Determining the right amount to tip for services received is often a tricky question. When it comes to tipping your hairdresser, you’ll want to take into account factors like the cost and complexity of the service, your relationship with the stylist, and tipping norms in your area. With these considerations in mind, whether $25 is a good tip for a hairdresser can vary based on the circumstances.
Average Cost of Hair Services
To start, it’s helpful to look at the typical price range for common hair services. According to surveys, the average cost for the following hair services in the U.S. is:
| Women’s Haircut | $43-$70 |
| Men’s Haircut | $28-$45 |
| Root Touch Up | $50-$115 |
| Single Process Color | $50-$150 |
| Partial Highlights | $75-$175 |
| Full Highlights | $100-$250 |
| Balayage | $100-$300 |
| Ombre | $100-$250 |
So for routine services like a simple haircut or root touch-up, costs tend to range from $30 to $150. More advanced options like highlights, ombre, balayage, and fashion colors can run over $200. Of course, prices also depend on factors like the salon’s location and the stylist’s experience level.
Average Tip Amount
The standard tip for hairdressers falls between 15% to 20% of the total service cost. So for a $50 haircut, a 15% tip would be $7.50 and a 20% tip would be $10. Using the typical price ranges above, tips would generally fall between:
| Women’s Haircut Tip | $6.50 – $14 |
| Men’s Haircut Tip | $4.20 – $9 |
| Root Touch Up Tip | $7.50 – $23 |
| Single Process Color Tip | $7.50 – $30 |
| Partial Highlights Tip | $11.25 – $35 |
| Full Highlights Tip | $15 – $50 |
| Balayage Tip | $15 – $60 |
| Ombre Tip | $15 – $50 |
For more complex services like coloring and highlighting jobs, tips in the $20 to $50 range are common. But a $25 tip may be on the higher end for simple haircuts or touch-ups that cost less than $100 total.
Factors that Impact Tip Amount
While the 15-20% tipping guideline provides a good starting point, several other factors can come into play when deciding an appropriate tip amount:
Relationship with stylist
If you visit the same hairdresser regularly and have built a rapport with them over time, it’s customary to tip at the higher end or exceed the standard tipping range. For example, a 20-25% tip for your usual stylist who knows your hair history and preferences.
Service difficulty and duration
The time, effort, and expertise needed for the service can warrant a higher tip. Spending 3 hours getting a full head of foils or fashion colors done may call for a bigger tip than a 30-minute trim.
Salon ambiance and amenities
Higher-end salons with luxe features and offerings like beverages, neck massages, and aesthetics may set the tone for more generous tipping.
Local tipping customs
What’s considered a good tip can vary regionally based on cultural norms and the local cost of living. In some cities, like New York, tips tend to run on the higher side compared to other areas.
Level of service satisfaction
How satisfied you are with the stylist’s skills, attention to detail, listening abilities, and the overall service experience can definitely impact your tip amount. Superior service merits a better tip.
Is a $25 Tip Too High for a Simple Haircut?
Given the factors above, is a $25 tip too high for a simple haircut that costs around $50 total? In many cases, yes – a $25 tip would equate to a 50% tip on a $50 haircut, which exceeds the standard 15-20% tipping range. However, context matters. Here are some scenarios where a $25 tip could make sense:
- You request a complex, customized cut from an experienced stylist at a high-end salon
- You have a longstanding relationship with your stylist and see them every 4-6 weeks
- It takes extra time and care to work through your thick, wavy hair
- Your stylist provides an exceptional consultation, listening to your needs and preferences
- The salon offers premium features like drinks, neck massages, or aesthetics
- You are extremely satisfied with the service and results
The key point is that a $25 tip may be perfectly appropriate for certain circumstances that go beyond a quick, basic haircut. But as a rule of thumb, for routine services it exceeds the typical tipping range. A $10-15 tip would better align for a standard $50 cut with no extra frills or special considerations.
When Is a $25 Tip Too Low?
On the other hand, a $25 tip may be on the low side in these situations:
- You get a full head of highlights or color at a high-end salon that takes 3+ hours
- You have extremely long or thick hair that requires extra work
- Your stylist squeezes you in last minute or stays late to accommodate you
- You get a high-maintenance balayage or fashion color treatment
- The service costs over $150 total
- The stylist has years of experience and rave reviews
- You become a regular client and visit frequently
For complex coloring and styling processes that take significant time, expertise, and customization, a $25 tip may end up around 10% versus the more typical 15-20%. In high-end salons with top stylists, tips of $40-$60 are not uncommon. So for these premium services, a $25 gratuity could be on the low side.
Average Tips by Hair Service
To summarize, here are some general tipping guidelines by hair service:
| Women’s Haircut | $10-15 |
| Men’s Haircut | $5-10 |
| Root Touch Up | $10-15 |
| Single Process Color | $10-20 |
| Partial Highlights | $15-25 |
| Full Highlights | $20-40 |
| Balayage | $20-50 |
| Ombre | $15-30 |
| Perms | $15-25 |
| Keratin Treatment | $20-50 |
These ranges account for most straightforward services. More complex styles or premium salon experiences would merit tips at the higher end or above the range. The key is considering the total cost, effort required, and your relationship with the stylist to choose an appropriate tip.
Non-Monetary Ways to Show Appreciation
Beyond the monetary tip, there are other nice gestures to express your appreciation for great service from your hairdresser:
- Write a positive review online or provide feedback to the salon manager
- Refer friends and family to your stylist
- Give a holiday card or small gift like flowers, coffee gift card, or baked goods
- Simply let your stylist know how much you love the service
- Come prepared with photos of looks you like to help guide your styling
- Arrive on time for your appointment and follow salon policies
- Build an ongoing relationship with your stylist over regular visits
Your loyalty, positive reviews, referrals, and regular business are valuable to stylists in addition to tipping for great service.
Key Takeaways on Tipping Hairdressers
In summary, here are some key points on whether $25 is a good tip for a hairdresser:
- The standard tipping range is 15-20% of the total service cost
- A $25 tip exceeds the norm for simple haircuts under $100 but may be appropriate for complex services or premium salon experiences
- Consider the appointment duration, hair complexity, salon ambiance, and skill level when deciding on a tip
- For high-end color services taking 3+ hours, a $25+ tip is more aligned with norms
- Build rapport with your regular stylist by tipping at the higher end or above standard percentages
- Non-monetary gestures like reviews, referrals, small gifts, and loyalty go a long way too
- There are no hard rules – go with what feels right based on the context and quality of service
With these tips in mind, you can determine an appropriate gratuity that shows your appreciation for excellent hair care. A little extra thoughtfulness and generosity with your hairstylist will go a long way towards building a lasting relationship.
