Tipping in the beauty industry remains a topic of debate, as evidenced by a viral TikTok video where a woman decided not to tip her stylist for 7-hour braids costing $350. While some agreed with her reasoning that the stylist worked from home and didn’t have overhead costs, others felt the lengthy session warranted a tip. The ongoing debate reflects a broader skepticism towards tipping culture in the US, with many feeling that prices are already high enough without added gratuity. However, tipping remains a confusing landscape for many Americans, with expectations increasing but clarity on when and how much to tip lacking.
Hair stylists themselves have varying opinions on tipping, with some like Collin Martin in Florida not expecting tips and preferring to charge what they feel they are worth. Others, like barber John Mosley in Texas, feel that tipping is a way for clients to support their business and make up for potentially lower prices. Barber J. Clark Walker in Utah believes that leaving a tip for top-notch service is always appreciated, as it shows recognition and appreciation for the hard work put in by the stylist. However, not all stylists take non-tipping personally, with some viewing it as an opportunity to improve their service for those clients.
For some stylists, the inclusion of a tip in their service charge helps alleviate the awkwardness of determining the correct tip amount. Nycole Jones, a stylist in Miami, explains that while some clients appreciate this convenience, others may prefer the flexibility of determining their tip based on the service received. The issue of whether to tip also arises when stylists own their business, with some questioning if the need to tip depends on the stylist’s employment status. Ultimately, Jones believes tipping should be based on satisfaction with the service and expertise demonstrated, regardless of the stylist’s ownership.
While some may feel justified in not tipping due to factors like the stylist’s working conditions or the absence of overhead costs, others in the beauty industry view the decision as disrespectful and indicative of a lack of appreciation for their hard work. Stylist Hamuidah Anderson in California, for example, stated that she would potentially refuse to service a client who did not tip, as she sees it as a sign of disrespect. The debate around tipping in the beauty industry underscores the need for clear guidelines and understanding of how gratuity reflects appreciation for the service provided.
