The Tipping Secret Every Barber Hopes You Know But Rarely Share
Ever found yourself staring awkwardly at the tip jar after a haircut, wondering if your generosity should rival your stylist’s magic or just cover the coffee they spilled while shampooing? Tipping in the world of haircuts is more tangled than your bathroom drawer of tangled headphones — especially when you’re trying to decode how much kudos to toss their way after a quick trim or a full-on color rescue mission. It’s not merely about numbers; it’s the skill, the time, the extra mile your barber or stylist goes to make you look like a million bucks — or at least less like you just rolled out of bed. So, what’s the golden percentage that keeps everyone smiling without your wallet sobbing? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the art and etiquette of tipping your hair savior.

Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash
Tipping can always be a challenge, especially when it’s for a personal service like getting your hair done. Whether you’re getting a quick bang trim, a comprehensive haircut, a fancy updo, or even a new color, you should plan on tipping. The question is, how much?
A lot of it comes down to how skillful they are, how much time they have invested in making you look good, and how they have been attentive to your needs.

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
The Standard Tipping Rates
On average, you should plan on tipping at a rate between 15 and 20%. This is similar to what you would tip in a restaurant.
Are there reasons to go higher or lower? Of course.
You may want to aim at the lower end if it was a quick trim and they didn’t go above and beyond.
You may want to go higher if they have a specialized skill or they went out of their way to give you something unique – such as a custom color or a fix to a bad haircut that you got somewhere else.

Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash
A Few Things to Consider
Depending on the type of salon or barber shop you go to, there are a few things to pay attention to:
- High-end establishments may build the tip into the final price they give you.
- Some places may have assistants who wash your hair, give you a hand massage, or do something else. Plan on handing them a small amount of cash, such as $3-$5.
If you’re not sure about the proper tipping etiquette where you’re at, ask the receptionist or stylist.















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