Waxing etc: Not WHETHER to tip, but HOW.

[iggi999]

Have had some waxing done at beauty place for first time recently. Following on from searching threads on MN, I knew it was expected to tip the woman who had the pleasure of visiting my underarms.
I gave her the (£2) coin I had in readiness when I left the room, on route to pay at the cash desk. She looked a bit surprised, and I am now thinking have committed unwitting faux pas - but how else could I give her the tip? Give it at the cash desk to the receptionist? Leave it on the couch?
Am going back again later this week, so would love to hear what I should do this time!

Why would you tip someone who gets paid for doing that anyhow?

ARMPITS???

You have to tip the waxy lady? Since when? Oh God. I've never tipped the waxy lady.

Now I'm worried she's going to make it extra painful.

I bowed to the knowledge gleaned by searching mumsnet.
Lexi am paranoid enough about my tipping technique, don't get me worrying about what I'm having waxed! (is that odd? how can it be more odd than nether regions?)

I'm planning to have my underarms waxed for the summer.

Apparently it's quite normal.

Oh getting them waxed lasts at least two weeks if not more, BUT it bloody hurts and once they've waxed they PLUCK WHAT'S LEFT WITH TWEEZERS!
And you want to tip??

It seems wise. Think about it, if I didn't tip, what might she do to me when I go back next time?
SO, anyone actually know how you're meant to deposit said tip with said beautician person?
(I could hide it in my underarm forest I suppose!)

Once I have paid the bill, I give the tip money to receptionist and say 'please can you put that in the tip jar please?'

Ahh. Now is that because you think it is impolite to give it to the person themselves? Or for a different reason?
(clutching at straws here)

I find it the least embarrassing - plus they are in their uniform so it's not like they have a pocket.

just say to the receptionist when you are paying - 'can you please give this to xxx' thanks

Odd that I find tipping potentially embarrassing, yet being spread-eagled over a bench at 9 months pregnant having my fanny hair ripped out - not so much.

Next time if I don't give it to her directly she will assume she's not getting one - maybe should just find new salon to go to!
I spent a holiday in India once, amazing place, but so much of our time was spent worrying about how to/how much to tip almost everyone we met. (needing to get a life clearly).

Just making one last plea for info before the big event tomorrow - one vote for giving it to reception so far!

I used to be a beauty therapist and my clients would pay me and either say keep the change or they would give me said tip and just say thats for you.I have to say i was very greatful as beauty/hairdressing pay is rubbish considering how much treatments cost these days.

English are notoriously crap at tipping. Perhaps she hadn't had a tip before

Thanks! I think I will stop fretting and just - er - enjoy the treatment. It's a fine line between ignoring good service and being patronising. I don't want to tip and look awkward, iyswim.
I thought the pay probably wasn't great as she was at pains to suggest I ask for her again the next time I came.

Great name BnotM

I've done both the leaving a tip with the receptionist and giving it to the beautician (hairdresser but same difference). Usually depending on whether I have any suitable change to hand. Both are fine.

Now I live in New York and people expect truly monstrous tips, but at least there's no awkwardness about it. Taxi drivers have no compunction about asking how much tip they are getting (and getting shirty if you say 'er, nothing. You went the wrong way and added $5 to the meter driving round in circles' or 'not much, I had to hold the window shut the whole way').

Thanks iggi999 i cant take all the credit some mns helped me come up with it.No i wouldnt fret about it.Beauty is the kind of job you have to love or just no point.So i appreciated a tip if someone thought i had done a really good job but i certainly didnt expect it.Make sure you get a good therapist that you feel comfortable.I still do the odd treatment and have kept many of my original clients some dating as far back as 11 yrs ago when i first qualified.

i haev never tipped a beautician in my life
just put your rates up