By Lisa Gache
In the late 50’s the queen of etiquette, Emily Post declared people should tip between 15-20-percent across the board. While that still holds true, in the past five decades a lot has changed. Who knew we’d be encountering up to four people before leaving a hair salon with perfectly coiffed hair? In some cases, there’s the stylist, the assistant to the stylist, the person who shampoos your hair and the one who blows it out. Are you confused? Well, this is a question that we’re asked all the time at Beverly Hills Manners. So here’s the deal on tipping at salons and spas:
The Fancier the Salon the Bigger the Tip. It goes without saying that if you’re in a “fancy schmancy” salon then you will need to pony up a fancy tip! For example, if you are going to get your hair cut from a stylist at Andy Lecompte’s salon (stylist to Madonna, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan) than you would be expected to pay a higher tip (since the price of a cut will be more) than if you were going to a nondescript hair salon in the neighborhood. And, if a celebrity stylist such as Andy does your hair, then you may be expected to drop as much as $500 for a cut and pay a $100 tip. That’s 20-percent!! (They used to say don’t tip the owner of the salon but that rule has changed.)
Tips for everyone! We know the main stylist or colorist gets 20-percent. For the stylist’s assistant $5-$10 (this figure will vary depending upon the amount of time that is spent and price of the cut). For the person who is shampooing your hair it should be $5 or less. Moving on to manicures and pedicures 15-20 percent, facialist or aesthetician 20 percent, massage therapist 15-20 percent and gratuity for gift certificates of 20-percent. The bottom line is tipping is private, but the more generous the tip, the more the salon or spa will be inclined to squeeze you in on a busy day! If you’re not happy with a service don’t be intimidated – speak up. Express how you feel and see if they can rectify the situation. If they have any kind of attitude than simply reduce the tip by 5-10 percent.
At a top barber shop for a shave, you give the barber almost 30% as your neck is in his hands, receptionist $10 for fitting you into the schedule and the person lubing up your beard $5…
I just had to comment. Thank you for resolving a dispute I’ve had with my husband regarding tipping the owner of a salon. He watches the budget very carefully. I’m actually going to a new salon in a few days and the owner is coloring my hair….I planned to tip anyway
I know people who do not tip the owner, but buy them a rather nice holiday present each year.
do the right thing…spread the wealth, especially if you are fortunate to do so…appreciation can be conveyed in other ways as well!
The worst is when you’re out and don’t know exactly how much and to who you should be tipping. VERY helpful!