How Much Should You Tip Your Hairstylist?

How much to tip your hairdresser is one of the most common questions people ask about a salon visit, and the answer is simpler than it seems. Most people tip 15% to 20% of the service price. The rest comes down to who helped you, how big the service was, and how you pay.

Below you will find a quick tip chart for common prices, how to tip when more than one person works on your hair, what to do during the holidays, and how tipping works at Numi.

How much should you tip your hairstylist?

Tip your hairstylist 15% to 20% of the service price. That range comes from the Emily Post Institute, the go-to source on etiquette in the U.S., and it is the range most salons expect.

Think of 20% as the standard for good service. Go toward 15% if the visit was fine but nothing special. Go above 20% if your stylist did something extra, like squeezing you in last minute or fixing a tricky color.

Hairdresser tip chart: what to tip by price

Here is what 15%, 18%, and 20% look like for common salon prices. Round up to the nearest dollar or five to keep it easy.

Base the tip on the full price of the service before any discount or gift card. Your stylist does the same amount of work either way.

Do you tip more for color, balayage, or long services?

Many clients tip toward 20% or a bit more for long, detailed services like balayage, highlights, or color correction. These services can take several hours and a lot of skill, so a generous tip is a common way to say thanks.

Keep in mind that 20% of a larger bill is already a bigger tip. You do not have to go above 20% unless you want to. If you are planning a big color change, our post on how color correction works explains why those appointments take longer. For smoothing services, see what a Magic Sleek treatment costs.

Do you tip the shampoo assistant and the colorist too?

Yes, tip everyone who works on your hair. The simplest way is to figure out your total tip, then split it among the people who helped you.

• Stylist and colorist: If two people did different services, tip each one on the price of their own service.
• Shampoo or blowout assistant: About $5 to $10 is a kind thank-you for the person who washed or dried your hair.
• Front desk: No tip is needed for checking in or booking.

Not sure who did what? Just ask the front desk to help you split it. They get that question every day.

Should you tip the salon owner?

You can tip a salon owner who does your hair, and many clients do. Older etiquette said owners did not need a tip, but that rule has faded. If you are unsure, tipping an owner the same as any stylist is always a kind choice.

How much should you tip for a small service?

For small services like a bang trim or a quick blowout, a flat tip of $5 to $10 works well, even if 20% would be less. A percentage of a small price can feel too low for the time your stylist spent with you.

A blowout before a big night out is a great example. If you love the bouncy 90s blowout, a few extra dollars for the volume goes a long way.

How much should you tip a hairstylist for the holidays?

A holiday tip for your regular stylist can be up to the cost of one salon visit. The Emily Post Institute suggests splitting that amount among the people who work on you, with a card for each.

You do not have to give cash. A thoughtful card or small gift works too, especially if you already tip well at every visit. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are the busiest of the year at most salons, so a holiday thank-you means a lot.

What if you are not happy with your haircut?

If you are not happy with your haircut, speak up before you leave instead of skipping the tip. Most stylists would much rather fix it than lose a client. A small tweak at the chair often solves the problem.

If the service was truly poor, it is fine to tip less. Still, give the salon a chance to make it right first. If you are new to salon visits, our guide on what to expect at your first salon visit covers how to talk to your stylist about what you want.

Do you tip for bridal and special event hair?

Yes. Tip your bridal stylist 15% to 20% of the service, the same as any visit. For a wedding party, many brides cover the tip for everyone so their guests do not have to think about it. Plan ahead with our wedding hair timeline, and add the tip to your budget early.

How do you tip at Numi Hair Salon?

At Numi, please plan to tip in cash. Gratuities cannot be added to credit card charges or gift certificates. If you forget cash, we have an ATM in the salon for your convenience.

You can find this and other answers on our salon FAQ page.

Hairdresser tipping questions, answered

Ready for your next appointment in Westchester?

Tipping is a thank-you, and the best way to earn one is great hair. Our stylists and colorists take the time to understand what you want, then deliver a cut or color you will love long after you leave the chair.

Numi Hair Salon is in Scarsdale. We are rated 4.9 stars across more than 2,470 Google reviews. We have been voted Best of Westchester and named one of the Top 100 Salons in the U.S. Call us at (914) 574-6402 with any questions.

Explore our hair color services or Book Your Appointment at Numi Hair Salon.