How To: Tip for Beauty Services {And For the Holidays}

{Holiday tipping for beauty services image from zlandmusic.blogspot.com

As someone in the beauty industry and a business owner let me preface by saying that a tip is never expected. When I receive a tip I am always incredibly flattered, but I never anticipate it. I feel like a bit like Taylor Swift actually. I can tell you my favorite kind of gratuity is a satisfied client who refers me and my services to her friends or family. A client’s stamp of approval is the very best kind of gratification I can think of. I know when I receive exemplary service I want to show my gratitude. Sometimes I struggle with how much to tip, coming out of a dreamy haze from an incredible massage certainly doesn’t help with my math skills that are already lacking. Knowing some basics can certainly help.

• A fair amount would be twenty percent for the person who performed the service, whatever it may be. I think fifteen to twenty percent is a good range. You know your budget; do what works best for you. If you feel that you received service that was above and beyond you can give a little extra. I know that if a hair stylist takes the time to explain things to me and teach me something new, I definitely appreciate their time and expertise. If a massage therapist really spends a lot of time on a trouble spot, I am grateful for their talent and tenacity.

Holiday Tipping- When it comes to the holidays you can gift your hair stylist, colorist, esthetician, massage therapist, nail technician etc. with the cost of one service. If your hair stylist also does your cut, color, and style you may consider giving them a bit more. If finances allow, I also like to give them a small gift. A gift card or scarf, just a small token of my appreciation with a handwritten thank you card.

• The industry standard is to never tip the salon or spa owner. I have to admit though; I have done it in the past for superior service. Your personal recommendation and word of mouth advertisement is a great tip for any business owner. A positive review online is also very much appreciated.

Holiday Tipping- Again if you are a loyal client, your patronage is more than enough. If you have a relationship with the owner you can certainly give them a holiday gift. A nice bottle of wine, a gift card for a favorite store or restaurant, or a plant for the business would be a nice gesture.

• Assistants, shampooers, and those who do your blow out all deserve a tip for their hard work and efforts. A good rule of thumb for assistants would be $10 to $20. Those who do your shampoo or blow out can range anywhere from $5 to $10. Again, you know what you can afford, use your discretion.

Holiday Tipping- If you have a different technician every time you don’t have to tip. If you have the same assistant or shampooer you can certainly bestow them with a small gift card or cash.

• If you are using a gift card, your gratuity may not be included. Always ask the receptionist if you are unsure, or call ahead of time.
• Always try and tip in cash whenever possible. The individual who did your service most likely counts on their tips as part of their wages. If they are given a tip with a credit or debit card they may have to wait until the end of the payroll cycle to receive it. I almost never have cash anymore, so I always make a pre salon stop at the ATM, it’s just part of the routine for me now.

I hope this general guideline is helpful. Have a great weekend!

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