Tipping at beauty salon

[Flyinggeese1]

I can’t see if this has been discussed before, though can see plenty of threads about hair salons.

If you get your nails done at a salon do you tip?

I pay £26 for Shellac (inc removal of old colour) at an all round beauty salon (not just a nail bar, they do all sorts, it lovely). Usually round up to £30 if paying cash but want to start using my card. What to do?

I’ve only I recent months started getting my nails done regularly. So if going twice a year I’d think nothing of leaving a tip, but every 3 weeks as I’d like to maintain seems a bit much!

I was brought up with my mum tipping hairdressers etc and it’s kind of ingrained, but starting to feel a bit patronising, not to mention expensive!

Thoughts please!

I pay a similar amount for nails and don't tip each visit and I give a Christmas tip instead.

My old hairdresser used to collect all her Christmas tips and buy herself something nice.

That’s certainly an option Cherrypiepie. I think something has shifted in me generally and I don’t think I agree with tipping any more, but am still a bit conflicted.

If it’s the salon owner who does my nails don’t tip, but anyone else and feel I maybe should, but it’s starting to jar!

Thanks for the reply.

If its only every few months leave a couple of pounds. Every three weeks then no I wouldn't give a tip.

I have my nails and toes done every four weeks and I always tip, same with my brow lady and my waxer. I just usually round up but its at least £4/5 each time per person - you've just made me realise this is adding up to a fair amount each month!
I always get them a bottle of champagne for Xmas and those with kids get a choc Santa or a selection box.

I think I might just stop tipping and continue with the xmas pressies - as awful as this sounds, its better topping up my savings account than going into their pocket. Is that really bad?

OK I’m just back from my appointment and didn’t tip. I can’t justify it.

I figured this is the difference between continuing to book regular appointments and not, so overall it’s best. Not an easy habit to break!

I tip as the woman who does my nails is self-employed and has earned zilch for most of the past 18 months.

That’s a point, Scant, for those with relatively new businesses.

I do know though that the salon I go to is not out of pocket due to COVID at all.

I don't tip unless it's Christmas as I think it's expensive enough anyway. Same with hairdressers.

Don't want to derail this thread...
but I've always wondered how you give the stylist or therapist etc the tip personally, especially if you pay by card at the reception desk. Many a time I've not tipped out of social awkwardness rather than being tight

Not that I'm saying you're tight OP!

BeforeIm, maybe I am! I don’t know anymore, it’s a minefield.

In the past in restaurants I’d pay with a card then leave a cash tip on the table. Agree, it’s awkward.

Actually I’ve just remembered something that may have scarred me... years ago I paid by card at the hairdressers and had no cash so popped back with a tip a bit later and it was a bit embarrassing. There was a definite vibe of ‘really no need to do this’. Hence angst. And as I say it feels patronising.

I used to always tip when I paid in cash. I go once every 3 weeks for gel nails, eye brow wax & tint and pay on my card now so I don't add a tip, but I will get her a birthday/Christmas gift as her birthday is in December and she's been doing my treatments for over 4 years.

When I used to tip, she would try to refuse it so I would tell her to give it to her kids if she didn't want it (usually £5 each visit)

If you want to tip your stylist/therapist but the receptionist or someone else is taking the payment, just hand them the cash and ask them to give it to so and so. It won’t be unexpected, they usually have an envelope for each person and they put it in there.

I always tip at a salon, but I’m very low maintenance so don’t visit often! If I have a December appointment I generally give a bit more than normal.

I’ve stopped tipping. It’s very feudal and it’s very clear they earn a good wage round by me - nice cars, own their own homes, good holidays, etc.

My hairdresser ( with beauty room ) told me they did well financially out of lockdown with Government grants
I don't tip but I take chocs in now and again and always give her a nice Xmas present

66babe yes that’s been the case where I go too and it was very nice to hear. Good.

BoffinMum yep. Think that’s pretty much how I feel too.

I always tip esp if they have waxed me 😂

I don’t tip for either hair or nails - but am very generous for Xmas or special occasions
For example hair I always use same stylist she’s fab but I don’t tip on a normal appointment but do give her £20 at Xmas, £50 when she got married and more recently £50 when she had a baby - it probably works out less than tipping £3-5 each time but seems to be more appreciated
Only works if you stay with same salon though
I prefer 2-3 people at beautician for lashes, facials and nails but only tip for special occasions

I usually tip a couple of quid. I don't understand people who don't tip. Surely if you can afford £30 on a manicure you can add £2 to the bill?

I've worked in the beauty industry and tipping was never expected. Most people gave £1-£2. Rounding up to £30 from £26 is really quite generous.

I’m in this line of work. We don’t expect a tip as I’m self employed I feel I earn a fair wage. When I was employed years ago and earning minimum wage it was more appreciated although again not expected.

We’ve been quieter following the lockdowns and lack of customers holidaying/ attending events this year and the government scheme for me wasn’t very financially beneficial so every penny does help.

If you’d like to tip but not every time, occasionally take cash in and say no need for change.

Greenbuttons thanks for the reply from this point of view.

You’ve made me think, I don’t actually know if the person doing nails is employed by the salon or self employed. And I don’t want to ask or have to consider this really. I think I’ll do as you suggest and say no need for change every so often, but isn’t it a bit patronising to give a woman, my age, no suggestion I earn more money, £4. It seems really odd. But if it’s the done thing I will.

I always tip. If the service is great you will always get an appointment that suits.

I go every two weeks for Infills & pedicures in one salon and eyebrows - Russian lashes - infills in another salon
I tip a fiver in each place to the therapist that’s doing my treatment

Thanks Grinch. I think I’ve overthought this and made it awkward. I’m trying to imagine someone giving me a few quid and I know it would feel very patronising.

I’m actually thinking of stopping getting my nails done at a salon, no overthinking required!