Salon & Spa Tipping Guide
Salon and spa professionals dedicate years to mastering their craft, from hair styling and coloring to massage therapy and nail artistry. These skilled workers rely heavily on tips to supplement often modest base wages, making proper tipping etiquette essential for maintaining quality service and showing appreciation.
Whether you're getting a simple haircut or indulging in a full spa day, understanding who to tip, how much, and when helps ensure your service providers are fairly compensated for their expertise, time, and personalized attention.
Standard Tipping Guidelines
- 15-20% - Hair stylist (cuts, styling, blowouts)
- 18-25% - Hair colorist (complex color work deserves higher tips)
- $5-10 - Shampoo assistant (per wash)
- $3-5 - Hair washer or assistant (if separate from main service)
- 15-20% - Nail technician (manicure, pedicure, nail art)
- 18-25% - Massage therapist (higher for therapeutic massage)
- 15-20% - Esthetician (facials, waxing, skincare)
- 15-20% - Makeup artist
- 10-15% - Spa receptionist (optional, for exceptional service)
- $20-50 - Salon owner (optional but appreciated, especially during holidays)
Service-Specific Tipping
💇 Hair Services
Haircut: Tip 15-20% of the service cost. For simple trims, $5-10 minimum is appropriate. For complex cuts, style consultations, or longer appointments, lean toward 20%.
Color Services: Tip 18-25%. Color work is time-intensive and requires advanced skill. Balayage, highlights, and color corrections deserve generous tips (20-25%). Simple root touch-ups can be 15-18%.
Tip each person separately! If you have a stylist for the cut and a colorist for color, calculate tips individually based on each service cost.
💅 Nail Services
Tip 15-20% for manicures and pedicures. For intricate nail art, gel services, or acrylic work that takes extra time, tip 20%+. If someone gives you a hand or foot massage during the service, that warrants the higher end of the range.
Many nail technicians are independent contractors who rent their stations. Your tip is a significant part of their income.
💆 Massage & Bodywork
Tip 18-25% for massage therapy. Therapeutic, deep tissue, or specialized massage (prenatal, sports) deserve 20-25%. Swedish or relaxation massage typically gets 18-20%.
Massage therapists often have physically demanding jobs that take a toll on their bodies. Show appreciation for their hard work.
✨ Esthetics & Skincare
Tip 15-20% for facials, waxing, and skincare treatments. For Brazilian waxing or other sensitive procedures, 20% is standard. For acne treatments or specialized facials, lean toward 20%.
💄 Makeup Services
Tip 15-20% for makeup application. Bridal or special event makeup often justifies 20%+, especially if the artist travels to you or works unusual hours.
💡 Pro Tipping Tips
- ✓ Tip on the pre-discount price - If you use a Groupon or discount, tip based on the original service price, not the discounted rate
- ✓ Tip each person individually - If multiple people work on you (stylist + colorist + assistant), tip each separately in cash if possible
- ✓ Cash is preferred - Stylists receive it immediately without credit card fees or splits
- ✓ Hand tips directly to each person - Don't leave one lump sum at the front desk unless you specify how to split it
- ✓ Bring small bills - Makes splitting tips easier (several $5s and $10s)
- ✓ Book consistently with one person - Building a relationship often results in better service
- ✓ Holiday tips - Give your regular stylist/technician a holiday bonus (equivalent to one service or $50-100)
When to Tip MORE Than Standard
- ⏰ Last-minute appointments - Stylist accommodated your urgent request (add 5-10%)
- 🔧 Corrective work - Fixed a bad haircut or color from elsewhere (add 5-10%)
- 🕐 Off-hours service - Early morning, late evening, or weekend appointments (add $10-20)
- ⏳ Long, complex services - Multiple hours in the chair, intricate work (tip 20-25%)
- 🏠 Mobile services - They came to your home (add $20-50 for travel)
- 👶 Difficult circumstances - You brought kids, rescheduled multiple times, or needed extra patience (add 5-10%)
- 🎄 Holidays - Service during busy holiday season or as a holiday gift (add 10-20%)
- 💬 Consultations - Extensive consultation or style planning time (add $10-20)
Special Considerations
Should I tip the salon owner?
Traditional etiquette says tipping owners is optional since they set their own prices. However, modern norms have shifted—many clients tip 10-20% even to owners, especially if they're your regular stylist. When in doubt, ask or observe what others do. Holiday tips for owners are always appreciated.
