Among Friends

[katte]

I have been wondering about this.  I have been going to the same hairdresser for close to 20 years.  The question is tipping.  Is a person obligated to tip their hairdresser no matter how long they have been seeing them.  Tipping can be very expensive, for me $7.00 each time I get a haircut, which I feel is not always necessary because of me being an established client.  What do you think?

[LTT1]

@katte

I think most hairdressers are grateful to accept what you offer.  For me, the question is, how badly do I want a good haircut?

So, I give what I feel is the right amount.  I am fairly certain that my stylist would let me know, in some way, if she felt I was "shorting" her!

[Goldengate8361]

Yes; you should always tip. The length of time you've known her is irrelevant.

[Adamlambert]

I think you should too, but I go to great clips. I usually have a coupon for $7.99 so can tip them $5.  Excellent hair cut too.  Really. 

[millieshops]

@katteI don't see how the length of time you've been a client matters -  you use the stylist's skill and time just the same whether you've been there a year or twnety years.

Of course, there is no obligation to tip.  You can pay the tab and walk away; I wouldn't dream of doing that.  I'd pick a hairdresser I could afford or chop it off myself  (and hate how I'd look.)

[Jacie]

The same person has been cutting my hair for 42 years. I was 19 when I first went, she was 26. She just retired last week!

When I first started with her, my haircut was $11.00, a huge amount back then when I was in college. I will not even tell you how much I have paid recently! I have always tipped very well! I also have never had a bad haircut from her EVER! I could always manage it at home and it always grew out gracefully!

Back when I got married she did my hair and the bridal party gratis. My Mom also was a client of hers. Throughout the years we have become great friends and even with that great friendship, I always tipped even when she insisted I didn't!

[Nancy Drew]

I hate to say this but I feel you cannot afford this place anymore. For me since it is just seven dollars we are talking about I would give up a seven dollar item in the month if I loved going there.

[queendiva]

Where I live in suburban NYC no one would tip the shampoo person less than $4.00 in addition to the tip for the stylist, so your $7.00 tip to your hairdresser seems quite reasonable, IMO.

I keep my hair long so I don't need it cut very often. You could also look into a local beauty school for services. The cost would be lower, as would the skills of the stylists in training. I go to one for all services except a cut, and I do tip the students as well.

[beach-mom]

I too have been going to the same hair stylist for 20 years. He is now the senior stylist and has become a very good friend. He gave DD a job as a part-time receptionist when she was in high school. She still helps out there once in a while on Saturdays, even though she's out of college and in the work force. She loves everyone there, and is considered a member of the family.

His prices have gone through the roof, and he is not taking any new clients. A while back I was talking to the main receptionist about tipping. She said some of his older clients don't tip at all, and he's fine with that. She said he knows a lot of them are not able to afford a huge tip. She told me most long-time clients tip between 15-20%, and they don't increase their tips with each price increase. I tip between 15-20 on a regular haircut day, and 20% rounded up every two months when I get it colored. 

[Moonchilde]

If you are happy with the services provided, how long you have been going to the stylist is completely irrelevant, IMO. You should still tip. However, when 15-20% gets into the $15-20 range, I think they understand if those on a limited income tip what they can.

In no way do I consider $7 "very expensive."  Perhaps you might consider a chain salon with lower prices.