Do you have to tip the barber?

Question

I told a friend a don't tip the barber and she said it was rude.....she said her sis is a beautician in a city and charges $5 for a cut and only gets about 50% of that, so a tip is expected.

I live in a small town and i don't go to any place classy (sears), my haircuts are $15...i figure $7.50 for 20 min of work doesn't demand a tip. I was just seeing if in this case, a tip is expected or not.

Oh, just for some extras..... based on some of the responses that seem to chagne teh outcome.

They sit a lot.......i know they get paid hourly based on their talking to eachother.

They never say anything to me besides how are you, how do you want this cut, and do you want gel?

My only reason for goign to sears is my mom took me there when i was young....i have curly thick hair and no one else in my town really has that type of hair....it took about a year for them to learn how to anticipate the curls. Figure its better not to switch...but $15 for sears i think is rediculous. I mean its sears.

Answer 1

For an average guy's haircut, the price is around 10 bucks. I think a 1-2 dollar tip is customary and should be given especially if you like their service. It is a way of showing appreciation and is a big part of how they make their money.

Answer 2

They are performing a service for you. If fact not just a service but the are effecting the way you look. You should definitely tips. Your are suppose to give a few dollars to the person that washes your hair (if applicable) and 20-25% to your hair dresser. It doesn't matter the quality of the place. Do you tip diffrent if you went to a cheaper chain restaurant like Denny's or an upscale high end restaurant? You shouldn't so the hairdresser should be no diffrent. It amazes me how many people dont know how to tip. not you necessarily but alot of people. All service should be tipped. Some people only get tips. they make less then min wage and so they dont get a check because it all went to taxes. Tip Tip Tip it will back the world a better place.

Answer 3

The service industry is definatly overtipped and in some cases a tip is not deserved at all such as someone fetching you a cup of coffee at Starbucks COMMON THAT IS THEIR JOB...you pay for the coffee. If it was a restaurant though then you would tip...
Now, as to your question, yes you do need to tip anyone who stands on their feet for 8-10 hours cutting hair. The reason they make idle chit chat with you is because they want a tip at the end. People like hair stylists live off their tips during the week until the check arrives and so if they get no tips then they are working for nothing practically. So , yes use your common sense and just ask yourself, if I was doing this job would I deserve a tip?

GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

You are wrong, your friend is right. You are suppose to tip. Stop being cheap and throw the barber $3-$5 bucks. You're only paying $15 as it is. I pay much more then that-$35 for a haircut and I still tip 15-20%. If you can't afford the service and the tip, cut your own hair. Don't waste the barbers time, they are there to make money.

Answer 5

First of all, Sears isn't high class as far as salons. Regis is the closest thing as far as mall places, but the truth is unless you are getting a $5supercuts, it all looks the same and done the same. You should tip, especially if you are a regular. I tip like $3 on a $15 charge/cut

Answer 6

Your friend got it right when she said it's rude not to tip your barber. Tipping isn't just simply a habit you develop, it is done willfully. You might think it's just a total waste of money since you already paid for the service, but by giving out a tip, you are thanking that person for a job well done. In this case, it is more than a thank you, it serves as encouragement and motivation for them to continue giving quality service to their clients. In other words, tipping denotes service satisfaction. The only time I don't tip a person is when the service that person rendered to me isn't good.

Answer 7

A small tip is generally customary at the barber. I usually leave 1 or 2 bucks extra for the services...
Its a nice way of saying 'thanks for not killing or maiming me with sharp instruments that you expertly use to cut my hair, I'm pleased with the result, and please dont maim my style should I ever have my hair trimmed here again."

and besides that, some people have some nasty hair,scalps, smelly heads, etc...which your barber has to deal with...and not spread to you.

so be nice and tip...

Answer 8

I was confused the first time I got my hair cut on my own too...basically just remember that if someone is doing a service for you--cutting your hair, serving you food, cleaning your hotel room/house--you are supposed to tip them. Generally it's 20% of the price, more if you liked them, less if they did a crappy job.

I agree that it's weird to tip people at coffeeshops, though...nobody tips at fast food restaurants :/

Answer 9

I agree that it is rude not to tip. One beautician of mine once told me that she relied on tips because she had to contribute them to her benefits plan. I don't think it works like that everywhere but even a dollar or two won't break the bank, and its a nice gesture.

Answer 10

My brothers and my dad don't tip their barber that often/if any. And i don't ever tip the person whom cuts my hair. I haven't gotten my hair cut in like 8 months...why? because no one can cut my hair correctly...so why tip them? maybe if they did an amazing job and i loved the cut then i'd tip them.

my mother tips her stylist...its a friend of hers....but its like 5 bucks or so.

anyways...do what you feel is right. If you are happy with the way the barber cuts your hair givea tip.