How Much Should You Tip at the Salon? Find Out Now

For your hairstylist, colorist, aesthetician, massage therapist, nail tech, or any other main service provider.

The standard tip is 15 to 20 percent of the bill before taxes.

For more complicated services (like corrective color) or if your beauty professional went above and beyond.

Think about tipping more than 20 percent as an added gesture.

You didn't really like your service or your results.

Instead of forgoing tipping altogether, consider tipping as a courtesy, but less: 10 percent, for instance. Talk with the manager or owner, though: they don't want you to leave dissatisfied and will likely even offer a redo. Of course, if your experience is completely awful (fried hair, botched nails, etc.), no tip is necessary.

Tipping on a complimentary redo.

If an effort is made to correct or improve upon your service, tip 15 to 20 percent of what the total would have been. But still speak up if you're not satisfied, or consider taking your business elsewhere if your expectations aren't being met.

If you get a complimentary bang trim.

Tip about 10 percent of the price of your regular haircut, or around $5 to $10 dollars.

If a shampoo person washes your hair.

A $2 to $5 tip is standard, but consider going on the higher end (or adding more) for especially detailed shampooing or if additional services (hand massage, deep conditioner, toner application, etc.) are provided.

If someone else besides your stylist/colorist blow-dries your hair (like the stylist's assistant).

A tip of $5 to $10 is welcomed.

If the salon owner does your service.

While it has been standard practice not to tip the salon owner, this "rule" has become a bit old-fashioned. For a job well done, it's always a kind gesture to tip.

If you're using a coupon or online discount.

Tip based on what the bill would have been. And for salons that offer lower-priced services to begin with ($12 haircuts, for instance), consider adding a tad more to the standard 15 to 20 percent tip if you can afford it.

And for the holidays.

You should never feel obligated to give something extra for the holidays, but a handwritten note, handmade gift, or additional cash tip is a meaningful expression of your gratitude.