How much do you or should you tip your stylist?

[fluffylocks]

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?

I tip waitresses and pizza guys and all that---because they kind of make their living off of tips

I never knew untill now ( i guess because i dont go to the salon) that stylist were in the same category of people that get tips all the time

I still dont understand why

They dont need the tip, so why is it so expected every single time? It would be different if everytime you gave them something extra or brought them something that it was a pleasent suprise, but not if they are waiting for it.
The price they tell you is how much money they want, so why do they expect extra?
I just dont understand why you have to give the stylist extra money for them to put you in their best customer circle---cant they understand/doesnt it show the same respect that you love their work by your returning every single week to see them only?

I just think stylist should give the same quality of work to anyone who sees them regualry regardless of tips or not because that is what they love to do ----or is it considered a labor?


But this is a great post, i will remeber this if i ever start going so my stylist will know that i respect/apprecite her alot

 

[Energee]

And shouldn't you be able to get good service without having to pay extra?

Of course. I certainly believe a stylist (or anyone in any service industry) needs to 'earn' their pay and tip. A good attitude and good work should be the minimum any client should EXPECT from their stylist. You should get that just walking into the door. I agree. However, I don't think a stylist has to give you 'extras' (Making time for you in her tight schedule no matter what, coming in early, leaving late just for you, or performing services free of charge that the salon or she would normally charge for--deep conditioning, trim, mini neck/head massages....etc). Your stylist does not have to do those 'extra' things for you. So I feel that if you have one who does and goes above and beyond to make you comfortable that you should tip generously. I'm not saying anyone has to tip--that's a personal decision. I surely feel obligated to tip when I get good service. Of course, like you, I would never tip for substandard service nor do I think the stylist should expect a tip for poor service.

 

[fluffylocks]

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.

Everyone loves/wants/has the right to go the salon no matter how much money they have. A tip is something that when you can do it, you will. Saying if you cant tip dont go is like discrimnating on them because of their lack of money, and i just know stylist dont do that.
If the person wants to tip, but doesnt have enough money and tells the stylist, then thats one thing
But if they dont have the money, and dont want to ever tip anyway, under any circumstances, thats something different all together

 

[Maynard]

I tip waitresses and pizza guys and all that---because they kind of make their living off of tips

I never knew untill now ( i guess because i dont go to the salon) that stylist were in the same category of people that get tips all the time

I still dont understand why

They dont need the tip, so why is it so expected every single time? It would be different if everytime you gave them something extra or brought them something that it was a pleasent suprise, but not if they are waiting for it.
The price they tell you is how much money they want, so why do they expect extra?
I just dont understand why you have to give the stylist extra money for them to put you in their best customer circle---cant they understand/doesnt it show the same respect that you love their work by your returning every single week to see them only?

I just think stylist should give the same quality of work to anyone who sees them regualry regardless of tips or not because that is what they love to do ----or is it considered a labor?

But this is a great post, i will remeber this if i ever start going so my stylist will know that i respect/apprecite her alot

That's the million dollar question girlie! All I can say is money makes the world go round! You want something, you gotta pay for it! :shrug:

 

[fluffylocks]

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?

I see, if you want extras, you give your stylist extra
If you know your stylist does all of these extras for you, then yeah, you could/should give some extra money for what they did for you

I wasnt thinking about extras, i was just thinking about the basics, get in and out in good time, do their best job ect.---
If the way they do the basic things depends on who gives tips, then thats horrible

But i see now a perferred customer is someone they will do nice things for. I see, im done


I myself dont like the idea of paying my way into anyones good favors ( not saying anyone here is doing it), but i wouldnt give my stylist money just so she could give me extras and make me a perferred cutomer, i would just give her extra for how well she did, and whatever she did back, i would appreciate it more

 

[fluffylocks]

That's the million dollar question girlie! All I can say is money makes the world go round! You want something, you gotta pay for it! :shrug:

Sure is, i forgot about that
Nothing is free huh?

 

[Energee]

Everyone loves/wants/has the right to go the salon no matter how much money they have. A tip is something that when you can do it, you will. Saying if you cant tip dont go is like discrimnating on them because of their lack of money, and i just know stylist dont do that.
If the person wants to tip, but doesnt have enough money and tells the stylist, then thats one thing
But if they dont have the money, and dont want to ever tip anyway, under any circumstances, thats something different all together

I'm talking about the people who go to the salon and received good service and extras only. I think these people should give a tip. Then again I am aware that we are all different, were raised differently and have different opinions when it comes to such topics because of that. For instance I was raised watching my mother and father give tips religiously for any service we received in our home or outside of our home when I was growing up. They felt it was important so it's something I carried with me into adulthood. I leave tips for the maids in hotels and everything. That's what I do.
Some of these people are never shown respect or any appreciation for their work.

