Figuring out how much to tip for services received is often a tricky question, especially when it comes to more expensive services like a $100 haircut. There are many factors to consider when deciding on an appropriate tip amount, and opinions on what’s “proper” can vary widely. This article will break down tipping etiquette and norms when it comes to a $100 haircut so you can feel confident you’re showing your stylist the right amount of monetary appreciation.
Quick Overview on Tipping for a $100 Haircut
The standard tip for a $100 haircut typically falls between 15-25%. Most experts and stylists agree that 20% is an appropriate tip in most cases. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 15% tip = $15 extra on top of the $100 haircut for a total of $115.
- 20% tip = $20 extra on top of the $100 haircut for a total of $120.
- 25% tip = $25 extra on top of the $100 haircut for a total of $125.
Of course, tipping is ultimately at your discretion and you may wish to tip more or less based on your satisfaction with the service quality and other factors outlined later in this article. But the 15-25% range gives you a general ballpark figure for an appropriate tip.
Key Factors That Should Impact Your Tip Amount
There are a few key factors that should go into determining an appropriate tip amount for a $100 haircut:
Quality of service
The quality of service you receive is a major consideration. Did your stylist listen attentively to what you wanted, offer helpful suggestions, and deliver a cut and style you’re thrilled with? A tip amount on the higher end of the 15-25% range is suitable for exceptional service.
On the other hand, if you felt rushed, that the stylist didn’t seem to fully understand or deliver what you asked for, or made mistakes in the cut, it’s reasonable to tip less while still showing appreciation for their time and effort.
Complexity of the haircut
Was your $100 haircut a simple trim that took 15-20 minutes? Or was it a more complex, time-consuming process involving intensive consultation, coloring, styling, and so on? The tip amount can scale up appropriately for more complex, labor-intensive services.
Your relationship with the stylist
Are you a loyal, regular client who books with one specific stylist at the salon? Has this stylist taken good care of you over many visits? Regulars who have built rapport with a stylist over time often tip more generously as a sign of appreciation for the ongoing relationship.
On the other hand, if this was a one-off visit with a stylist you don’t know at a salon you don’t frequent, you may lean toward the lower end of the standard 15-25% tipping range.
Cost of living and prices in your area
Looking at average prices and the cost of living in your area can provide context on an appropriate tip amount. A $100 haircut might be considered a splurge in an area where prices are generally lower, warranting a generous tip. In a high cost-of-living area where $100 haircuts are standard, tip expectations may be more moderate.
Your overall budget
Consider your own budget and what tip amount works for you. If $20 on top of a $100 haircut fits comfortably in your spending plan, great. If not, a $15 tip still shows your appreciation. The main thing is to tip within your means rather than overextending.
Why It’s Important to Tip for a Professional Haircut
Here are some key reasons it’s important to tip your stylist for a professional haircut service:
It’s part of their compensation
Like waiters and other service professionals who rely on tips, hairstylists typically earn a significant portion of their income from tips. So your tip is part of their overall compensation for time and services rendered.
To show appreciation for good service
Even if tipping is expected, a stylist has still earned your tip by taking care of you and providing a skilled service. A good tip shows tangible appreciation for their time, effort and care.
To encourage return visits from quality stylists
Good tippers tend to get priority bookings and better service from quality stylists. Your tips encourage your favorite stylists to fit you in for appointments and take extra good care of you during visits.
It’s good etiquette
Tipping your stylist appropriate amounts is considered standard etiquette and good manners when you receive specialty services like professional haircuts and color.
How Tip Amounts Can Vary
While 15-25% is the standard tip range for a $100 haircut, tip amounts can vary up or down based on certain factors:
Higher tips
- 30% or more for exceptional service
- Higher tips from regular clients
- More for very complex, lengthy processes
- In high cost-of-living areas where prices are higher
- When you have the budget to tip generously
Lower tips
- 10-15% for adequate but not exceptional service
- Less from new clients with no ongoing relationship
- Less for quick, simple haircuts
- In lower cost-of-living areas where prices are generally lower
- If you have a tight budget
The Impact of Tipping on Future Service
How you tip for a $100 haircut can impact the service you receive on future visits, for better or worse. Here are some potential consequences of different tipping behaviors:
Good tips encourage great future service
- Priority bookings and flexible scheduling
- More attentive consultation and service
- Willingness to stay late or make accommodations
- Special perks like free add-on services
- An overall positive, caring relationship
Lower tips may discourage good service
- Being unable to book with top stylists
- Rushed, impersonal consultation and service
- Inflexibility with scheduling requests
- Reluctance to accommodate special requests
- Feeling like an afterthought instead of a valued client
Of course, many professionals provide good service regardless of tips. But tipping well does tend to be noticed and rewarded when you book future appointments.
Differences in Tipping Stylists at High-End Salons
At high-end salons where haircuts often start at $100 and up, tipping differences may include:
- Higher tips since prices are higher. A $100 cut may warrant a $20+ tip.
