Should I tip the hairdresser?

[ItchyBites]

I'm going to have my hair cut and coloured tomorrow at a new (to me) hairdressers, and I'm not sure whether I should leave a tip or not. Backstory is that I've lived in Australia for nine years (where you're not expected to tip anyone but waiting staff in restaurants), and before that I dyed my own hair at home. I last went to a hairdresser in the UK about 15 years ago, and I did tip at that point, but I don't know whether it is expected now, and if so what would be an appropriate amount?

If it makes a difference, I'm going in for a bit of a radical restyle, having not had it done for a few months.

I totally agree with Bubblesbuddy. There is no logic to which low paid people get tipped and do not. Restaurant food costs a hell of a lot more than the ingredients, so obviously you are paying for someone to cook it and bring it to you. Why you should then pay again for that service I don't really know. I do grudgingly tip in restaurants though but don't at the hairdresser. But every time I wonder if they bitch about me after I leave.

On a side note I'm amazed at how much people spend on haircuts. I cut mine about once every five years(!) , my only experience "is taking my short haired 11 year old for cuts and I begrudge the £12 that costs.

No I don't - ever.
I pay enough for the haircut.

I only ever tip waiting staff and even that, I don't like. I think people should be paid a fair wage.

Always, but I'm from the US so it's ingrained in me to tip hairdressers (unless they own the salon). I know it's less common here, but it's a reflex I can't get rid of. Have been going to same person for years, every 7-8 weeks, so would be weird to stop tipping now.

£8 on a £40 cut and dry, plus £2 for shampoo person (usually student); £10 on £90 highlights plus cut and dry, plus £2 for shampoo. And double tip at Christmas/New Years. (But salon also has weird coupon programme so at least 2-3 times a year I end up getting £5-10 off, which makes tipping more affordable.)

I don't tip an expensive salon on a one-off. I do tip the girl that comes to my house and is working for herself. I also used to tip a regular hairdresser I went to in a salon because she was fantastic and the Holy Grail of hairdressers. Sadly she changed career. I'd say you're fine not to, or just chuck in an extra fiver, more if they've been spectacular.

NO. I never tip.

No longer tip. Doesn’t seem the norm anymore. Would tip for a child’s cut as it is discounted but still takes time and skill but not for myself as I spend lots on colour, cut and products.