Stellar (25%) – Complex/Amazing Work
Great (20%) – Standard Good Service
Good (15%) – Basic Service
Fair (10%) – Minimum Standard
Custom Percentage
Standard is usually $3-$5 per assistant.
// Toggle Custom Percentage Input
var htSelect = document.getElementById('ht_serviceLevel');
var htCustomDiv = document.getElementById('ht_custom_container');
htSelect.onchange = function() {
if (this.value === 'custom') {
htCustomDiv.style.display = 'block';
} else {
htCustomDiv.style.display = 'none';
}
};
function calculateHairTip() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var billAmount = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ht_billAmount').value);
var serviceLevel = document.getElementById('ht_serviceLevel').value;
var assistantTip = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ht_assistantTip').value);
// 2. Validate Bill Amount
if (isNaN(billAmount) || billAmount <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Total Service Cost.");
return;
}
// 3. Determine Tip Rate
var tipRate = 0;
if (serviceLevel === 'custom') {
var customInput = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ht_customPercent').value);
if (isNaN(customInput) || customInput < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid custom tip percentage.");
return;
}
tipRate = customInput / 100;
} else {
tipRate = parseFloat(serviceLevel);
}
// 4. Handle Assistant Tip (default to 0 if empty)
if (isNaN(assistantTip)) {
assistantTip = 0;
}
// 5. Calculate Values
var stylistTip = billAmount * tipRate;
var totalTip = stylistTip + assistantTip;
var totalCost = billAmount + totalTip;
// 6. Format Output
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('ht_result');
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.innerHTML = `
Main Stylist Tip:$${stylistTip.toFixed(2)}
Assistant/Shampoo Tip:$${assistantTip.toFixed(2)}
Total Tip Amount:$${totalTip.toFixed(2)}
Grand Total to Pay:$${totalCost.toFixed(2)}
Based on a ${Math.round(tipRate * 100)}% rate for the stylist.
`;
}
Hairdresser Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Tip?
Calculating the correct tip for your hairdresser can often be a source of anxiety at the end of a relaxing appointment. While tipping etiquette varies by country, in the United States and Canada, gratuity is a standard part of the salon experience. Use our Hairdresser Tipping Calculator above to quickly determine the appropriate amount based on your bill and service quality.
Standard Salon Tipping Rules
The general rule of thumb for salon services is to tip between 15% and 20% of the pre-tax service cost. However, different scenarios may call for adjustments:
20% (Standard): This is the industry standard for a great cut, color, or style. It shows appreciation for the stylist's time and skill.
25% (Exceptional): If you received a dramatic transformation, color correction, or the stylist spent extra time ensuring your look was perfect, a 25% tip is a generous way to say thank you.
15% (Basic): This is generally considered the minimum for acceptable service.
Don't Forget the Assistants
Many high-end salons utilize assistants or juniors to wash hair, apply glosses, or blow-dry. It is polite to tip them separately if they are not included in the main tip pool.
Shampoo/Assistant: A flat rate of $3 to $5 per person is standard.
Colorist vs. Cutter: If different people cut and colored your hair, you should tip them individually based on the cost of their specific service (e.g., 20% of the color bill to the colorist, 20% of the cut bill to the stylist).
Common Tipping Questions
Do I tip the salon owner?
Historically, the rule was that you do not tip the owner of the business. However, this etiquette has shifted. If the owner is performing the service, it is now common practice to tip them just as you would any other stylist, as they also rely on scheduled appointments for income.
Should I tip on the full price or discounted price?
If you have a coupon, gift card, or are receiving a promotional discount, you should always calculate your tip based on the original, full price of the service, not the discounted total.
Cash or Card?
While most salons allow you to add a tip to your credit card transaction, cash is always preferred by stylists. It ensures they receive their money immediately without processing fees or pay period delays.
Example Calculation
Let's say you get a Balayage and Cut that costs $200.
Service Cost: $200
Stylist Tip (20%): $40
Shampoo Assistant (Flat): $5
Total Out of Pocket: $245
By using the Hairdresser Tipping Calculator above, you can ensure everyone who helped you look your best is compensated fairly.