- Tips are still expected even for very expensive cuts. Don’t assume the high price means you shouldn’t tip.
- Consider tipping on pre-tip totals. If a $150 cut had a $20 tip pre-added, tip on the $150 base instead of after the tip.
- Higher tips for top or master stylists, whose cuts likely start well over $100.
- More emphasis on rewarding loyal regulars with tipping, gifts, and perks.
However, the standard 15-25% tipping range still applies. Be sure to factor the higher prices into your tip amounts at luxury salons.
Should You Tip for Consultations?
What about tipping for a $100 haircut consultation, before the actual service? Here are some tips on handling consultations:
- Yes, tip for consultations since the stylist is still providing a service.
- 10-15% is an appropriate tip for a consultation alone.
- If you book the cut, the consultation tips can count toward your overall tip.
- Skip the consultation tip only if the stylist doesn’t charge for it.
- A small tip still shows good etiquette even for free consultations.
Show your appreciation through tipping, even if you ultimately decide not to book the $100 cut after a consultation.
Should You Tip the Salon Owner?
If the owner of the salon personally cut your hair, should you tip them? Here’s some guidance:
- Yes, you should still tip the standard amount, even if they own the business.
- They still provided you a skilled service, even if they pay themselves.
- Many owners remain actively involved doing hair in their salons.
- It’s still part of their overall compensation, like other stylists.
- An owner may discreetly decline, but you should offer the tip.
Unless indicated otherwise, go ahead and tip the standard 15-25% even if your stylist is the salon owner. Show appreciation for their hands-on work.
Should You Tip for Non-Stylist Services?
If you get add-on services like these, tipping may vary:
| Service | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Salon manager consultation | No, unless they actually cut your hair |
| Blow dry/style | Yes, standard 15-25% of service cost |
| Color consultation | Optional 10-15% tip |
| Eyelash tinting | Yes, tip 15-25% |
| Waxing | Yes, tip 15-20% |
Use your judgment – tipping is customary for hands-on services provided, but optional for consultations or manager interactions.
Should You Tip on the Pre-Tip Total or Base Price?
Some salons will add a “pre-tip” of 15-20% to the base cost of haircut services. In this case:
- Base your tip on the base price, before the pre-tip is added.
- Otherwise you’d be tipping on top of the tip already added.
- Calculate your tip as a percentage of the base cost only.
- The pre-tip goes fully to the stylist; your extra tip shows further appreciation.
Basing your tip percentage on the base price results in a fair tip amount when pre-tips are already included.
Tipping Considerations for Junior Stylists
Should you tip less for junior stylists or trainees? Consider these tips:
- Yes, consider tipping 10-15% for those very new and in training.
- As they gain experience, tipping can increase to 15-20% as appropriate.
- Gauge tips on their progressing skill level and time in the field.
- They typically charge less, so tips may be lower in dollars.
- If overseen by a senior stylist, tip them separately.
While tipping a trainee stylist a bit less is understandable, keep tips in the 10-15% range to encourage their development.
Should You Tip Based on Pre or Post Tax Amount?
Haircut services are not taxed in most areas. But if tax is added, tipping etiquette says:
- Tip based on the pre-tax total.
- Don’t factor the taxes into the base amount you calculate tips on.
- This follows tipping norms at restaurants and other services.
- The stylist did not benefit from or control the taxes charged.
To be fair, base tips on the main service amount only, not any taxes. This avoids penalizing the stylist for taxes beyond their control.
How Tip Amounts Can Scale for More Expensive Cuts
What if you get an extra high-end $250 haircut? Here’s how tip amounts can scale up appropriately:
| Haircut Price | 15% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $15 | $20 | $25 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $30 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| $250 | $37.50 | $50 | $62.50 |
As you can see, the dollar tips scale up appropriately for more expensive haircut services while the percentage range stays consistent.
Creative Ways to Tip Your Stylist
Beyond cash tips, here are some creative ideas for showing your stylist appreciation:
- Gift cards for coffee or meals
- Salon service gift certificates for them
- Holiday baked goods or gifts
- Gratuity tip added to credit card payment
- Positive reviews online and word-of-mouth referrals
- Return visit booking as a show of loyalty
Personal touches like these can supplement monetary tips as an extra token of thanks for great service.
Key Takeaways on Tipping Your Stylist for a $100 Haircut
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when tipping for a $100 haircut:
- The standard range is 15-25%, with 20% being a solid bet.
- Consider service quality, cut complexity, relationships and your budget.
- Good tips encourage your stylist to take extra care of you.
- Tip even for salon owners, but use discretion on non-stylist services.
- For pre-tip totals, tip on base price only.
- Scale tips up for more expensive services.
With this guidance in mind, you can confidently tip your stylist for a $100 haircut in a way that shows your gratitude and appreciation for their work.