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Wondering, do you tip hairdressers UK? You’re not alone! Tipping can be confusing, but it’s really just a way to say thank you. Tipping hairdressers in the UK is not required, but it is a kind way to show thanks. People usually give 10–15% for good service. For a simple haircut, £2–5 is normal. For colouring, highlights or special styles, you can give more. Tipping shows you appreciate their work, not because they earn too little.
You might tip when your stylist spends extra time on your hair, gives helpful advice or makes your hair look just right. You can give cash, add it to your card at checkout, or leave a positive online review. Some people tip regularly to build a good relationship with their stylist. Even small tips are appreciated and can encourage great service on every visit.
In this article, we look at tipping hairdressers in the UK. You’ll learn when to tip, how much is usual, and the best ways to show thanks. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do when visiting your hairdresser.
Do You Tip Hairdressers UK?
So, do you tip hairdressers in the UK? The short answer is: it’s your choice! Tipping is optional and not expected. Hairdressers in the UK usually earn a proper wage, so you don’t have to worry about leaving money if you don’t want to.
Many people do tip if they are happy with the service. For example, you might tip if your stylist spends extra time, helps you choose a new style or gives advice to make your hair look perfect. For a simple haircut, £2 to £5 is normal, and for colouring, highlights, or special styling, people often give a bit more.
In the UK, tipping is more relaxed than in some other countries. Although it isn’t necessary, it is regarded as a way to express appreciation. Therefore, you can tip in cash, add it to your card at checkout, or even leave a nice online review. Small gestures like this are always appreciated and can help build a good relationship with your hairstylist.
Is Tipping Hairdressers Expected in the UK?
In the UK, tipping hairdressers is about saying thank you, not something you must do. Most salons charge enough for their services, so hairdressers usually earn a fair wage. However, if your stylist goes above and beyond, many people like to show appreciation.
For example, you might tip your stylist if they take the time to work on your hair, assist you in selecting a new look, or offer helpful tips to make your hair seem flawless. Also, tips can be given in cash, added to your card payment, or even shown through a positive online review.
Tips in the UK feel different from those in the US. In the US, tipping is expected and can make up a large part of a worker’s pay. In the UK, it’s just a small extra for excellent service. Even a little tip or kind word shows your stylist you value their work, and it can help build a good relationship for future visits.
How Much do you tip hairdressers UK?
So, how much should you tip a hairdresser in the UK? It’s easier than it seems once you know the usual amounts. Tipping is mostly about showing thanks for good service, not about following strict rules. Here’s a simple guide:
- Small services: For a basic haircut, many people round up their bill or give around £2–£5. Even a small tip shows your stylist that you appreciate their work. For example, if your haircut is quick but done well, leaving a few pounds is a nice gesture.
- Bigger services: Colouring, highlights, balayage, or special styling take more time and effort. Tips of £5–£10 are common for these services. In addition, giving a tip for longer or trickier jobs shows you value the extra care your stylist gives.
- Percentage method: You can also tip about 10–15% of the total bill. This works well for more expensive services or if you want a simple way to calculate your tip.
- When to tip more: If your stylist spends extra time on your hair, gives helpful advice or makes your hair look amazing, a bigger tip is a great way to say thanks.
- Special occasions: Weddings, parties, or other important events often need extra styling. A bigger tip shows you appreciate the extra effort.
Overall, small tips help your stylist feel valued and encourage great service every time. Additionally, tipping is a kind way to show thanks without feeling pressured. Finally, even a little tip or kind words can make your stylist feel happy and motivated, making your salon visit more enjoyable.
When Should You Tip Your Hairdresser?
Knowing when to tip your hairdresser is easier than you think. Here are some good times to show your thanks:
- After an excellent service: If your haircut, style, or colour looks amazing, a tip is a nice way to say thank you. It shows you notice their hard work.
- For complex or long treatments: Colouring, highlights, balayage, or special styling take more time and effort. Tipping for these services is thoughtful and appreciated.
- For regular or long-term stylists: If you visit the same stylist often, small tips help build a friendly relationship. They also show you value their care and attention.
- For extra care or advice: Sometimes stylists give helpful tips about hair care, products or styling at home. A tip is a good way to say thanks.
- Special occasions: Weddings, parties, or big events may need extra styling. Leaving a tip can show your appreciation for the extra effort.
Even a small tip, a kind word, or a positive review can brighten your stylist’s day. Also, tipping is not about money—it’s about saying thanks and showing respect for their skill and time.
Do You Tip Hairdressers in Cash or Card?
When tipping your hairdresser, you have a few easy options. You can give cash, add it to your card payment, or put it in a tip jar.
- Cash tips: Cash goes straight to your stylist. Many people like this because they know the tip reaches the right person immediately. For instance, you can leave small coins or round up your bill.
