Tipping Question - salons

[elrohwen]

I''ve always tipped after getting a hair cut (usually 10%, so $5? not sure if that''s even the correct amount). Anyway, at the new place I go to, there is no place to tip on the credit card receipt; just a signature line. Should I bring cash with me (I almost never have cash)? Should I give the cash to the girl at the front desk, or directly to the girl who cuts my hair? Should I just ask them to put $5 extra on my credit card? It''s confusing that they would make it easiest to not tip, but I feel bad just signing the receipt and not leaving anything extra.

What is proper etiquette in this situation?

 

[orbaya]

I always just tell the receptionist to add $X to the bill for the tip.

 

[monarch64]

Date: 8/6/2009 10:19:02 AM
Author: orbaya
I always just tell the receptionist to add $X to the bill for the tip.

+1

 

[geckodani]

They won''t add tips to my bill at my salon, so I bring cash and just hand it to my stylist. I always feel awkward about it though, I was much happier when I could just add it to my bill!

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 8/6/2009 10:19:02 AM
Author: orbaya
I always just tell the receptionist to add $X to the bill for the tip.

Awesome. This is what I was hoping I could do. I just feel awkward handing over cash ... and since I rarely have it (or I''ll only have 20s) it would be a big pain and I''d probably forget.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Some salons do not allow tipping by crecit card any longer. My salon just implemented this policy in June. My day spa stopped allowing tips by credit card over a year ago. You should call and confirm whether they accept tips by credit card. I never carry cash either, but I do make a point of making sure I have cash before a hair appointment because I never want to be in a position where I am unable to tip. I usually just hand the $10 to the receptionist and tell him that it''s for my stylist.

FWIW, I know you didn''t ask explicity, but I do think 10% is a bit low. I pay $50 per cut and always tip 20%. Of course, I am always thrilled with the results. I have been going to the same stylist for years. If it were a new stylist, and I was unhappy with the results, I''d probably tip closer to 15%. There are several threads on this topic (appropriate amount for tipping) if you want to look for more input.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

When I take my kids to get their hair cuts, I give each individual stylist cash (I may sure to have a bunch of $1s before I go in there). One time each of my boys had a different stylist and I handed the tip for both to the front clerk (stylist to one of the kids) and right in front of me, I saw her give less to the other girl, when the amount should have been split evenly. Now I ALWAYS hand the cash directly to each stylist.

At my salon, there are envelopes provided to put tips in. They still accept CCs but I always bring cash for the tip.

ETA - and 10% is low. Even when my kids get their hair cuts (at various salons - depending on convenience, I tip 20%. At my salon, I tip 25% for a great cut)

 

[Amethyste]

Date: 8/6/2009 12:08:08 PM
Author: Loves Vintage
Some salons do not allow tipping by crecit card any longer. My salon just implemented this policy in June. My day spa stopped allowing tips by credit card over a year ago. You should call and confirm whether they accept tips by credit card. I never carry cash either, but I do make a point of making sure I have cash before a hair appointment because I never want to be in a position where I am unable to tip. I usually just hand the $10 to the receptionist and tell him that it''s for my stylist.

FWIW, I know you didn''t ask explicity, but I do think 10% is a bit low. I pay $50 per cut and always tip 20%. Of course, I am always thrilled with the results. I have been going to the same stylist for years. If it were a new stylist, and I was unhappy with the results, I''d probably tip closer to 15%. There are several threads on this topic (appropriate amount for tipping) if you want to look for more input.

Ditto - I am a nail technician - i do a wonderful job and hope that my clients show their appreciation by giving at least 20%. Your hairdresser get VERY LITTLE of what you pay for your cut, they work for commission ( usually 35 to 45% ) or pay a considerable rent to the spa.

 

[elrohwen]

Thanks to everyone who pointed out that 10% is low! This is what I heard growing up for whatever reason

, but I will certainly tip 20% from now on. I''ll just make sure I have cash next time in case they can''t put it on my credit card.

 

[Octavia]

I usually tip in cash, and my salon has little envelopes at the register that you write the person''s name on and seal, and then they get them from behind the register at the end of their shift. It''s good and bad that way -- I like it because it eliminates the awkward cash hand-over, but it kind of stinks that the stylist then doesn''t know who the good and bad tippers were (although I guess they probably do it this way so the stylists don''t play favorites). Last time I went, I forgot to bring cash and had to add it to the bill, which was fine but I do prefer to tip in cash. Amount-wise, I usually round up to the nearest $10 increment, as long as it''s at least 20%, and it usually works out to quite a bit more. But my salon''s prices are a steal compared to similar ones in the area, so I still pay less after tip than I used to pay for the base haircut amount!

 

[kama_s]

Most places I visit (i.e., hair, spa, nails etc) don''t have the automatic tip option anymore. I noticed a change around a year and a bit ago, when EVERYONE seemed to change to the tiny envelope system simultaneously. I have to make sure I carry cash whenever I go for any esthetic service. I just put my tip in there, seal it, write a little note of thanks with my name and the person''s name and leave it with the front desk to pass on.