How Much Do You Tip a Hairdresser?
The standard tip for a hairdresser or hair stylist in the US is 15–20% of the service price, according to the Emily Post Institute general tipping guide (checked October 2026). In practice, 20% has become the norm for a cut or color you're happy with, and 25% is generous for a big transformation, a last-minute booking or a stylist who went out of their way.
Tip on the price of the service before tax, and on the full price even if you used a discount or a gift card: your stylist did the same work.
Hair salon tip chart
| Service price | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| $40.00 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $60.00 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| $75.00 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $125.00 | $18.75 | $22.50 | $25.00 | $31.25 |
| $150.00 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
| $250.00 | $37.50 | $45.00 | $50.00 | $62.50 |
| $300.00 | $45.00 | $54.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
How Much to Tip a Barber
Barbers are tipped the same way: 15–20% of the cut. On a $30 haircut that's $4.50–6, and most people round up to the next whole dollar when paying in cash. For a regular barber, the Emily Post Institute holiday tipping guide suggests a holiday tip of up to the cost of one haircut.
Tipping the Shampoo Assistant, Colorist and Other Staff
When more than one person works on your hair, the Emily Post Institute's advice is to ask the salon to split the tip among everyone who served you. A common approach:
- Stylist and colorist are different people: tip each 15–20% of their part of the service, or split one 20% tip between them. Use Split between in the calculator.
- Shampoo or blow-dry assistant: a few dollars on top, typically $3–5 (the range NerdWallet's salon experts suggest). Add it under Shampoo assistant & tax.
Should You Tip the Salon Owner?
Traditionally, owners weren't tipped because they set their own prices. Today most salon and etiquette guides say to tip an owner who does your hair the same 15–20% as any stylist. If they decline, they'll tell you.
Tipping on Color, Highlights and Expensive Services
The percentage stays the same on big bills: a $250 balayage is a $37.50–50 tip at 15–20%. If several services were done by different people, tip each person on their own part. Product you buy at the salon isn't tipped on.
Cash or Card?
Cash goes straight to your stylist the same day. Card tips work too, but some salons pass on card processing fees or pay tips out later. If you pay in cash, turn on Round up to whole dollars and the calculator shows exactly which bills to hand over.
Holiday Tip for Your Hairdresser
For a stylist you see regularly, the Emily Post Institute holiday tipping guide suggests up to the cost of one salon visit, divided among the staff who work with you, or a gift. The calculator shows this amount under the result.
What If You Didn't Like the Haircut?
For a cut that's fine but not perfect, most guides still suggest tipping around 15% and asking the salon to fix the problem (many do adjustments for free within a week or two). Leaving no tip is usually reserved for rude service; tell the salon why.
More Tipping Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you tip a hairdresser?
15–20% of the service price before tax. 20% is the norm for good service, so a $60 haircut is a $12 tip and a $150 color is $30.
How much do you tip for a $100 haircut?
$15–20 at 15–20%, or $25 at 25% for exceptional service. Add a few dollars if an assistant shampooed or blow-dried your hair.
How much do you tip a barber?
15–20% of the haircut price, rounded up to whole dollars. On a $30 cut that's about $5–6.
Do you tip the shampoo assistant?
Yes, if someone else washed or dried your hair, a few dollars ($3–5 is common) on top of the stylist's tip.
Do you tip the salon owner?
Today most guides say yes: tip an owner who does your hair the same 15–20% as any stylist.
How much should you tip your hairdresser at Christmas?
Up to the cost of one salon visit, divided among the staff who regularly work with you, or a thoughtful gift (Emily Post Institute).
Do you tip on the price before or after tax?
Before tax, on the full service price, even if you used a coupon or gift card.
Written by Prakhar Singh, software engineer and creator of K4Converter · Last updated October 2026