When it comes to traditional tipping etiquette, most agree that waiters and waitresses should receive between 15 to 20% of the subtotal bill of a meal for their services. The range is there so adjustments can be made based on how well the service is provided. A higher percentage of 20% or more means the service was exceptional. If the service was as expected, it wasn't bad but there were no stand out moments, a 15% tip is normal.
But what is the proper etiquette regarding gratuity beyond the restaurant? Things get a little less clear. Say for example hotel baggage handlers or uber and taxi drivers, most people know a tip is warranted but the standard varies from person to person.
It gets even more gray in the beauty industry. Being unsure of the standard gratuity rate for the service, who to tip or even whether a tip is warranted can be confusing and uncomfortable for salon visitors.
As you can see in this Instagram skit , it can be uncomfortable for us as well.
Avoid this awkward moment and discover the proper way to tip your beauty professionals:
1. Is it appropriate to tip your lash artist?
Not only is it appropriate—it is considered proper etiquette to tip your lash artist. This is standard for most situations where a professional is providing a service, with exceptions to service fields like doctors, nurses, lawyers, and educators. As it is common practice, failing to tip would indicate that you were unhappy with the service provided. There are visits to the beauty salon which do not warrant tipping, however. For instance, if you stop by solely to purchase a retail product or a gift card.
That being said, we have recognized that for different reasons, the rules around etiquette are subjective. Here at Pop Lash Beauty Lounge, our philosophy is that we understand that tipping is optional but very much appreciated. While it can sting, we take the emotion out of receiving a small tip or no tip at all. It is easy to do because we provide great service across the board and ask for feedback at the end of the session. If a client does not speak up, we have no reason to assume they were not satisfied with the service.
2. What is the standard tip amount?
Like in a restaurant, there is no one standard amount that is deemed acceptable. If you are unsure of how much to tip your lash lady, you may be tempted to grab whatever cash you have on hand and use that as the tip. Instead, use the same formula that you would use in a restaurant as a basic rule of thumb. Most salon goers tip between 15 to 20% of the pre-tax amount listed on the final bill for the services provided.
3. What about offers or model appointments?
Offers are a hot commodity in beauty salons. Whether redeeming an offer for a free model service or a highly discounted lash set, it is important to note that the stylist will still put in the same amount of effort. In these situations, it is considered good etiquette to tip according to the pre-discounted cost of the service being provided. If you are unsure of the full price, adjust the percentage rate so that it falls above the usual 15-20% rate. On the other hand, if you have a coupon for retail products and make a purchase without receiving service during the visit, there is no need to tip at all.
4. Do I have to tip with cash?
In today’s tech-savvy world, many salon goers prefer to skip the cash and pay for services using a debit or credit card. Most salons have a point-of-sale systems that enable clients to tip using their card. This, however, is not always the case. If you are visiting a salon for the first time and are unsure if this option is available, it is best to call ahead and ask or bring cash to err on the side of caution. At Pop Lash Beauty Lounge, we accept tips electronically through our Square point of sale machine, through Zelle or Apple Pay and in cash (noting that we cannot give change).
5. What if I am unhappy with the service provided?
All stylists have one thing in common—they want you to leave the salon feeling fantastic about your experience and your results. While some people are easily able to express their dissatisfaction, others fear that their stylist will take it personally. It may be tempting to skip the tip altogether, or simply give a standard tip and flee the salon, but honesty is always the best policy when it comes to working with your stylist.
If you are unhappy with your lash extensions, be sure to mention it. Your stylist will aim to resolve the dilemma before you leave the salon.
As in most industries, tipping is a gift given to your stylist for the services that they provide. There are several factors that may alter this amount—someone with a long-term stylist may feel inclined to tip much more than someone visiting a new one, or perhaps a stylist goes above and beyond what is expected. While tipping etiquette serves as a guideline, you should consider your own experiences and determine which amount you are comfortable giving. In either case, tips are always appreciated by our lash artists who strive to bring your vision to life.
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