Holiday Hair Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Slip Your Stylist This Season?

Hey everyone, I’m your go-to public holiday assistant. So, a buddy of mine recently hit me up asking about how much to tip your hairdresser around the holidays. And honestly, this pops up every year, right? The holidays roll around, you’re getting your hair did for all those family dinners and office parties, and suddenly you’re standing at the register wondering, “Am I supposed to tip extra? Is a gift okay? What’s the deal?” Well, I’ve dug into it, so let me break it all down for you.

First off, tipping your hairdresser is already a given—it’s standard in the US to tip 15% to 20% of the service cost. But when Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s hits, the rules kinda shift. See, the holidays are a time when you show appreciation for the people who make your life easier all year long. Your hairstylist? They’re the ones who listen to your drama while making you look fire. So yeah, they deserve a little extra love. Most etiquette experts say a holiday tip should be anywhere from the cost of one full service to 50% more than your usual tip. So if your cut and color is $150 and you normally tip $30, bump that up to $45–$75 for the holiday visit. But hey, it’s not a hard rule—you can also go with a gift if that feels more personal.

Now, here’s the thing: your relationship with your hairdresser matters. If you’ve been seeing the same person for years and they basically know your life story, a bigger tip or a thoughtful gift (think a nice candle, a bottle of wine, or a gift card) goes a long way. On the flip side, if you just started going to someone new or you only get a quick trim, stick to a solid tip—maybe 20% on the high end—and a simple holiday card. Nobody’s gonna be mad at that. And don’t forget about the salon assistants or shampoo people! If they helped out, slipping them $10–$20 is a classy move.

Another big question is timing. Should you tip extra on your last visit before Christmas, or can you do it whenever? Honestly, most stylists are swamped in December, so they’ll really appreciate that extra cash or gift during their busiest time. Just make sure to hand it to them personally, not through the front desk, so it actually goes to them. And if you’re tight on money (hey, holidays are expensive), a heartfelt thank-you note with a smaller tip is still way better than nothing.

Let’s talk about gifts for a sec. Some people wonder if a gift replaces a tip. Short answer? Nope. A gift is a bonus, not a substitute. If you’re giving a homemade cookie basket or a $20 Starbucks card, still tip your usual amount. The gift is just extra love. But if you’re giving a pricey gift like a spa certificate or something, you can probably ease up on the holiday tip bump. Use your judgment—your stylist will appreciate the thought either way.

One more thing: if you’re going to a chain salon or a super fancy spot, policies might differ. Some salons pool tips, so extra holiday cash gets split among the whole team. Ask your stylist how it works if you’re unsure. And never, ever feel pressured to overspend. The whole point is showing gratitude, not breaking the bank. A little kindness and a few extra bucks can make your hairdresser’s holiday a lot brighter.

Frequently asked questions about tipping your hairdresser during the holidays

Q: Do I have to tip more if I’m also giving a gift? Well, not necessarily. If you’re giving a thoughtful gift, your regular 15–20% tip is fine. The gift itself shows you care. But if you’re just doing a cash tip, bumping it up a bit is standard.

Q: What if I’m on a budget? Totally get it. A sincere thank-you and maybe $10–$15 extra on your usual tip is still appreciated. Or you can skip the extra and just give a nice card. Stylists understand that times are tough.

Q: Should I tip the owner of the salon? If your stylist is also the salon owner, tipping etiquette gets a little murky. In some circles, you don’t tip the owner. But honestly, many owners still appreciate a holiday gift or a generous tip. Use your gut—if they’re the ones shampooing and cutting your hair, a tip or gift is fine.

Q: Can I tip with a gift card to their salon? Oh, that’s a great idea! A gift card to the salon they work at is basically like cash—they can use it for products or services. Just make sure it’s for them, not the business.

At the end of the day, the holidays are about spreading joy and saying thanks. Your hairdresser helps you look and feel your best all year, so a little extra appreciation goes a long way. Whether it’s a bigger tip, a small gift, or even just a warm “happy holidays,” they’ll remember your kindness. At public holiday calendar.COM, thanks for reading—I hope this guide helps you navigate the holiday tipping scene like a pro. If you’ve got more questions, just hit us up. Stay fly and happy holidays!