How Much Should You Tip For a Free Salon Service?

How Much Should You Tip For a Free Haircut?

September 29, 2010

Stylists just starting out need practice on their cutting and coloring skills, often offering up their clients free services in the process. (Score.) But then there's the tip to consider — and that's just what one Sugar reader recently wondered about. "I've booked a hair appointment for my boyfriend at my salon as a hair model and it is free of charge. How much should he tip?" she asked. "It's at the salon I go to, and he needs to make a good impression and leave a reasonable tip," she added. To see what I think, just keep reading.

For complimentary services, I always tip based on what the service would cost if I was paying full price. For apprentice-level stylists, tip based on what the starting price for a haircut would be. And if you're feeling particularly kind, throw in an extra dollar or two. We all start somewhere, right?

Source: Thinkstock

6 Comments

Jaime Richards 2 years 6 weeks

Anonymous, I think in that case you are probably safe just doing the even swap — especially since the owner is doing the services.

2 years 6 weeks

So what would one tip for a "free" service that is actually a trade? I just finished a web site for a mini spa and half of my compensation is in services. The spa owner is who I am getting the services (mostly manicures) from.

2 years 31 weeks

I like it when service industries automatically factor in a 15% tip on a bill. I live in an apartment building where we have a super, porters and a handyman. The super gets kind of greedy and expects a tip, although he's not particularly handy or helpful. Plus, to control him and get him to do their bidding, the board voted him a $7,000 bonus for being on the job for 5 months. Tips may have originally started to show appreciation for good work, but they have a way of becoming "perceived" entitlements and getting political. I'm always a fair tipper because I know service people need tips to earn a decent wage. What I'd prefer is for their employers to pay them a good wage, so that I don't have to pick up the slack after already paying for the service.

JamieUK 2 years 33 weeks

I really like that you've touched on this! Yes, everybody starts somewhere and people in the service industry always rely on tips!

Lovely_1 2 years 33 weeks

Good, i was just wondering about this. I got an AWESOME deal on a cut, colour, shine treatment at a fancy salon and dind't know how to tip!

2 years 33 weeks

Wow, This is a really great entry. A question I know I’ve seen a lot of people ask. My best friend went to a very high-end beauty school in NYC, ARROJO cosmetology. Founded by Nick Arrojo (the original hairdresser on TLC’s What Not TO Wear). Don’t mind me I’m just a really big fan of his work…. Anyway, every week my friend Rachel would see a demo at the beginning of the week, Practice it all week long on a mannequin and then at the conclusion of the week she would have to bring in a live model to practice on. Needless to say the first time she asked me if I would come in to be her model I was a little scared. She’d only been in school a week!? But she worked so meticulously on my hair for 3 hours! She went section by section applying their “protein and moisture” conditioning treatment, wrapped me up in plastic wrap like a leftover meatloaf and placed me under a big hooded dryer thingy that made me look more like something out of star-trek, than the beautiful and vivacious woman I was hoping to emerge as. Then after everyone’s head was wrapped and heated, timers were set, I started to relax and read a magazine. Then my timer rang, I was brought to the sink and rinsed and then I got a blow dry styling (mind you this was all for FREE) so when I was finished my hair was soft, and silky but not greasy, actually it just felt like the best version of my own hair… and I felt like the best version of my self. I gave her a much deserved tip and we were talking for a few minutes as I got my jacket and purse, I was so surprised how many women didn’t even seem grateful for the service they just received. Some people can be so rude, one woman complained that it took too long and she was unhappy with the service. But like, it’s a school these are students working very, very hard to make you happy, they are doing everything they can to make your hair the best it can look. It’s a training environment and a learning experience. As my friend Rachel progressed through her learning she got to take on paying clients where (for a discounted) rate they could get a service of their choice. It’s such an awesome school… Anyway I think 20% is an appropriate tip for a hair stylist. A regular priced salon haircut stats at about $70 and a haircut in their student salon would be $25 if you were paying. So 20% of a 25 dollar haircut is what? Like 5 bucks, I think that’s reasonable. I always used to give a little more cuz she’s my bff and I know she always works super hard. So yes I have to agree with the post on this one, I would tip the same amount I would normally tip if I were paying for the service, and maybe throw in a few extra bucks if I could afford it.

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