How Much to Tip Hairdresser on $200, $300 & Highlights • Living Gorgeous (2024)

If you want to make a change, starting with your hair is the perfect way to do it. A trip to the hair salon is the ideal time to sit back, relax and have a conversation with your favorite stylist while getting a haircut.

However, when everything is set and done, you have to pay and this is where it becomes a little strange.

You start wondering, how much should I tip my hairdresser? Is it bad if I do not? After doing my research on this topic, I have realized that you need to add 20% on $200, $300 highlights or other similar services.

This includes hair color services, haircuts, and stylings like updos and blowouts. However, let’s discuss this topic in detail and answer some of your most common questions online. Also, in the end, I will share a tip calculator, so you can calculate how much you need to tip your hairdresser depending on the price.

Do You Have to Tip Your Hairdresser?

There is no ‘tipping law’. However, tipping is never expected, yet always appreciated, according to many hairstylists.

Tipping your hairstylist is the same as tipping anyone else in the service branch. While doing it is definitely considered proper etiquette, you should also feel good about giving gratitude.

Consider it more of a manner of being grateful for someone who is taking care of your hair, instead of an obligation.

Also, being a reliable tipper usually pays off in different ways. If you tip your hairdresser well, you will be remembered the next time you visit, and you might get some other free services like touch-ups or trims.

When You Spend Around $100 on Highlights, How Much Should You Tip?

According to my research on the topic, you should always tip between 18% and 22% for a great service, say professional stylists. They also point out that the percentage does not change based on the services.

Meaning, it does not matter if you get highlights or color. Tipping should start at approximately 20% but some say that 15% is a great start as well. Basically, it is all up to your satisfaction with the service and of course, your personal budget. Most say that if you pay $100 for highlights, you should leave $20 in tips.

How Much to Tip for a Color, Shampoo and/or Blowout?

Now that we have come to the conclusion that 20% is a common number for tipping your hairdresser, let’s talk about tipping your colorist. Or your hairdresser’s assistant who washed your hair and gave you that relaxing massage. How much to tip for a color, shampoo, and/or blowout, you may be wondering.

My research says that you should not tip per individual but tip 20% on the whole service cost, according to professional stylists. Meaning, if your color costs $60, and your haircut and blow-dry was $40 in total, your while service cost comes to $100. So, you should tip $20 (divided between the stylist and colorist).

That said, if a person shampooed or blow-dried your hair, you should leave $4-$5 since they are getting a minimum wage, and depend on customers’ tips. Again, there is no ‘tipping law’. But there is gratitude.

What if You Do Not Know Who Helped You Exactly?

If you had three different people helping you at the beauty salon, it can be confusing to divide a tip.

First, you have to monitor their names and remember who helped you. But it is a lot easier to ask the person at the main desk to help you calculate tips and share them with the right people who helped you.

Some beauty salons have small envelopes for tips, so you can use them to tip in a classy manner.

How Much Should YouTip if You Are Using a Cupon or Having a Discount?

If you have a coupon or buy your service from a discount website like Groupon, contact the person at the main desk to tell you the real cost of your service. Tip 20% on the real total cost of your service, and not the discounted price because the stylist did the same work, so they deserve the same amount of tip.

How Much Should You Tip for an In-Home Styling Session?

If you book a bridal party, updo, in-home blowout or styling service via a beauty salon or via your app, it is suggested to pay the total price of your service via the service provider, and tip 20% in cash in person.

How Much Should You Tip for a Bang Trim?

The good side of tipping is that you might get free touch-ups and trims if you tip well. However, many of the beauty salons offer free bang trim to their returning customers but if you still want to reward your favorite and long-term hairdresser, it is recommended that you tip 10% on the real price of a bang trim.

How Much Should You Tip a Friend Stylist?

Just because your best friend is a talented stylist who does your hair for free on most occasions, it does not mean that they do not deserve to be paid and tipped for their work. If you are getting a color or a cut from a friend hairdresser and you are getting a discount, I suggest that you up the tip to 30% in cash.

Should You Tip if You Do Not Like Your Haircut?

If you stated out what type of color or haircut you wanted at the beginning and told your hairstylist that you do not like the outcome but they refuse to make it better, you should leave a small tip or no tip. It is totally understandable that you do not want to tip someone who did not provide the wanted outcome.

However, if your stylist accepted to fix your haircut and make you happy, then lowering the tip does not make any sense. If you feel uncomfortable and ashamed to ask your hairstylist to fix your haircut to your preferring, please check these tips on how to communicate with your hairstylist in a respectful manner.

Do You Tip the Owner of a Hair Salon?

I have discovered that clients usually overlook the person in charge. However, it is always appreciated when you recognize the effort put in to keep everything in the best order. Usually, people pay a 20% tip for the owner. It is not a mandatory gesture but it is a nice one. Also, you may get free trims next time.

Do You Tip Extra During Holidays?

Hairstylists do not expect that you raise your usual tip during the holidays. They totally understand that a holiday like Christmas requires spending a lot of money.

So, do not feel pressured to up your usual tips if you cannot afford it. However, if you can, and you want to cheer up your favorite hairstylist, then raising your tip to 30% is recommended. Your hairstylist will appreciate it and maybe return the favor next year.

Is it Bad to Not Tip Your Hairdresser?

I have said it twice throughout this article, however, I will say it again. Tipping is not mandatory. There is no ‘tipping law’. However, showing gratitude and thanking your hairdresser for their flawless service it is recommended that you add a 20% tip to the final price. It is not bad to not tip your stylist but doing so is always appreciated. And if you buy a shampoo or styling items, make sure to pay them in a separate bill.

According to my research, even when you are NOT 100% satisfied with the outcome, you should always tip something. Use the usual 20% or tip less if you had a bad experience in order to boost your hairstylist to improve their performance the next time. Or just change your hairstylist and do not ever come back.

Hairdresser Tip Calculator

If you are still confused about tipping do not feel bad. I was too when doing my research on this topic. However, in order to make things easier for you, I have found this online hairdresser tip calculator that can help you calculate your tip depending on the final price of your service. Make sure to check it out.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn something more about tipping your hairdresser. If you’re still not sure how much should you tip your stylist, it’s always a good idea to ask for front desk advice. Call to confirm your appointment and ask how much should you tip your hairdresser, depending on the service.

There is no law that obligates you to tip your hairstylist. However, it is always nice to show appreciation and gratitude for their hard work. So, there you go. I have answered your most common question: How much to tip hairdresser on $200, $300 highlights? It is 20%. Remember, it is not expected but it is always appreciated. Also, if you are a good tipper, you will likely get a discount and free touch-ups in the future.