suern3

Since our daughter put herself through college, including her Masters Degree by waiting tables in various places, my DH and I have a special place in our hearts for servers. She actually started waitressing in high school. At the time, she was the third of four kids and we didn't have much money to help her with expenses. We did what we could but it was her work and lots of school loans that she was able to reach her goal. Now that life has changed and our income, we do try to be good tippers. Although, I am not moved by the tip jars that are showing up everywhere. But if you don't feel like you should give a tip to someone who gives you good service or goes out of their way to make sure that your experience in their place of business is a good one, you surely don't have to. It's not against the law.

Nanny's dollface

Generally my foil color, cut, and style runs around $225 every 7 weeks and I tip 20%. More if I have a last minute event and need help with my hair. She always finds time for me so I am very appreciative

madamekelly

Wowsers, I guess if I could afford hair services like that, I might be tempted to over tip more often. I am not jealous, or envious, just shocked by what it costs these days. I have not been to a salon since I was forced to stop doing hair in 1996. I taught my daughter how to cut my very thin hair, and I take care of hers. I do however always over tip a good waitress, until I find they have to share tips, then I do not return to that establishment. When I tip a waitress for doing a good job, I do not expect to reward all the bad ones at her expense. The other employees (except wait staff) are all guaranteed minimum wage. Bad wait staff should have to work for their own tips, not take from the good ones.

bearisgray

Another just wondering -

If - say a cup of coffee costs $3.00 before a tip -
Would you still buy it if it cost $3.75 without a tip?

SusieQOH

It's it's a great cup of coffee I would.

Angellight

Cosmetologists have gone through at least 1250 hours of education (My school required more hours to graduate) . In CO. They are required to take a board exam given by the state licensing board, and renew that license every 2 years at a significant cost. Although this also gives you a reduced cost for your product supplies. This also makes them liable for damages, and I have received offers for liability insurance.
When I worked in a chain salon, I had a draw. I had to do twice my rate of pay Before I made commission. Of course, there was the overhead to be paid, water, supplies, electricity, etc. In a booth rental situation it is exactly that, you rent a booth, obtain all of your own customers, pay for all of your supplies. Sometimes you have a great week, and have plenty of chemical services to "pay the bills". Other weeks you may not have enough in haircuts to buy your groceries. It can be a feast or famine business.
While at times I agree that the "excessive" tipping issue can be out of hand, especially when you get terrible service at Any service profession, this is what helps pay the bills. I've had generous tippers, and people who either forgot, or could not afford the "expected rate". I tried to appreciate what was given at the time I received it.
I think pay rates and tipping will always be controversial, because each state has different requirements, and every person you talk to feels differently about the subject. If iI get excellent service I tend to tip more. Poor service may still get a tip, but not as much. And since I have gone to the same Cosmetologist for over 10 years, I tip between 15 & 20%.
Susan

bearisgray

Sure is tempting to ask the operator "Of what I am being billed, how much do you get out of it?" and base my tip on that.

SusieQOH

I've noticed that my hairdresser is always going to classes, having to update her credentials, etc. I think it's a lot more complicated than we know.
She's amazing at what she does. My hair is wild and she knows how to tame it

cashs_mom

Good hairdressers are worth their weight in gold! I lost mine several years ago and was so fortunate that she recommended one to me who has worked out very well. I never mind the money spent. It's a bargain.

Slow2Sew

My hairdresser has not raised my rates (which were low to begin with) in the 20+ years I have been using her. I am happy to tip her 35-40%. My only complaint with her is that she will may within a few years. :-(