How Much To Tip Hairdressers: Guide for Every Appointment
Written by
Scott Jeffries
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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Not sure how much to tip your hairdresser? You’re not alone. Figuring out tipping etiquette in the service world isn’t always straightforward — but when it comes to someone in charge of your hair, it’s worth getting right. Tipping isn’t just polite, it’s a meaningful part of your stylist’s income. This guide breaks down how much to tip, when to tip more and why it matters.
How Much To Tip Hairdressers: Quick Answer
Tipping etiquette varies, but in the realm of hairdressing, a tip of 20% to 25% is often recommended. Here are some things to consider:
- This range is particularly suitable for regular salon patrons or for those who are extremely satisfied with their new look.Â
- Tipping not only shows your appreciation for the service but also helps cultivate a strong rapport with your stylist.Â
- If you pay with a credit card, many tablets or points of service will generate tip estimations for you so you can click on the percentage that you feel is right.Â
Standard Hairdresser Tipping Chart
Use this quick chart to see what a 20% or 25% tip looks like based on your total bill:
| Total Bill | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| $50 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $100 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
| $250 | $50.00 | $62.50 |
| $300 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
Why Tipping Your Hairdresser Matters
Hairdressers do more than just cut and color — they help you feel like your best self. Tipping is a fairly simple way to show you value their time and skill. Here’s why it matters:
- Most stylists rely on tips for income: In many cases, tips make up the bulk of what they earn — not hourly wages.
- It shows you recognize the effort: Whether it’s a quick trim or a multi-hour transformation, tipping reflects the time and care they put in.
- A solid tip builds loyalty: When you tip well, you’re more likely to get great service and easier appointment booking in the future.
How Much To Tip Based on Type of Service
The amount you tip can also depend on the type of service provided to you. Some people may tip 15% to 20% on the total bill, while others may choose to leave no tip at all. However, you should only do that if the service was absolutely terrible. Not tipping is a rude money habit.
It is ultimately up to you how much you want to tip your hairdresser as a gratuity. For example, you should leave a tip of less than 15% only if you were extremely unsatisfied with the quality of service provided and plan on not coming back to the salon.
It’s important to note that many hairstylists may not consider 10% an acceptable tip. They might think of it as more of an obligation on your part rather than an act of gratitude. So be sure to think twice before leaving a 10% tip.
How To Calculate a 20% Tip
If you have your phone with you, it’s pretty easy to calculate the tip.
- Take your total bill — say it’s $120.
- Multiply the total by 0.20. Your tip for this example would be $24.
How Much To Tip Hairdressers: 20% and Up
A 20% tip is the gold standard — and for good reason. It shows your stylist that you’re happy with their work and value their time. But sometimes a little extra is more than fair — and appreciated.
Tip 20% if:
- You love how your hair turned out.
- You’re a regular and want to maintain a good relationship.
- Your stylist makes you feel comfortable and cared for.
Tip 22% to 25% if:
- Your hair is challenging to manage, but the hairstylist did a great job at it.
- You arrived late or rescheduled last minute and they accommodated.
- You’re getting a premium service like highlights, balayage or color correction.
- You want to tip extra for the holiday season.
Good To Know: Hairdresser Tipping Etiquette
Tipping a flat $5 or $10 might shortchange your stylist — especially for high-ticket services.
For example, 20% of a $200 bill is $40, not $10.
Tipping for Hair Color, Highlights and Extras
If you go in for hair color, you should tip at least 20%, if not more. This service deserves a higher tip since the process is time-consuming and your hairdresser would have to put other things on hold to cater to you.
Moreover, if someone other than the hairstylist is shampooing and conditioning your hair, you should tip them between $5 to $10.
You should tip more than 20% if:
- Your hairstylist is also bleaching your strands.
- You’ve opted for a difficult hair coloring technique.
- Your hairstylist is adding highlights.
- You’re served a complimentary drink or snack while you wait for the hair color to set.
The tipping percentage can differ according to your location since salon services are priced differently in each state.
Final Take: Tip With Confidence at the Salon
Tipping your hairdresser isn’t just good etiquette — it’s how you show respect for their time, effort and artistry. Stick with 20% for standard service and go above that when you’re especially impressed. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way.
GOBankingRates’ Tipping Guides
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how much to tip hairdressers.- Should I tip if I didn’t like the haircut?
- If you're unhappy with the service, consider discussing it first. If no resolution is reached, a reduced tip may be appropriate.
- Do I tip the person who washes my hair?
- A tip of $5 or $10 for assistants who help is a nice touch and would be appreciated.
- Is it okay to tip in cash even if I paid with a card?
- Yes, many stylists prefer cash tips because they avoid processing fees and receive them immediately.
- What’s the tipping rule during the holidays?
- Around the holidays, it's customary to tip closer to 25% -- or give a small gift if you visit regularly.
Cameron Cole and Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists."
- Real Simple. 2022. "This Is How Much to Tip Hairstylists and Colorists (Plus One Time You Don't Need to Tip)."
- Cosmopolitan. 2021. "How Much To Tip Your Hairdresser for a Cut, Trim, or Color."
- Glamour. "What No One Tells You About Tipping at the Hair Salon."
