Hair Salon - Should I Tip the Owner? - Am Unsure

[asta]

Am thinking about returning to my previous salon, as my other gal moved and I do not like the place at all.

Previously, I was impressed with her salon owner, who does a nice job and gave her some good tips to make my hair look nice.

The reason I hesitate, is that I usually tip at least 20%.  But have no idea of the protocol if the salon owner does my hair (highlights & cut, about $125, though I imagine the salon owner is more).  Can anyone give me the etiquette, as I am not salon-savvy.

[jimithing]

Generally, the rule is you don't tip the salon owner.  If you feel like you should anyway, I would maybe do 10%.

[asta]

TY Jimi

[Esther_bunny]

Nope, you don't tip the owner.

[Lynn]

I almost made a mistake with that though.  My regular hairstylist moved away and I made an appointment with the woman I thought was the owner of the salon.  It turned out that she had sold the business to one of the stylists and is now just working there and I didn't know.  I am so glad I tipped her even though I wasn't sure if I should.

[wordgirl]

I have two stylists in the family, including one veteran, and several hairdresser/beauty industry friends through them. Here's what I've gleaned from listening to them talk:

This varies by salon, but in my experience salon owners typically are tipped, just as you would any other stylist. And in my opinion, it is never rude to offer a tip to a stylist. I've never heard of anyone throwing a tip back in a client's face because they were insulted.

If you would otherwise tip but refrain because they own the salon, please let them know at some point. Otherwise they might interpret the lack of tip as dissatisfaction with their hair. Even if you decide not to offer the stylist a tip, please consider tipping the assistant who shampoos your hair ($2-5 is customary.)

Something else to consider: In many salons, all stylists are booth-renters and thus are all considered to be "owners" of their own business.

[Shoo]

I never know what to do in this situation, either.  I don't get my hair cut often, but the last few times I have had it cut, the salon owner did it, and I tipped her because it felt weird not to.

[Chonsil]

I used to get my hair cut by a salon owner, only I didn't realise he was the owner until a number of haircuts in, so I had been tipping him. When I did finally clock he was the guy in charge I rather awkwardly asked him if I was insulting him by giving him a tip. He said no, he just passed it on to the trainee staff who were washing hair, sweeping up, etc.

[MaggieB]

My stylist recently went from working in a salon to opening a salon in her home where she is the only stylist (and also the owner).  I still tip her because it would feel weird to me to stop now.  I have always tipped her about 20% because I love her cuts and highlights.

I have no idea if this has anything to do with my tipping her, but she also goes out of her way to fit me in when I call for a last minute appointment.  I'm not good at planning ten weeks ahead, so I just call her when I'm ready and take my chances.  I would never expect or demand to be accommodated at the last minute, but I do feel like she's more flexible with me than she needs to be.  I really appreciate it and am happy to tip her for her trouble.

[Rosey]

I would and have always tipped the owner, particularly because - as a pp mentioned - so many stylists rent their space and can be considered "owners."

That being said, I've started going to a salon owned by own person where all of the stylists are paid by the owner.  They have a sign that says something to the effect of, "As professionals, we do not accept gratuities.  If you are pleased with your service, please tell your family and friends in lieu of tipping."  I have no problem whatsoever with tipping, but this really is a nice reprieve.  It's not all that much more expensive than any other place I've been, and I like not worrying about the percentage vs. satisfaction issue.

[kareng57]

The owner does my cutting/colouring/blow-drying so I don't tip her.  On about every other visit, I  get my brows and upper-lip waxed and I do tip the aesthetician who does this.

It's a fairly small neighbourhood salon, and as far as I can tell they don't employ any support-staff who remove curlers, sweep the floor, bring coffee etc.  If they did, I'd tip her a small amount.

[Lisbeth]

Generally the owner of an establishment is not tipped because s/he has control over how much the customers are being charged and the services rendered.

[Ant V]

I'm not a fan of the "don't tip the owner theory" and I'm sure the owner isn't either.  Frankly I don't get it.  I would tip the owner.   At the nail salon, I tip the owner.   At our favorite coffee shop. we tip the owner when she waits on us.  Why would a client not tip because the operator is the owner?    I see no difference in the operator that rents her station, works for a wage at the station or owns the station.  If they do good work I would tip them. 

[Morty'sCleaningLady]

I go to my salon's owner and I always tip.  Sometimes other people in the shop help out (shampooing or reconfiguring my slipping highlight foils), but mostly it's just Kevin waiting on me.  I've always tipped, so I can't stop now!  (And I really like the job he does.)

[Jenzilla]

I've never quite understood the "don't tip the owner" deal, either. But, it's okay to ask. My stylist also is the manager of the place I go to, way back when I first started there I wasn't sure if that made a difference, so I asked her. She said it was okay, smiling a little like she thought I was funny. It is awkward to ask, but better than continuing awkwardness by not knowing for sure!