Picture this: You’re settling up for your service at the front desk of the hair salon when you spot the little gratuity envelopes, and instant panic sets in. How much should you tip your hairdresser? Should you also tip the same amount to the assistant who did your shampoo? What about the owner of the salon? Do you just run out of there and hope you never see anyone again??? If this sounds like your thought process every time you go to get your hair done, let us help you out.
Because we, too, have been stuck nervously sweating while trying to do math in our heads and wondering if we’re leaving enough. To clear things up, we turned to Leigh Hardges, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, for a hairstylist’s perspective on how much to tip hairdressers.
Ahead, the ultimate guide to salon gratuity, whether you’re getting a whole head of highlights, a bang trim, or any other type of hair service. Read it before your next appointment and show up fully prepared—and equipped with cash.