How much and why to tip your hairstylist

Every eight to ten weeks you walk into your local salon. You are greeted congenially by your hairstylist. She calls you by name and says how nice it is to see you again.

You go in the back and she puts a large black smock on you to cover you and keep your clothes hair free. Then it is time to wash your hair. She checks the water temperature and asks to be sure it isn't too hot for you. Your hair is washed with a luxurious shampoo, and she scrubs your scalp.

Back in the chair, she asks how you would like it cut today. Do you want the usual or branch out and try something new? After being sure she knows what you want, she gets to work.

While she is working, she asks about your life. How is your job going? Are you and your boyfriend still together? She seems generally interested in your life.

When she is finished cutting your hair, she blows it dry and styles it. The whole process takes thirty to sixty minutes depending on the style and length of your hair.

Now why wouldn't you tip this person? She has just spent a considerable amount of time on a very important aspect of your appearance - your hair. She washed, cut, dried and styled your hair to flatter you.

Now if you truly do not like the look, it is up to you to say something before leaving allowing her the chance to fix it.

But say he or she has done a remarkable job and you leave feeling like a queen. Don't you think that you should show a little bit of appreciation for this? Because tipping has become usual in this profession, leaving without tipping signals to the hairstylist that you were unhappy.

I would say the majority of hairstylists take pride in their work; and it is a blow to their self-esteem to leave without giving them a reasonable tip.

What is reasonable? For the most part, I would tell you 15-20%. If you paid $35 for the service, tip them $5-10. But what about that poor girl working at the chain store where they charge you $10. If she does a remarkable job does she only deserve $2? No! I would say that no matter what the cost of the service, if the person makes you look good, they should be tipped at least $5. Its a small price to pay for the gorgeous look you are walking out the door with.

Also, if you have found a hairstylist you like, you will be going back to her time and time again. Five to ten dollars is a small price to pay extra to ensure that you will always be treated like royalty when you walk in the door.