understand why anyone tips for a normal hair cut.

As far as in relation to servers, servers get paid only 2.13 or something else far below minimum wage an hour, so the 15-20 percent tip is needed to hit a livable wage. How much do hairstylists make before tips? Do they have an hourly wage? Because if they already have a salary I don't understand why they get so much extra for tip. If they work off of mostly tips though, then that would make sense.

I've been to maybe one hair stylist since i was a kid. My mom does great cutting. I had a stylist who couldn't make a mohawk even with a picture. The stylist was too careful. i hope there was no tip. i went home and mom finally put some balls into the razor and took it to the skin for me. For extreme or punk cuts, make sure the stylist is capable of doing the job! nobody likes to be the jip-tip.

I partly disagree. When getting your hair done at a high-end salon, you should tip 20 percent at the absolute minimum. When I go, I get a root color touch-up, a hi-lite touch-up, as well as a cut, plus i have fairly long hair. All of this rarely gets done under 2 1/2 hrs, so for a stylist to spend that much time with me (and do a good job), I always tip 30 percent, and I feel they deserve it. I agree that a 15-20 percent tip is probably satisfactory for just a cut, though.

I disagree. You should *always* tip a hairstylist as you would tip waitstaff, 15-20%. It doesn't matter if they are the owner or how nice the salon is. You tip waitstaff that much and they haven't gone to school for that job and you can surely serve yourself food, but you can't cut your own hair, at least not well. Always, always, always tip at least 15-20%.

Why can't the hairdresser take care of the tip for the shampoo person? Waitresses and waiters take care of the bus boys. It is ridiculous to have to worry about taking a couple of dollars out of the purse, putting in the pocket and then handing it to the shampoo person after being shampooed. You have to pay two times for one service.