I do understand and agree that people can elect to not give a tip if they weren't particularly happy with the service they received. That's all of our right as customers/clients of course. I can't disagree with that.

 

[TaraDyan]

Wow … this certainly is a spirited discussion. As for me, I am a true believer in tipping for good service. When it comes to hair care services, I find that I tip differently than I do for food service for some reason. For hair care services, I typically do what I call a “$10 round up” instead of tipping the standard 20%. For example, if I get a service that costs … say … $60, I typically just round up to $70, which is roughly 17%. However, if I get a $25 service, I’ll still tip the $10 round up, which ends up being 40%. So in my case, a stylist can make more tip money off me if she charges me less for the service. I know that doesn’t make much sense, but that’s what I do. I usually don’t get services that cost more than $60, so it hasn’t been an issue yet.

Now, when it comes to dining, I always tip at least 20% for good service. I have even been known to tip as much as 40% for great service. When my sister and I step foot into our favorite restaurants, they see us coming at the door and literally fall over each other trying to seat us in their section. We often get free food, more prompt service and other perks. Like it or not, that’s the reality of the situation.

 

[Maynard]

Wow … this certainly is a spirited discussion. As for me, I am a true believer in tipping for good service. When it comes to hair care services, I find that I tip differently than I do for food service for some reason. For hair care services, I typically do what I call a “$10 round up” instead of tipping the standard 20%. For example, if I get a service that costs … say … $60, I typically just round up to $70, which is roughly 17%. However, if I get a $25 service, I’ll still tip the $10 round up, which ends up being 40%. So in my case, a stylist can make more tip money off me if she charges me less for the service. I know that doesn’t make much sense, but that’s what I do. I usually don’t get services that cost more than $60, so it hasn’t been an issue yet.

Now, when it comes to dining, I always tip at least 20% for good service. I have even been known to tip as much as 40% for great service. When my sister and I step foot into our favorite restaurants, they see us coming at the door and literally fall over each other trying to seat us in their section. We often get free food, more prompt service and other perks. Like it or not, that’s the reality of the situation.

Oh so you were one of those people that I used to fight other w/w for! Waiters/waitresses/bartender NEVER forget a face, especially great tippers! (works the other way too...)

 

[Miss_Jetsetter]

To me, not tipping is just tacky hell.

I've always tipped my stylist even back when i was 16 and didn't have gainful employment. it was just by the example that my parents lead.

I take care of my stylist because she takes care of me. She doesn't even do regular relaxers (weavologist) but she was nice enough to accomodate me and take me on as a regular client.

She is extremely prompt, gentle and very proffesional. And most importantly, she has be walking out of her shop looking like one of the black girls in the latest Pantene relaxed and natural commercial!

To each her own, though.

 

[fluffylocks]

Alittle off topic
But how do you all tip your sytylist anyway?
It seems like when you give them money they just put it in their pocket/smock so they wont seem greedy/rude/making sure you didnt skimp them to count it in front of you

Do you say--- Heres the money, and a $10 tip to make sure they know, or you just take it that when you leave they will go ahead and count?


I feel so bad i didnt know it was common knowledge to tip a stylist

 

[TaraDyan]

Oh so you were one of those people that I used to fight other w/w for! Waiters/waitresses/bartender NEVER forget a face, especially great tippers! (works the other way too...)

Yup ... that's me. Again, if you give me great service with a smile and you're attentive to boot, trust and believe I will hook you up.

 

[Energee]

When my sister and I step foot into our favorite restaurants, they see us coming at the door and literally fall over each other trying to seat us in their section. We often get free food, more prompt service and other perks. Like it or not, that’s the reality of the situation.

Exactly. When you tip well, and it's known that you tip well in establishments you patron, you will and do get great/better service. You will not have to wait for a table in a restaurant--- You can get that extra early or extra late appointment if needed, if you stay at a hotel regularly for business they will treat you extra well...those are just a few examples. I know that my time is short most days and I don't like standing on line or waiting anywhere if I don't have to and yes, I love the 'extras' and perks. So if tipping extra gets me faster, better service, or even extras thats what I will continue to do .

