Tipping "owner" in shared salon?

[Foos6LA]

I don't know if you girls have experienced this in other parts of the country, but I've noticed a trend here in Austin, TX.

A lot of hair stylists rent their own space in a common salon. I call the stylist directly for an appointment, he sets his own prices and his own schedule.

So, do I tip the stylist 15 - 20% on top of my costs when all the money is going to him anyway? I thought typically you tip because the salon is getting a big bite out of the actual prices.

[Hello Kitty]

I still tip in that instance. I consider it a part of the cost, not really a 'tip'

[am_81]

If theyre renting a station, some of their money is still going to the salon. It may not be as much as in a traditional salon setting, but I'd absolutely tip as usual.

[BeachBum]

In my experience everyone expects a tip, owner or not.

[mamax2]

I don't have any experience with the set-up you mention, but in that case, I'd still tip. I'd imagine that the cost to rent the station and share in utility costs is probably significant. I think a tip would still be in order.

[dana b]

i tip, even if it's the owner.

[Leia]

I agree with everyone else - I would tip 20%.

[LILRTL]

The girl that does my hair is the owner of the salon. I still tip.

[Chelsea524]

My cousin is a hair stylist with that same situation and the price she pays per month for the rental of her booth is huge. She gets tipped about the same amount as she did when she worked for a salon rather than paying a booth price. I would still tip.