How much should you tip your hair stylist or colorist at a beauty salon?

# Tipping Your Hair Stylist or Colorist

Standard tipping guidelines are typically 15-20% of the service cost. Here's a quick breakdown:

- 15% is considered acceptable for good service - 18-20% is standard for excellent service - 20%+ for exceptional service or if the stylist went above and beyond

What affects your tip: - Service quality — Did they listen to you and deliver great results? - Service type — Color treatments, cuts, and styling all warrant tips - Location — Urban areas may have slightly higher tipping norms than rural areas - Your budget — Tip what you can comfortably afford

Easy calculation: If you're paying $100 for a cut and color, tip $15-20. Many salons now use card readers that suggest tip amounts, making it simple.

Other ways to show appreciation: If money is tight, a kind review online, referrals to friends, or booking your next appointment are also meaningful ways to support your stylist. Consistent clients who are easy to work with are also valued!

The bottom line: your stylist invests time in making you look great, so tipping is a nice way to recognize their expertise and effort. If you're unsure, ask the salon what's typical—most staff are understanding about these questions.