To Tip or Not to Tip…that is the question

 

Photo from iStockphoto.com

Some fellow Hair-nistas and I sat around this week talking about tipping at a hair salon.  What is the appropriate tip to give for each visit to the hair salon? 

 

My opinion about tipping has evolved since I first graduated from college.  When I first became an “every two week” person, I did not know that I was supposed to tip anyone.  I figured that I was paying enough for the cost of the service.  I assumed that the salon owner set his/her prices at a rate that covered the cost of the hair products, labor, rent, electricity, and whatever else was required to keep the salon open. 

 

Then, I noticed that the women who “greased” the palms a bit got better on-going service.  Today, when I give a good tip, I feel like I am signaling that I want to become one of my stylist’s best clients.

 

It does get more complicated when a stylist has several assistants or the stylists in the salon help each other with clients to keep the flow moving.  One of my Hair-nista friends said that her stylist’s assistant actually does most of the routine but critical tasks for her like, shampooing and roller-sets.   In that case, how much should you tip the main stylist for basically just combing your hair?

 

In my over-analytical approach, I usually try to divide the tip by the percentage of time that I actually spend with each person.  I calculate my total tip value based on 15% of my services and then would give 75% to main stylist and 25% to assistant if the assistant actually did 25% of the work.

 

In my experience, the hair salon is usually not a high pressure tipping environment.  At least in front of your face, the salon staff is always very thankful for your business.  Maybe the person handling your payment may ask, “do you need singles” as she is returning your change to help facilitate leaving a tip.  This is by far not a pressured situation.  We have all experienced the pressure tip situation, like with the airport baggage handlers.  Unlike the hair stylists, the handlers make you feel uncivilized if you don’t come out the pocket for gratuity. 

 

But at the hair salon, sometimes there is a subtle undercurrent with the assistants.  You can sense that the assistants are sizing you up thinking, “should I go out of my way for this chick?  Is she actually going to tip me?”  You ever had one of those late appointments before the shop is about the close.  Before the assistant goes off duty you kind of feel her hovering around so that it is clear that this is your last chance to make things right and reach into your purse for a tip.

 

Another friend asked the group, “What is really going above and beyond for service as opposed to just doing the basics?”  I guess the answer depends on what you value most about the experience.  For me, valuing my time and concern about the health of my hair is most important.  What do you do when you need to book an appointment during non-standard salon hours or to get squeezed in so that you impress the cutie that you met last week on your first date?  Accumulated goodwill goes a long way with the stylist.

 

Here is what I found out about tipping…

 

According to www.Tipping.org,

 

One person- 15% of the bill

Several people- 10% to the person who sets hair and 10% divided amongst others

Owner-None unless he or she is doing your hair (then above rules)

Shampoo girl- $1-2

 

 

Are You Best Friends with Your Hair Stylist?

 

© Kathy Wynn | Dreamstime.com

How social are you with your hair stylist?  Do you prefer to be anonymous or do your try to become close enough to include her on the guest list for your wedding?  Personally, my comfort level is somewhere in between.

Years ago on a referral from a friend, I went to a salon in Brooklyn, NY that treated everyone like a number.  Literally, the salon identified clients by the time you walked into the door.  When I checked in at the front desk, the receptionist noted the time that I arrived and wrote it on a label.  To my dismay, she fastened the label to my shoulder.  This is one of those “oh no, she didn’t” moments.  For the entire time that I waited, I was known as “1:30.” 

 

The stylists walked around on occasion to check the time stamps on everyone’s shoulders.  I never figured out their system.  When it was my time, the receptionist called out “1:30.”  Oh, I guess that is me, I said.  Honestly, I don’t remember how my hair turned out but I knew that the deli meat section treatment was not my style.

 

On the other hand, I have developed very friendly relationships with stylists.  I define friendly by close enough that I felt compelled to bring over a plate of food after Thanksgiving.  If I needed my hair done in a pinch, she would make an extra effort to fit me into the schedule.  Dealing with a busy schedule and hair vanity, I always value feeling like a VIP in the salon.  If all I have to do is chat it up and leave a decent tip, it is well worth the effort.

 

The problem only begins when you decide to part ways.  You may think to yourself “did I get too emotionally invested.”  If you are too attached you cannot objectively evaluate the services that you receive.  In addition, you may feel obligated to overly consider your impact on the stylist’s cash flow in the event that you walk away.  All of a sudden you start thinking more about her ability to pay her bills and her desire to go back to school than your own unhappiness with the level of service and/or her styling.

 

I do believe that the more the stylist understands how you live, the better he can help you achieve your goals.  You should mean more to him than the woman who needs Brown #17 every 6 weeks. 

 

I like to treat my stylist like a trusted beauty advisor.  You need to share enough information with your stylist so that he can give you his professional opinion about your hair.  Sometimes a discussion about your weekend plans will trigger follow-up questions about what you need to include in your hair care regimen.

 

I like to think that this lies somewhere between nameless hands manipulating my hair and maid of honor.