Salons Open Near Me Today (2025)

FAQs

How much do you tip your hairdresser if she owns the salon? ›

If you're not sure, speak up. Just ask, "I know this is your place—do you accept tips?" The salon owner might gladly take it, turn it down, or go on to share it with their stylists, so always err on the courteous side and offer the standard 20 percent.

Focus on the customer experience

It's important to remember that even if customers decide to come to your salon for one of your stylists, it's the overall experience that will get them back. So, if your salon constantly improves and updates the customer experience, you will end up being noticed.

“Tips are always appreciated, but never expected,” she says. “We would never want a client to not come see us because they couldn't afford to pay the tip on top of their service.” Gottsman has a different answer. “Gratuity is not optional,” she says.

“$10 to $20 is generous,” Rivera said. “Most people will do $5.” Others said people should leave a similar tip to what they would leave at a restaurant. “I would say around 20% is fine,” said Adam Quintero, owner of Up Hair in the Castro.

Just keep it simple and polite, stating that despite no hard feelings or ill will, you think it will be best to see another stylist moving forward. Wish them well, and thank them for their services to date.

“The client should either call or email straightaway, or between 24 to 48 hours after the service. Not one week or two weeks after the service. Just be honest with what the issue is—be specific, and detail why, for you, it doesn't work.

It's best to do it in person, but if that's not possible, have a cool, honest, respectful conversation over the phone. Say something like: I would like to thank you for being a loyal client, and I'm so sorry we cannot please you. I'd love for you to try a hair stylist or even a salon that would better suit you.

How do you know if a hairdresser is good? To find a good hairdresser, ask around, search social media, and schedule consultations. If you like their work and you can tell that they work with people who have similar hair types and textures as yours, that's usually a sign that they're a good fit.

How do you know if you have a bad hairdresser? ›

If a hairdresser consistently ignores your instructions or imposes their own ideas without your consent, it's a sign that they're not focused on meeting your needs. A good hairdresser should be able to communicate with you effectively and make you feel comfortable throughout the whole appointment experience.

Level 4 Stylist

Level 4 Stylists are masters of their craft. They are established, respected, and carry a reputation for excellence that has earned them this title.

While some people might feel uncomfortable or awkward asserting exactly what they want done to their hair, it's not considered “trying to take your stylist's job.” In fact, a stylist can do a better job when you're able to communicate what cut or color you want, especially if you provide photo inspiration.

Be honest but tactful—try leading with something like, "I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear," or "I wanted something more like this—let me explain it better." You and your stylist need to be on the same wavelength, and if that offends them, maybe they're not the right stylist for you.

"Not tipping the owner is an old tradition that's dying out," Post says. She recommends 15 to 20 percent of the fee, whether or not the stylist owns the place. When more than one person (stylist, colorist, blower) attends to you, split 15 to 20 percent among them according to how much each contributed to the outcome.

The question of tipping the salon owner divided opinions slightly, but the majority (49.8%) still believe in tipping them at the standard 15-20% rate. However, 14.8% of respondents felt tipping the owner was unnecessary, and another 14.8% suggested tipping only for exceptional service. Do unto others...

Proper tipping etiquette is generally 15-20% on the services you receive. (Do not feel obligated to tip 15-20% of your total with product included.) If you feel your technician has gone above and beyond your expectations, then it is okay to tip at a larger percentage.

While tipping the owner was not always expected in the past, it's becoming more acceptable to tip the owner the same 15-20% as you would a regular barber. Ultimately, tipping ensures your barber receives fair compensation and can lead to better service in the future.