One of my all time favorite shows is True Blood.
My favorite character is Lafayette. In one of my favorite episodes Lafayette tells off a few guys for insulting him and just as he's about to walk away he looks over his shoulder and says…
“Tip yo waitress!”
LOL I love that part of the episode!
He was so right, when someone is providing a service for you, the courteous thing to do is tip unless you absolutely cannot.
What most people dont understand is that some people live on tips.
As hairstylists we don't live on tips, but they do help. Especially if you're working at a chain salon with more economically priced services.
So let me break down proper tip etiquette.
Standard Services – A standard tip is 15% to 20%. This goes for all services including nail techs, colorists, braiders, etc. If you received a service that took a long time or something hat was complicated then a 20% tip is definitely necessary.
What if you aren't satisfied? If you aren't satisfied it's simple, speak with a manager and either leave a 5% or 10% tip. You can always no tip at all if the service was that terrible.
How do I handle someone else shampooing or braiding my hair other than my
stylist?
A standard tip is $5 for the shampooer and $10 for the braider. If they did a great job don't be afraid to throw them a little extra they worked hard for it. This is also the same for an assistant working on your head for your stylist.
Hopefully this will give you something to go by when you're tipping for that service.
Service providers work hard, so be sure to show your appreciation by tipping.
So, what do I do?
I personally tip 25% to 35% at a minimum if the service is good.
If the service was bad then I stick around 10%.
I always try to put myself in their shoes and tip accordingly.
Now, if you're a stylist and you don't get tipped. Don't think it's you, most people honestly do not know how to properly tip for their service.
And some are just plain cheap and will never tip.
Don't get insulted, if you're asked just be sure to educate your clients.
I had one stylist tell me he got a tip once for a whopping .01. Yes only a penny and he politely handed it back to the lady. He amazingly held it together.
I tried not to laugh, but I died laughing when he told me that!
When his client came back for her next appointment she asked him why he didn't take the tip and he provided her with tipping 101.
She thanked him and said she was always tipped that way. Thank God he took the time to educate her.
I'm sure her service providers from here on out will be happier!
Remember…Communication is key!
Be blessed,
Marquetta Breslin