- Card tips: You can add a tip when paying by card. Additionally, it is fine to ask the salon if card tips go directly to the stylist. This makes sure your money goes to the right person.
- Tip jars: Some salons have a tip jar at the counter. You can drop in a small amount if you don’t want to tip by card or if your service was quick. In other words, it’s an easy way to show thanks.
Overall, tipping in cash or card is about showing thanks, not pressure. Meanwhile, even a small tip, kind words, or a positive review can make your stylist feel appreciated and happy to give great service next time. Ultimately, the goal is to let your stylist know you value their work.
Should You Tip Junior Stylists or Apprentices?
Are you confused about when to tip an apprentice or a junior stylist? You’re not alone in this, so don’t worry! Many people feel the same way. To begin with, if a junior works on your hair, leaving a tip is a nice way to show you notice their effort and care. Even a small tip can make them feel proud of their work and encourage them to keep learning.
Some salons ask junior stylists to share tips with their team or trainer. Meanwhile, even if they share, leaving a little extra shows you see their hard work. For example, if a trainee spends extra time on your haircut, helps with colouring, or does a tricky style, a tip says “thank you” in a special way. It shows you appreciate the time and effort they put in.
You don’t always need to give money to show thanks. In fact, saying a kind word, leaving a positive review or giving a small gift can make junior stylists feel valued and confident. Even small gestures can mean a lot and help them feel proud of their progress.
As a result, tipping or showing thanks is about noticing effort, learning, and care—not just the service. It also helps build a good relationship with your stylist, which can make your visits more enjoyable. Over time, small acts of appreciation, whether tips, kind words, or reviews, can encourage juniors to grow into skilled stylists while making your salon experience better every time.
Other Ways to Say ‘Thank You’ Instead of Tipping
Sometimes, you may want to thank your stylist without giving money. That’s completely fine. There are many ways to show appreciation that make your stylist feel valued. Here are some simple ideas:
- Leave a good review: Writing a kind review online or on social media is an easy way to thank your stylist. Meanwhile, it helps other people find the salon and can bring more clients. Stylists really notice positive reviews, and it can make them feel proud of their work.
- Rebook with the same stylist: Booking your next appointment with the same stylist shows you trust them. In addition, it tells them you like their work and that you want to keep seeing them. Regular clients are often the most appreciated, and seeing familiar faces can make a stylist’s day.
- Recommend the salon to others: Telling friends or family about your stylist is another great way to say thanks. As a result, your stylist can get more clients, and it makes them feel happy that their work is noticed. Even a small recommendation can mean a lot to a stylist.
You can also combine these actions. For example, leaving a nice review and booking your next visit shows both trust and appreciation. Even small gestures like these can make a big difference. Ultimately, saying thanks is about noticing the effort, skill, and care your stylist gives. It’s not just about money—it’s about making your stylist feel valued and happy.
UK vs US Hairdresser Tipping Culture
Tipping hairdressers works very differently in the UK and the US.
- In the US: People usually tip 15–20% for almost every service. Tipping is expected, and many stylists depend on it for most of their income.
- In the UK: Tipping is more relaxed. Hairdressers earn a fair wage, so tips are just a way to say thank you. People usually tip only if they are very happy with the service.
Meanwhile, in the UK, you can tip cash, by card, or even leave a kind review. On the other hand, in the US, cash or card tips are the main way to show thanks. Therefore, UK tipping feels easier and less stressful. It’s about showing appreciation, not following strict rules like in the US.
Final Thoughts
Tipping your hairdresser in the UK is simple—it’s just a way to say thank you. You don’t have to tip, but even a small amount, kind words or a positive review can make your stylist feel appreciated. Remember, it’s about noticing their effort and skill, not about money.
If you want more helpful tips about hair, beauty, and salon etiquette, check out our blog. We share easy, practical advice to make your salon visits smooth and enjoyable every time.
FAQs About Tipping Hairdressers in the UK
1. Is it rude not to tip in the UK?
No, it is not rude. Tipping is optional in the UK. Hairdressers usually earn a fair wage, so you don’t have to tip if you don’t want to.
2. Do people tip hairdressers in London?
Yes, many people in London do tip if they are happy with the service. Tips are usually small, like £2–5 for a haircut.
3. What is the rule for tipping hairdressers?
There is no strict rule. You can tip if you want to say thank you. Many people give 10–15% of the bill or a small fixed amount for simple services.
4. Is it bad if I don’t tip my hairdresser?
No, it is not bad. Tipping is a kind gesture, not a requirement. Hairdressers will still do a great job even if you don’t tip.
5. How much tip should I give my hairdresser in the UK?
For a simple haircut: £2 to 5, for colouring, highlights, or special styles: £5–10, or 10–15% of the total bill.
Even a small tip or kind words are appreciated.
