The standard tipping amount for a hairdresser generally ranges from 15% to 20% of the total service cost, with 20% being the most common and widely recommended percentage in the U.S.
Guidelines for tipping your hairdresser:
- Basic haircuts or straightforward services: A tip of around 15% is acceptable, especially if you’re trying a new stylist or the service was standard.
- Satisfied clients: 20% is the typical tip to show appreciation for good service, whether for a haircut, trim, blowout, or color.
- Complex or lengthy services: For services like highlights, balayage, bleaching, or multi-hour color treatments, consider tipping closer to 22-25% or more to acknowledge the extra time and effort.
- Exceptional service or special circumstances: If your stylist went above and beyond, or if you were a demanding client, tipping above 20% (up to 25% or more) is a nice gesture.
Additional considerations:
- If multiple people assist you (e.g., shampooist, assistant, colorist), you can tip them separately or ask if tips are shared.
Shampooists typically receive $3-$5 if tipped separately.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is an important part of hairstylists’ income and a way to show appreciation.
- In the UK, tipping tends to be lower, around 10-15%, with flat amounts like £2-£5 for men’s cuts and £5+ for women’s cuts being common.
How to calculate a tip:
- Find 10% of the bill by moving the decimal one place left, then double it for 20%. For example, a $60 haircut: 10% is $6, so 20% is $12.
- Or simply multiply the total cost by 0.15 to 0.20 for 15-20%.
Summary
Service Type| Typical Tip Percentage
---|---
Basic haircut| 15%
Standard haircut or trim| 20%
Complex color or highlights| 22-25% or more
Exceptional service| 20-25%+
In all cases, tipping is a personal choice but generally expected and appreciated in the hairdressing industry in the U.S.
