What to Consider
Tipping a hairdresser is a way of saying thank you for the skill, time and care that go into your appointment. In the UK it’s worth being clear upfront: tipping is never expected and never required — it’s a personal gesture, not an obligation. If you do choose to tip, here’s an honest guide to how most people approach it, so you can decide what feels right for you.
Things that influence what people tip
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How the appointment went: If your stylist really listened, took time over the result and you left genuinely happy, that often shapes whether — and how much — a client chooses to tip. It’s a reflection of your experience, nothing more.
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The type and length of service: A quick trim and a full day of colour work are very different appointments. Many clients naturally tip a little more after a longer, more involved service simply because more time and skill went into it.
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Your own budget: This is the important one. A tip should always sit comfortably within what you can afford. A modest tip is just as kindly received as a generous one, and no good stylist thinks less of a client who doesn’t tip at all. Please don’t ever feel pressured.
A rough guide to tipping in the UK
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There’s no fixed rule: Unlike the US, the UK has no percentage-based tipping custom for hairdressing. If you like having a number in mind, many clients tip somewhere in the region of £5–£20 depending on the appointment, or roughly 10% if they prefer to think in percentages — but neither is a standard you’re held to.
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Salon policies vary: Some salons have a no-tipping policy, and some include a service charge. If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to ask at reception — no one will mind the question.
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Assistants and support staff: If a junior or assistant looked after you — your wash, your tea, the bits that make a visit run smoothly — some clients like to pass on a small separate thank-you, often around £2–£5. Again, entirely optional.
Other ways to show appreciation
A tip is far from the only way to thank a stylist you rate — and honestly, not the most valuable one. A genuine online review or a personal recommendation to friends and family is worth a great deal to any salon, and costs nothing. Rebooking, and turning up for that rebooking, is its own quiet compliment too.
The bottom line: tip if you want to, in a way that suits your budget, and never feel obliged. At Wisteria Avenue we’d always rather you left happy with your hair than felt any pressure at the till. If you’d like to know what an appointment costs before you book, our price list sets everything out clearly.
