The 300th tipping question on MM

[Deleted]

I know when you receive a discounted service you are supposed to tip 20% on the original price, but how do you handle deeply discounted hair cuts for salon trainees? (i.e. people who charge no"regular" price because they aren't yet prepared to work).

I'm getting a $10 hair cut today at an upscale salon (cuts start at $70 for less experienced staff and go up to $250 if the owner does your hair). The cut is so cheap because the person cannot work on the floor until she's demonstrated competence.

So would you tip 20% of $70? More than that? less?

Thanks in advance!

Also, if anyone's interested I use salonapprentice.com to find these deals.

[audette]

I'd probably tip $20. But, I'll be the first to admit I've never been to a salon where the lowest cost haircut (outside of training) is $70... I'm cheap when it comes to haircuts, by MM standards.

[6fsn]

If they do a good job I'd tip $5. I have no idea though.

[heyrebekah]

I would only tip on the $10 price (well, actually I would probably give her $5). IMO, $10 is not a discount from the regular price, that is the regular price for this particular person.

[Deleted]

May 22, 2012 11:37:26 GMT -5 heyrebekah said:

I would only tip on the $10 price (well, actually I would probably give her $5). IMO, $10 is not a discount from the regular price, that is the regular price for this particular person.

I agree, it's not a discount, it's a risk you're willing to take for an inexperienced stylist.

That said, I'd probably give her $20 total and call it a day, so a $10 tip.

[Deleted]

May 22, 2012 11:37:26 GMT -5 heyrebekah said:

I would only tip on the $10 price (well, actually I would probably give her $5). IMO, $10 is not a discount from the regular price, that is the regular price for this particular person.

thanks! this is what I was thinking, but I was afraid I was being cheap and just not wanting to part with my money.

I will probably give her $20 total - I don't mind giving a $10 tip if she is kind/does a decent job.


audette, I am cheap too. that's why I use the website, lol. the last cut I got was free, and it was the best hair cut I've ever gotten. I gave that girl a $20 tip, lol.

[Deleted]

Depends on the quality of the cut.

If good, $20 total.

If shitty, a slap in the face.

Just kidding. Maybe $12 total.

[aspentosh]

I'd do $10-20 depending on the results.

[PinkSquirrel]

I would only tip on the $10, because it seems like at this point that's the regular price for the person cutting your hair. I would probably give $5, maybe $10 if I was feeling really generous, but I definitely wouldn't tip based on the $70 price.

[definitelyO]

May 22, 2012 11:37:26 GMT -5 heyrebekah said:

I would only tip on the $10 price (well, actually I would probably give her $5). IMO, $10 is not a discount from the regular price, that is the regular price for this particular person.

this is what I have done. I've gone to the Aveda training school for cuts before and they charge $15 and I've tipped $5.

[noodleoo]

I'd tip $10. I think that's fine for a trainee.

[Deleted]

May 22, 2012 11:41:22 GMT -5 papiercherri said:

May 22, 2012 11:37:26 GMT -5 heyrebekah said:

I would only tip on the $10 price (well, actually I would probably give her $5). IMO, $10 is not a discount from the regular price, that is the regular price for this particular person.

I agree, it's not a discount, it's a risk you're willing to take for an inexperienced stylist.

This. I go to a junior stylist (not a trainee, though) at an upscale salon. She charges $30 to cut my hair. I tip $6.

[fashionx]

From my past experience working in a salon, the apprentices are usually paid minimum wage or almost, and make tips on shampooing or doing blow dries for the other stylists. So, depending on how the cut turns out, I think giving $5-10 as a tip would be just fine. They are learning and have to do this in order to get better, and actually get clients. Sometimes it's hard to find models for these new girls so it's really appreciated that you're willing to go in.

Just don't leave a bad Yelp review or some crap if it's not the best or takes too long. If you're super unhappy the salon will likely let you get it fixed by someone else. I'm sure it'll be fine though, they've already gone through beauty school and passed their exams if they are working in a salon. One annoying situation I had was a model leaving a terrible review because the apprentice stylist took over an hour for a haircut. Seriously, that's why she's an apprentice. And the cut was free.