Salon Tipping Guide: What to Pay for Hair Color, Cuts and More in 2025
Tips can feel tricky, especially when prices keep changing. You want to show appreciation without over‑paying. Here’s a straight‑forward look at how much to tip for common salon services and why the amount matters.
Hair Color – The $100 Scenario
If your stylist just finished a $100 hair colour, most pros recommend a tip between 15% and 20%. That works out to $15‑$20. The higher end is a good idea if the colour was complex, like a balayage or a vivid pastel, because it takes more time and product.
What if the salon offers a discount or you used a loyalty card? Treat the discounted price as the base for your tip. For example, a $80 colour after a 20% off deal still gets a 15‑20% tip, which is $12‑$16.
Other Services – Cutting, Styling and Extras
For a standard haircut, $20‑$30 is a solid range. If the stylist gave you a wash, scalp massage or a quick blow‑dry, add a few pounds. When a service includes multiple steps (wash, cut, style), aim for the higher side of the range.
Manicures, pedicures and facial treatments follow the same rule: 15% to 20% of the total cost. If a therapist spends extra time on a deep tissue massage or a custom facial, bump the tip up a bit.
Remember, tips are personal. If you love the result, feel free to go above the suggested range. If the service fell short, a smaller tip or a polite comment is okay.
When to Tip in Cash vs. Card
Cash is still the easiest way for staff to receive the tip immediately. Many salons let you add a tip on the card receipt, which then gets split among the team. If you’re unsure, ask the front desk how tips are distributed.
Some salons have a tip‑jar at the reception. Dropping a few pounds there is better than leaving nothing, especially if the whole team helped you.
In the end, the best tip is the one that feels fair for the time, skill and effort your stylist put in. Use these numbers as a guide, and adjust based on your experience.
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