Hairstylist tipping question

[countrymouse]

I always prefer to err on the side of tipping. My stylist used to be employed by an upscale salon, but when she had her daughter (2.5 years ago) she just started taking care of her clients either at her home or theirs. She charges WAY less, and I do still tip. I probably tip more than 20% now, because she is is just giving such a great deal. At my nail place, I tip 20% whether I see the owner or one of the others.

See, I view the at-home cuts differently and probably would not tip. There is no 'overhead' so she keeps 100% of the fee.

[Pine Tree]

Actually she does have overhead -- cost of renovating and keeping up the space, insurance for running a home based business with clients, buying products and supplies, marketing materials etc... It's not cheap to run a home salon by any means.

[cr8zyforaf]

Actually she does have overhead -- cost of renovating and keeping up the space, insurance for running a home based business with clients, buying products and supplies, marketing materials etc... It's not cheap to run a home salon by any means.

Agreed. I used to have a friend cut and color my hair at her home and wouldn't accept any money - I would usually leave 50-60 bucks in her purse (she didn't want to take my money) because not only did it take up a few hours of her time, she had to buy the supplies to wash, cut, and color my hair. I would rather her get the cash than a salon owner and even if she charged me for supplies (which she never did), I would still tip generously.

[countrymouse]

Actually she does have overhead -- cost of renovating and keeping up the space, insurance for running a home based business with clients, buying products and supplies, marketing materials etc... It's not cheap to run a home salon by any means.

I guess I was thinking more of the stylist coming to YOUR home- not you going to her home-based business. When my stylist came to my house once for a cut right after I had a baby, I washed/wet my own hair before she cut it. She brought her own tools, but didn't bring any products. She also cut my step-mom's hair too, and my step-mom is the one who paid her, so I don't think she tipped.