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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to tip the hairdresser?

27 replies

ronconcoke · 04/10/2023 07:00

I don't tip the hairdresser (large chain, different person each time) as I pay so much for highlights and a cut that I really can't afford to. Yet I always feel guilty when I leave and that they somehow expect a tip. Does anyone else tip?! AIBU?

OP posts:
theduchessofspork · 04/10/2023 07:03

I don’t anymore, but go to the salon owner now and traditionally you don’t tip them. (Luckily for me!)

I’d try and at least leave a quid for the girl that does hairwashing if you can. But if you can’t you can’t.

toomuchfaster · 04/10/2023 07:10

I don't and never have. My hairdresser has never made me feel like I should and I would change salons if she did! Also, she washes my hair herself.

Georgeandzippyzoo · 04/10/2023 07:24

Everything is on card at mine and she has the price in before input a tip on, but I do leave a gift/tip at xmas.

ThinWomansBrain · 04/10/2023 07:26

is there some weird rule that someone has to post the same question at least once a month? - its uncanny how regularly this comes up.

ArtemisFlop · 04/10/2023 13:18

I always do. But often it's a different person doing each of the colour, wash and blow dry so gets pricey!

SalviaDivinorum · 04/10/2023 13:25

Never have and don't plan on changing that.

shiningstar2 · 04/10/2023 13:33

I do tip but often wonder about the whole tipping issue thing. Hairdressers working for others are often on/near minimum wage so tips do help in boosting their income. But it does seem strange that people also on the minimum wage sometimes feel obliged to top even though they are on a low income themselves. I know it's optional but because of the tipping culture people sometimes feel obliged. I know I wouldn't get out of a taxi without leaving a tip and sometimes the journey is only about 20 minutes. I can afford tipping and don't mind for my hairdresser as when it's coloured it does take a lot of her time.

KimberleyClark · 04/10/2023 13:39

I always have. Been going to the same hair salon for years, had the same stylist for years(one of the owners), and since covid he’s been doing everything, shampoo cut and colour, so I’d feel awful not tipping him.

Tinkerbyebye · 04/10/2023 13:55

I don’t and never have. Costs of having your hair done should cover wages

Poppyblush · 04/10/2023 13:56

Nope, never had and never would.

Panda89 · 04/10/2023 14:16

No I don’t, I don’t really understand tipping as surely if you need more money then you up the prices?
My hairdresser is self employed so she does the whole thing, cut colour and wash.

HoneyBadgerMom · 04/10/2023 14:19

I have a hairdresser that I've had for years and she owns the salon. I do tip her, even though it's not really expected when they're the owner. I personally would have less done to my hair so that I could afford to tip, because in my mind, the tip is part of the cost.

BUT, I'm an American and our culture is more into tipping than most places, so it's different.

Sartre · 04/10/2023 14:22

It isn’t an option because they just charge my card automatically when it’s done. I wouldn’t tip if it was an option though, I think they get paid adequately nowadays. My Mum was a hairdresser pre minimum wage and she relied on tips to feed us but they’re paid ok now.

ManateeFair · 04/10/2023 14:24

I don't tip mine because she owns the salon, but on the rare occasions my hair gets washed/dried by one of the junior stylists or an apprentice I give them something. I don't think it's essential though and I think most stylists think of it as a bonus rather than an expectation.

cocksstrideintheevening · 04/10/2023 14:26

I don't tip and I don't feel bad. Why should a hairdresser get ripped over say your local Tesco checkout person?

happsy · 04/10/2023 14:28

I don't. I spend enough on my hair as it is and see it as any other service you would pay for.

ThinkingAgainAndAgain · 04/10/2023 14:32

I do, but I know I’m in the minority. I’ve recently changed salons as the salon I used to go to closed. The new salon doesn’t take cash, and there are signs everywhere that say if you want to tip, you do it through your phone. I don’t like the signs - they’re in the mirrors, on the door, next to the till. It doesn’t sit right with me, and yet I do tip!

tellittothemoon · 04/10/2023 14:40

I never tip. My hairdresser charges £150 for cut and colour. I go every 6 weeks. I think I have paid them quite well enough.

Velvetpaws75 · 04/10/2023 14:43

I never tip anyone but if service has been exceptional I would communicate this in whatever way is appropriate

DRS1970 · 04/10/2023 14:46

I never understood this. Why don't they just charge whatever amount gives the staff a decent wage, instead of making them resort to what amounts to begging, while making customers feel obligated or guilty.

user1471554720 · 04/10/2023 14:49

I think it is very unfair that you are expected to tip hairdressers and waiters. I worked in offices all my life and I often only earned a token salary, particularly when I was young, up to my 30s.

I always felt that they were nearly earning more than me, yet I was expected to tip THEM. No one tipped me for my work. In fact hampers came to our office at Christmas and the owner took them away!!!

Now that I am on my 50s and STILL work fulltime, I tip my hairdresser 30 euro at Christmas. I tip 10% to waiters. I only eat out a few times a year and include the tip as part of the cost. If I didn't have to tip I would go out a bit more often.!!

FoghornUnicorn · 04/10/2023 14:50

I’m a hairdresser and never ask for or expect tips. I’m self-employed and set my prices so that I make a decent wage without tips. If someone tips, I am very grateful, to me it means they were very happy with their experience. That means more than the money! I also prefer receiving a glowing review to a cash tip.

it is nice sometimes at Christmas when regulars drop a gift in - sweeties or bath stuff usually.

LubaLuca · 04/10/2023 14:50

I've never given mine a tip, I pay so much I can't believe she isn't getting a reasonable amount for the couple of hours I'm in the chair. I think it would be a bit patronising for me to slip her a few quid as if she's hard up and I can ease that a little bit for her.

I've given her small presents like a bunch of flowers near her birthday, and I take something edible for the staff to share at Christmas.

LumiB · 04/10/2023 14:59

Never tip. Also really hate restaurants adding service charges on - I rarely go now because of that and I don't feel like I am missing anything by not going.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 04/10/2023 15:00

Never, don't get why I would, very old fashioned tradition.