 

[Chipmunk]

I usually tip 20% regardless to price. If I am short on cash, no less than $10.

 

[Energee]

Alittle off topic
But how do you all tip your sytylist anyway?
It seems like when you give them money they just put it in their pocket/smock so they wont seem greedy/rude/making sure you didnt skimp them to count it in front of you

Do you say--- Heres the money, and a $10 tip to make sure they know, or you just take it that when you leave they will go ahead and count?


I feel so bad i didnt know it was common knowledge to tip a stylist

Well, when I first started going to my stylist I used to give her the money that I owed her for my service (s) exactly and then a few seconds behind that I would give her the tip and say "here's a little something extra for you" or 'this is for you..thank you" and I'd compliment her work. She never expected it. In fact, I think she was surprised in the beginning because I don't think many people tip her at that salon.

Now, I've been going to her for two years so she sort of knows I'm going to give her something extra lol but she is still awkward about it. I don't say anything. I just give her the total for the service plus the tip at one time and then she will ask me if I want /need change and I will just say 'no' and I'll say keep that for the kids (she has 3 little ones) or something similar.

You shouldn't feel bad about not knowing to tip. I think a lot of people don't know and I think it's based on their experience at the salon (s) they've been to. Perhaps they don't see others tip so they don't think it's customary I guess.

Also,I've been told, that you do not tip the owner of a salon, spa...etc. They are the ones who don't really need the tip and they aren't supposed to expect a tip. You can bring them breakfast, lunch...give them gifts etc.

 

[Maynard]

Alittle off topic
But how do you all tip your sytylist anyway?
It seems like when you give them money they just put it in their pocket/smock so they wont seem greedy/rude/making sure you didnt skimp them to count it in front of you

Do you say--- Heres the money, and a $10 tip to make sure they know, or you just take it that when you leave they will go ahead and count?


I feel so bad i didnt know it was common knowledge to tip a stylist

In your case since you never tipped before, I would tell them. They are not going to be looking for anything extra because you never gave it before.

Tell her..

"I have lil something extra for you, Thanks for the great job!"

ETA: Didn't see the previous post..my bad

 

[BlueEra]

I have been a shampoo girl at two different salons and they have been two different experiences. The first one I was only working for one stylist making $4/head, so I lived off of the tips I made there since on an average day I only made $30. Almost everyone except for two clients tipped around $2-5 dollars which was greatly appreciated even though I didn't expect to be tipped.

The salon I work at now I make $5-10/head depending on the type of service the client is receiving, but I was surprised that I have yet to receive a tip because I honestly thought it was the norm thing to do. I don't think a lot of people realize the significance an assistant holds because in most cases they are around to help to make the service faster for you, especially when a stylist is backed up. I guess some people don't feel obligated to tip the assistant...

Regardless, I treat everyone the same and have never treated anyone with more preference based on how much (or how little) they tip. I also tip my stylist as well...at least $5 whether I can afford to or not. I noticed that older women are more prone to tipping than younger ones.

 

[balisi]

I'm going to share my experience as a stylist, in an attempt to help clarify this issue. My POV may be different from a client's, although I personally tip well and consistently when I am the customer.

First of all, tipping is a personal decision, even though it is CUSTOMARY for many services rendered. I think that some of you are getting caught up in stylists "expecting" a tip. How do YOU define that? What does this "expectation" look like?

The word "tip" never comes out of my mouth. Our register automatically prints out a sheet for which our credit card customer may write in a tip amount if he so desires. Credit card customers unfamiliar with our system will oftentimes ask if there is somewhere to include a tip, before we can even ring up the sale. I automatically give cash customers their change. They often tell me to keep it all, or what portion to keep. They sometimes tip me before they pay. These customers are accustomed to tipping and are pleased with the service received. 99.9% of the time, balisi receives a tip. So am I accustomed to receiving tips? Yes! Do I expect tips? No! Do you see the difference? I'm not standing there shaking anyone down for a tip. If they tip, I thank them and go about my business. If they don't tip, I thank them and go about my business. When my customers return (tippers as well as non-tippers) they still receive my best service because that is all that I know how to give. So no, I don't jack up or rough up anyone's hair just because she didn't tip me last time.

