Spa Day Tipping Etiquette
Wondering how much to tip during your next spa day?
We’ve got you covered.
If you’re planning a spa day, it’s natural to wonder about proper tipping etiquette. Are you leaving enough gratuity? Are you tipping too much? Is tipping even appropriate? After all, gratuity percentages and protocol can vary greatly based on the industry, your location, the services offered, and even who is performing these services. Generally speaking, know that tipping is usually optional and should be given as thanks for a job well done. If you’re not sure how much to tip during your next spa day, beauty service, or hair appointment, read on to learn the ins and outs of tipping and make sure you’re not left wondering about spa day tipping etiquette at your next appointment.
How much should I tip at the nail salon?
As with many beauty services, tipping at the nail salon is recommended as a way to say thanks for a job well done. The next time you make a nail appointment, whether it’s for a gel manicure, acrylics, or a spa pedicure, keep in mind that it’s recommended to tip a percentage of the total cost of the service. If you’re satisfied with your mani, a suggested tip is around 20 percent of the total cost of the services. And if you’re getting a really great deal, like a combo pack on a mani-pedi, consider upping this to 30 percent.
Remember that at nail salons especially, you might have different nail techs working on your manicure and your pedicure, and it’s important to tip both. It’s also good to note that many nail salons prefer or even require any gratuity to be paid in cash. Ask what the total cost will be when you call to make your next appointment, and consider setting aside tip money ahead of time to prepare.
What’s appropriate to tip at a hair appointment?
The cost of a hair appointment can vary greatly, and is based on the time and effort required by your stylist to achieve the look you want. Whether you’re getting a simple haircut or a trim, or a more elaborate service like all-over color, balayage, or a keratin treatment, this can increase both the total cost of the service as well as the amount of time your stylist spends working with you.
Spa day tipping etiquette suggests a recommended gratuity that’s 15 to 25 percent of the total service. Don’t forget to factor in add-on services like a glaze or a moisture mask. If someone other than your stylist washes or blow dries your hair, remember to keep them in mind when tipping as well. Prep your tips ahead of time in a Tip Slip if your salon doesn’t offer tipping envelopes directly.
How much should I tip for a massage or a facial?
For spa services like massages and facials, it’s customary to tip at least 18 to 20 percent of the total cost of the service. While you’ll probably know the up-front cost of your specific service upon booking, it’s important to remember that add-ons, like hot stone treatments or essential oils can add to the total cost of your spa service, and consider factoring this into your gratuity as well.
Be sure to check when making your appointment or when paying for your services, as some salons add an automatic gratuity to the total on things like facials or massages. Some spas leave tipping envelopes in the service rooms for you, but if not, consider leaving a thank-you note or a nice compliment if you’re leaving behind a tip for your massage therapist or facialist.
Am I supposed to tip for botox or fillers?
Botox, fillers, and other injectables fall into more of a gray area when it comes to tipping, and ultimately depend on who is performing the service, as well as what type of office or spa you are visiting. While some services may be performed by estheticians, or at spas where tipping is more common, most injectable work will be performed by medical professionals, meaning tips are not required or expected on these services.
In fact, if you’re receiving Botox, fillers, or laser treatments at a med spa or a medical office, like that of a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon, tipping is not expected, and is actually typically prohibited.
Let Tip Slips help you navigate tipping on your next spa day.
The next time you visit a salon or spa, keep this spa day tipping etiquette advice in mind to take the guesswork out of gratuity. Remember to be mindful of the total cost of your service when calculating how much to tip, and prepare ahead of time by using Tip Slips to manage your tipping cash.