top of page
  • Writer's pictureLindsay Shields

Tipping Etiquette: How much should you tip your hair and makeup artist?

In the world of beauty services, tipping is often a topic of confusion and uncertainty. It also can be uncomfortable to ask what is appropriate. How much should you tip? When is tipping appropriate? These questions can leave you feeling unsure, so let's delve into this topic and shed some light on the practice of tipping in the beauty industry.


Understanding the Importance of tipping:

First and foremost, it's essential to understand why tipping your hair and makeup artist is important. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for exceptional service. It acknowledges the hard work, skill, and dedication that go into providing you with a beautiful look that boosts your confidence and enhances your natural features.



Factors to consider when tipping:

When determining how much to tip your hair and makeup artist, several factors come into play...

1.     Quality of Service: Did your artist go above and beyond to ensure you were satisfied with your look? Did they listen to your preferences and accommodate any requests you had? Exceptional service warrants a tip.

2.     Complexity of the Service: Was your hairstyle intricate or your makeup particularly detailed? The complexity of the service may warrant a larger tip to reflect the additional time, skill and effort required. Additionally, artists continue training constantly and just because an artist can be efficient in their application of hair and/or makeup doesn't mean that they don't deserve a tip due to the application taking less time. It took a lot of time, practice, skill, education to get to that point.

3.     Time Spent: Consider the duration of your appointment. If your artist spent extra time perfecting your look or accommodating last-minute changes, consider tipping accordingly.


Guidelines for Tipping

So, how much should you tip your hair and makeup artist? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines to consider:

1.     15-20%: As a standard rule of thumb, tipping 15-20% of the total service cost is a good starting point. This percentage reflects appreciation for excellent service without breaking the bank.

2.     Adjust Based on Quality: If you received exceptional service and are thrilled with the results, consider tipping on the higher end of the spectrum or even adding a little extra.

3.     Minimum Tip: Even if you weren't completely satisfied with your service, it's still customary to leave a tip. Consider leaving a minimum tip of 10% to acknowledge the effort put forth by your artist.

4.     Gratuity Included: Some hair & makeup companies may include gratuity in the final bill. In such cases, tipping may be optional, but if you're particularly pleased with your service, an additional tip is always appreciated.

5.     Cash Tips: While tipping with cash is customary, some establishments may allow tips to be added to credit card or digital payments. If you're unsure, it's always best to ask your artist or the staff.



Tipping your hair and makeup artist is a gesture of appreciation for their talent, expertise, and dedication to making you look and feel your best. While there's no hard and fast rule for how much to tip, considering factors such as service quality, complexity, and duration can help you determine an appropriate amount. Ultimately, tipping is a personal decision, but it's one that can make a significant difference in showing gratitude for a job well done.




53 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page