The profile of my non-tipping customers is typically: young, black female, but sometimes older black females leave no tip as well. These customers return to me, so I know that they are pleased with my work, but they simply don't believe in tipping, can't afford to tip, don't know that they should tip, or mistakenly believe that I receive the total service sale, even though I work for a chain. Can ya say 45% commission? Yes, that is what I have been working for. Not a lot of money. And before anyone fires off a response saying that I shouldn't complain because that is what I chose, you're somewhat right. I'm not really complaining, just putting it out there for those who care to know. I chose a chain salon in order to obtain real world experience on a very diverse clientele. This earns me a solid foundation and broadens my knowledge and skills to better serve my clients now and when I venture out on my own.

Real life example: "Hilary" is a regular customer of mine. She will come in for shampoo/blowdry/flatiron/deep con/eyebrow wax. She will pay for her services on a credit card, never include a tip and will head directly to Target to purchase hair products. So it doesn't appear to be about the money. She just doesn't tip. When she returns, I greet her with my dazzling smile and proceed to once again deliver the best hair care she has ever received. I thank her for her business until next time.

There was mention of the substandard/mediocre stylists "expecting" a tip on top of getting paid for "doing their job," who will jack up the heads of non-tippers. Poster, I don't know who you were referring to. Perhaps you were experiencing flashbacks from your dealings with a former substandard/mediocre, tip happy stylist and that is what caused your caustic outburst, but I don't know any such stylist. Apparently you have the ONE stylist who provides great service with no expectation of a tip.

Another thought that comes to mind is perhaps many people believe that stylists are making bank, therefore they should not be given any "extra" money in the form of tips, no matter how good their service is. Does anyone share this belief?

 

[Miss_Jetsetter]

Well said Balisi, and I wholeheartedly agree with all of your points.

Another thought that comes to mind is perhaps many people believe that stylists are making bank, therefore they should not be given any "extra" money in the form of tips, no matter how good their service is. Does anyone share this belief?

Nope, not at all.

When I first went to my stylist, not only did I tip her $30+ but I also sent her a gift card a week later because I was THAT impressed with her service. I find that in my experience, a lot of 'known' stylists in the end can be all smoke and mirrors. This was not the case with Reneice at all. I felt that her prices were very reasonable for her services rendered.

Now, I'm sure if you do the math, anyone has to know that if people still cannot get appointments after waiting for 6+ months, then business must be BOOMING! I would not be surprised if she is bringing in well over six figures a year.

Now, with this in mind do I walk in and say:
"Well, since I know she must be doing really well with her business, than I'm going to keep my extra money in my pocket?" Heck no! I believe that sort of thinking/attitude applies to other aspects of peoples lives in general and goes well beyond the tipping issue. I've never really carried that frame of mind, to be honest.

I have absolutely NO PROBLEM breaking bread with someone who is proffesional, attentive, accomodating, precise and is a sweetheart to boot on top of it all. I live in Miami and there are thousands of stylists down here. Quite frankly I was tired of people playin' in my head and I wanted to find someone who was about their 'bizness'.

It is totally worth my money to fly to DC, IMO. I had a hunch that i wasn't going to be leaving her shop like "Dang, why did I come up here? I'm so glad to see that i was right

 

[SoforReal]

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!

Wow wish I was in Cali!!!

 

[VroniL2006]

I honestly at first, didnt understand why we tip stylist in the first place, especially when they own the shop. Its not like a waitress who only gets paid two dollars an hour and relys on the tips to pay her bills. When I am paying 80 dollars for a service, I feel like that is plenty. However, I have heard stylist talk about people who dont tip and I know they tend to treat you better when you tip well.

Anyhoo, I usually pay 5 dollars or more, depending on how well the stylist did or how much money I have on me. The ones that over charge or add on those surprise 20 dollar charges for a deep conditioning dont get anything. I think some stylist are getting out of control with charging for each service. Which is why I have learned how to do my hair at home and go to a salon every once in awhile as a treat.

Now when I go back home I do have one stylist that I go to normally and I always tip her because she works for a chain and she told me that she only gets 50% commission. I was wondering why the prices were so high, so when she explained it to me, then it made sense. So, I usually tip her to make it seem worth her while.

 

[kismettt]

i have never tipped the shampoo girl, are you supposed to? at my old hair stylist, she did everything herself (and did it amazingly well). my mom would tip her (that was back when I was 10-14). Now, when I go to a hair stylist I don't tip that well (usually $5, sometimes $10 if I don't have a smaller bill) just because it seems to be an hour before some one starts washing my hair =/