What about booth renters vs. employees?
Booth renters (independent contractors) set their own prices and often rely more heavily on tips than salaried employees. Tip booth renters generously (18-25%). Ask your stylist if you're unsure of their employment status.
I'm unhappy with the service. Should I still tip?
If the result isn't what you expected, speak up immediately before tipping. Most salons will fix issues for free. If they attempt to correct it but you're still unhappy, you can reduce the tip to 10% or skip it, but explain why. Don't silently leave a low tip—that doesn't give them a chance to make it right.
Using a gift certificate or Groupon?
Always tip on the original service value, not the discounted price you paid. Your stylist performs the same work regardless of your discount. For a $100 service you got for $50, tip $15-20 (15-20% of $100).
Regular client loyalty
If you see the same stylist regularly, consider giving a larger holiday tip (equivalent to one full service or $50-100). You can also give small gifts—many stylists appreciate gift cards, chocolates, or beauty products.
Common Salon Tipping Scenarios
Scenario: $60 haircut, one stylist, good service
Recommended: $12 (20%)
Standard service warrants a standard 20% tip. Consider 15% ($9) for adequate service or 25% ($15) for exceptional work.
Scenario: $150 color + $70 cut, different stylist and colorist, plus assistant shampoo
Recommended: $30 colorist + $14 stylist + $7 assistant = $51 total
Tip each person separately: colorist 20% of $150, stylist 20% of $70, assistant $5-10 flat.
Scenario: $45 pedicure at nail salon
Recommended: $9-10 (20-22%)
Nail services are often undervalued. Tip at least 20%, especially if they included a good massage or extra pampering.
Scenario: $100 massage at day spa
Recommended: $20-25 (20-25%)
Massage is physically demanding work. Tip 20% minimum, 25% for deep tissue or therapeutic massage.
Scenario: Used a $50 Groupon for a $120 color service
Recommended: $24 (20% of original $120 price)
ALWAYS tip on the original price before discounts. The stylist's work is the same regardless of what you paid.
❌ Salon Tipping Mistakes
- ✗ Not tipping at all - Service providers rely on tips as part of their income
- ✗ Tipping only $5 on a $100+ service - This is insulting and doesn't reflect the work involved
- ✗ Tipping on the discounted price - Always calculate tip on the original service cost
- ✗ Leaving one lump sum at the desk - May not be divided fairly; tip each person directly
- ✗ Not tipping the assistant - They did work for you too; give them $3-10
- ✗ Reducing tips without explaining - Speak up about issues before leaving a low tip
- ✗ Assuming the owner doesn't need tips - Many owners still appreciate tips, especially if you're a regular
Salon & Spa Tipping FAQ
Q: Do I tip on the service price or the total including products?
A: Tip on the service price only, not on retail products you purchase. If you buy shampoo at checkout, don't include that in your tip calculation.
Q: Can I tip on a credit card?
A: Yes, but cash is preferred. Credit card tips may be taxed or subject to processing fees, and the stylist may not receive them immediately. Cash goes directly to the service provider.
Q: What if I can't afford to tip 20%?
A: If budget is tight, consider less expensive services or salons. However, 15% should be your minimum for adequate service. If you truly can't afford to tip, choose more affordable options or visit a cosmetology school salon where services cost less.
Q: Should I tip differently at an upscale vs. budget salon?
A: Tip the same percentage (15-20%) regardless of the salon type. The work and skill are often comparable; you're just paying more for ambiance and location at upscale salons.
Q: How do I split a tip if multiple people worked on me?
A: Calculate separately for each service. Example: $100 color (tip $20 to colorist) + $60 cut (tip $12 to stylist) + shampoo (tip $5-7 to assistant). Hand each person their tip directly or leave labeled envelopes at checkout.
Q: What about tipping for kids' haircuts?
A: Tip the same percentage (15-20%). Kids can be challenging to work with, and children's cuts often take just as long as adult cuts despite lower prices.
Q: Is it okay to tip with Venmo or Zelle?
A: Ask first! Some stylists prefer digital tips (no tax record for small amounts, instant transfer), while others prefer cash. Don't assume—just ask "Would you prefer cash or Venmo?"
Salon Tip Calculator
Need more helpful tools? Visit TipShare to quick tip calculator and bill splitter for fast math on the go..
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided as-is for informational purposes. Tipping customs vary by location and situation. Always use your best judgment.