How much do you tip for a $100 hair color?

Decoding the Hairdresser Tip: How Much for a $100 Color?

Navigating the salon tipping landscape can feel like a secret code. You want to be fair, show appreciation for a great color, but also avoid overspending. So, how much do you tip on a $100 hair color?

The general consensus, and a good rule of thumb, points towards 20% of the total service cost. This means for a $100 hair coloring, a $20 tip is a standard and appropriate gesture. However, like all tipping guidelines, this is a starting point. Several factors can influence how much you ultimately choose to tip.

Beyond the 20% Baseline:

• Exceptional Service: Did your stylist go above and beyond? Did they spend extra time perfecting your shade, offer helpful advice, or provide an exceptionally relaxing experience? If so, consider tipping above the standard 20%. An extra $5 or $10 shows your appreciation for their dedication.

• Multiple Services: If your $100 bill encompasses multiple services like coloring, a cut, and a style, consider the overall experience and time invested by your stylist. While 20% of the total remains a solid guideline, you might adjust upwards if you feel the service warranted it.

• Corrective Color: Corrective color is a complex and often time-consuming process. If you’re getting your color corrected, it’s generally accepted to tip more generously, potentially 25% or even higher, acknowledging the extra skill and effort required.

• Product Purchases: Tips are generally calculated based on the service cost, not products purchased. If you buy shampoo, conditioner, or styling products, you don’t need to tip on those separately.

• Budget Considerations: While tipping is customary and appreciated, personal budget constraints are a reality. If 20% is genuinely outside your budget, tip what you can comfortably afford. Even a smaller tip, accompanied by a sincere thank you, is better than no tip at all.

Tipping Etiquette:

• Tip in Cash: While some salons allow you to add a tip to your credit card payment, tipping in cash is often preferred as it ensures the stylist receives the full amount directly.

• Tip Individually: If you had multiple service providers (e.g., a colorist and a stylist), tip each person individually based on the cost of their specific service.

• Express Your Appreciation: Beyond the monetary tip, a sincere thank you and positive feedback about your experience goes a long way in showing your appreciation.

Ultimately, tipping is a personal decision. Use the 20% guideline as a starting point and adjust based on your experience and budget. The most important thing is to be respectful and acknowledge the hard work of your stylist.