What is the proper amount to tip your barber?
I have been tipping 20% and am not sure if this is correct. It's what I tip at restaurants but I did not know if it was the same for getting a hair cut.
If you're going to someone who runs their own shop and getting a basic cut for around $15 and had an appointment scheduled, $2-3 is fine. If they fit you in quickly, then maybe $3-4. If you're getting more work done like color, etc., I would say $4-7. I know stylists who don't even have to work 40 hours a week to make a good salary, because, most of the price charged goes right to them - there's not as much overhead as one would think. I would consider a larger tip if they worked for someone else.
9 Answers
If you have a barber who regularly cuts your hair to your liking, every time, 25% minimum. Remember, that hair cut is what you wear in public. It can be a regular contribution to your confidence level or a regular detraction to your confidence. The last thing you need in business is to lose their attention to a hair cut that draws their eyes to it.
I don't think using a % is the right way to go here. The barber (or in my case, hair stylist) actually went to school for a long time to learn the proper techniques for cutting hair, etc. I feel like you should be tipping them way more than ANY server or bartender out there. I'm cheap and have a gal at Supercuts that I always see there. The cut is only like $14, but I always put in $20.
20% is pretty much standard. When they know you, they do you well, and they're quick, throw in a couple extra bucks (or percent of total bill, particularly if people complement you on your hair, remember who did that for you).
If you feel the need to "tip less" I'd suggest you et a new barber.
It depends on how big your grooming budget is. With that said, what would happen if anyone but your Barber cut your hair? Would it be a disaster?
Most people have a preference when it comes to Barbers, whether you like to shoot the shit, they provide reliable tips on life, or are great with scissors. Me personally- I tend to tip above 20% because if anyone else cuts my hair, they usually screw it up- and it is not hard. I have been getting the same hair cut for 10 years- short fade on the side- chopped on top- but I have found only 2 people that can get it right, therefore I tip them graciously. A good tip to a barber will mean that every once a while, they will offer to give you a clean shave also. There is nothing like a clean shave with a straight razor- involves a great amount of trust.
On our standard gift cards at the Grooming Lounge Men's Barbershops/Spas we include a customary 15% graituity. The guest is more than welcome to tip above that if they feel the service/cut is exceptional. I agree though with an earlier response, if you have a barber who regularly cuts your hair to your liking, 20-30% usually falls in the norm range of good tips. A good haircut goes a long way and can last almost a month sometimes, last thing you want to deal with is a bad cut having sideburns off, hair uneven or just plain looking bad. If you don't feel like you look good, then you probably won't be as confident in your job and daily life. Find that barber, pay the extra few bucks on the tip, and stick with them if they give a good cut.
Honestly, I'd say you're doing just fine.