Navigating the world of salon tipping can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You want to show your appreciation, but it's easy to make mistakes—even with the best intentions. Let's uncover the most common salon tipping blunders and how to sidestep them so you can leave your stylist smiling and stress-free. (Pro tip: Our salon tip calculator can help you avoid these mistakes by quickly calculating the perfect tip amount!)
Mistake 1: Forgetting to Tip Entirely
It happens more often than you'd think—you're so thrilled with your fresh haircut or manicure that you pay the bill and walk out, completely forgetting about the tip. While it's not the end of the world, it can leave a bad impression on your stylist or technician.
How to Avoid It:
Set a reminder on your phone or make a mental note when budgeting for your appointment. If you're paying by card, double-check that you've included gratuity before signing. Better yet, use our tip calculator before your appointment to know exactly how much to set aside for the tip!
Mistake 2: Tipping Based on a Discounted Price
Discounts and coupons are great for your wallet, but tipping on the reduced amount can shortchange the person providing your service. They've worked just as hard, regardless of the deal. For more details on this, check out our guide on salon tipping etiquette.
How to Avoid It:
Always tip on the full, pre-discounted price of the service. For example, if your $100 haircut was discounted to $75, calculate your tip based on the original $100. Our calculator makes this easy—just enter the original price, and we'll help you figure out the appropriate tip!
Mistake 3: Not Tipping Assistants
Many salons operate as a team, with assistants helping to wash your hair, apply treatments, or even clean up after your session. Overlooking their contribution is a common mistake.
How to Avoid It:
Keep small bills on hand to tip assistants directly, typically $5–10 depending on the extent of their involvement. Remember, these hardworking professionals are an essential part of your salon experience!
Mistake 4: Assuming a Service Charge Covers the Tip
Service charges added to your bill can be confusing. Many customers mistakenly believe they replace a tip when, in reality, they often don't.
How to Avoid It:
Ask your salon whether the service charge includes gratuity. If not, tip your stylist separately, following the standard 15–20% guideline. Not sure about the exact amount? Our tip calculator can help you figure it out in seconds!
Mistake 5: Skimping on Exceptional Service
If your stylist went above and beyond—maybe squeezing you in at the last minute or rescuing a bad DIY hair color—a standard tip might not fully reflect your appreciation.
How to Avoid It:
Consider tipping closer to 25–30% for extraordinary service. It's a meaningful way to say thank you for their extra effort. Use our calculator's custom percentage option to quickly determine these higher tip amounts!
Final Thoughts on Tipping Etiquette
Avoiding these common tipping pitfalls can help you feel more confident and ensure you're showing genuine appreciation for your salon experience. Tipping isn't just about etiquette—it's about acknowledging the skill, time, and care that went into making you look and feel your best.
Next time you're in the salon chair, keep these tips in mind and use our salon tip calculator to walk out knowing you've nailed both your look and your tipping game!