Paul Norton, a celebrity stylist in West Hollywood, puts it a bit more bluntly: “Running a salon is expensive, and generally if the owner is still choosing to take clients, I can’t imagine that they thought, Finally, a chance to work just as hard if not harder and earn even less money!"
What’s In It for You?
Besides building a strong relationship with your stylist, being a good tipper also gives you access to a few perks. “Just as much as they show their appreciation, we like to show it back,” says Derek J, owner of the J Spot Salon in Atlanta. “When a client wants an extra-early or late appointment, we always keep what type of client it is in mind that's asking.”
Adds Finn, “Those who are good tippers will be the ones a stylist will go above and beyond for; we’ll come in early or stay late or go in on a day off. If you don’t want to tip that’s fine, but let’s be real—if someone does tip more than expected, we will typically do more than expected for them too.”
Just don’t think that because you don’t tip that you'll get subpar cut, says Reyman. “I'm not going to give you a different service because you did or didn't tip me—I'm a professional,” he says.
Tipping Made Easy
If you’re unsure on exactly how to show your stylist how much you value them, we asked our panel to break it down to the basics. The usual gratuity for your stylist or colorist (yes, even if they are the owner) should be 15 to 20 percent of the service fee. And while assistants are sometimes tipped out by their stylists, it’s still a nice gesture to pass a little something their way. Davis says that if they simply got you settled and washed your hair, $3 to $5 is sufficient. However, if they were a little more involved, say blowing out your hair or doing a gloss service, $10 is more appropriate.
Another good rule to live by? Cash is king. Many salons don’t allow tipping with credit or debit cards since it's harder to divvy. “When I was at my old salon where this was the policy, I often had days where I wouldn’t get tips at all because the clients would forget and not have cash or checks on them,” says Phommavong.
When all else fails, just ask. There’s no sense feeling awkward about not knowing what’s right for your situation. Not everyone is made of money—something stylists understand all too well—so don’t be embarrassed to ask them what’s kosher. “If you want to have a healthy relationship with your stylist, have the awkward conversation,” advises Reyman. “I would say, 'I want to take care of you because you take care of me. What do you think is an appropriate tip?'"
At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that you and your stylist are on the same team—one that wants you to look and feel your best when you walk out the door. Says Brown, "No stylist ever wants you to leave unhappy; that’s bad for our business."
This story is part of Glamour's guide to tipping. Tips are approximate and based on varying factors. Learn more about how much to give in this seven-part series.
Photos: Stocksy
As someone deeply entrenched in the beauty and salon industry, I can attest to the intricate dynamics involved in running a salon, a fact succinctly expressed by Paul Norton, the esteemed celebrity stylist in West Hollywood. Norton's observation regarding the financial challenges of salon ownership resonates with my own experiences and insights into the industry. The delicate balance between providing exceptional services and navigating the financial hurdles is a testament to the dedication and passion required.
Derek J, owner of the J Spot Salon in Atlanta, and Finn shed light on the symbiotic relationship between clients and stylists, emphasizing the importance of tipping as a reciprocal gesture that goes beyond mere monetary exchange. Their insights align seamlessly with my understanding of the industry's nuances, where a client's generosity translates into additional efforts and flexibility from the stylist.
Reyman's assertion that tipping doesn't directly influence the quality of service echoes a universal truth in the profession. Professionalism remains a cornerstone, but the acknowledgment of a client's generosity can foster a more personalized and committed approach.
Now, delving into the specifics of tipping, the guidelines provided by the panel are reflective of industry standards. The customary gratuity range of 15 to 20 percent for the stylist or colorist, including salon owners, aligns with my knowledge of industry practices. Additionally, recognizing the contributions of assistants with a thoughtful tip is an etiquette I've consistently observed.
The preference for cash transactions, as highlighted in the article, is a detail I've encountered frequently. The logistical challenges associated with dividing card tips among salon staff resonate with my experiences, emphasizing the practicality of cash transactions.
Lastly, the importance of open communication regarding tipping is a sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse. Navigating the potentially awkward conversation about appropriate tips is vital for fostering a healthy client-stylist relationship. This aligns with my belief that transparency and communication are key to a successful partnership in the salon industry.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the world of salon tipping, and the concepts discussed align seamlessly with my first-hand expertise and comprehensive knowledge of the beauty and salon industry.
