As seen in

 

Tipping Tips, What’s Fair and What’s Expected?


Tipping can be a sensitive subject, especially when it comes to beauty and dining services. To explore this topic, Savvy Spenders wrote in about their tipping habits.


Here’s what they had to say:


Dear Iris,

Laura - “I still disagree with tipping the owner. Why beauty stylists and no other business owners?”
Natalie - “I’m curious to know what your thoughts are on tipping for beauty services. Sometimes I feel like it’s unnecessary. For example, if I’m getting a blow-out, I’m already paying the stylist for her service. Is it really necessary to tip too?”
Elizabeth - “I always tip 20%; if the service is terrible, 10%. If they are busting their butt but just having a terrible night, 30%.”

~ Savvy Spenders


Dear Savvy Spenders,


These perspectives highlight the varying opinions on tipping practices. Let me clarify what is etiquette — correct while also emphasizing that tipping is ultimately a personal choice. Good manners aren’t about perfection — they’re about showing respect and consideration for others. While some may feel tipping in the beauty industry has become excessive, here’s how to navigate it thoughtfully.


Tipping for Beauty Services AND DINING


Today, it is customary to tip a salon owner if they personally provide your service. This contrasts with older traditions when tipping the owner was considered unnecessary. Times have changed, and so have expectations — a gratuity is now appropriate. For beauty services, gratuity typically ranges from 15%-25%. If the service falls short, your tip may reflect that — but in such cases, I recommend finding a new provider. However, tipping has long been the traditional way to show appreciation in the beauty and dining industries, where service quality and effort are often rewarded with extra generosity.


TIPPING FOR PROFESSIONS


Professions like medicine, law, consulting, or accounting typically do not involve gratuity, and it’s not expected or appropriate to tip these professionals. Their compensation structure reflects the value of their expertise, so there’s no need to add a gratuity on top of their fees.

Tipping Demystified – What You Need to Know? 

Beauty Services
  • Stylist (Even if Owner): 15%-20%
  • Shampoo Attendant: $2-$5
  • Barbershop, Blow-Dry Bar, Aesthetician, Esthetician, Manicurist, Pedicurist, Massage Therapist: 15%-20%
Dining Services
  • Maitre d’: $10-$20 for special accommodations
  • Sommelier: 15% of the wine’s cost
  • Bartender: $1-$2 per drink
  • Server: 15%-25%
  • Hotel Room Service: 15%
  • Food Delivery: 10%
Travel Services
  • Taxi or Hired Car: 15%-20%
  • Bellhop: $2 per bag
  • Airport Skycap: $2 per bag
  • Hotel Housekeeper: $2 per night


Miscellaneous Services
  • Coat Check: $2 per item
  • Valet Parking: $2-$5
  • Restroom Attendant: $1
  • Ball Game Usher: $1 if shown to your seat
Holiday Tipping Guidelines
  • Superintendent: $30-$100
  • Doorman: $25-$100
  • Custodian: $20-$30
  • Handyman: $10-$30
  • Newspaper Delivery: $20-$25
  • Stylist: Cost of a regular session plus a small gift
  • Trainer: $50 plus a small gift
  • Parking Garage Attendant, Locker Room Attendant, Dry Cleaner, Lawn Crew, Dog Groomer: A small gift
  • Full-Time Nanny: Bonus of one week’s salary plus a thoughtful gift from the children
  • Part-Time Sitter: $25-$50
  • Pet Sitter or Dog Walker: $30-$60
  • Housekeeper: Equivalent of one day’s pay plus a small gift

Tipping is a gesture of gratitude, not a mandate. While these guidelines reflect modern etiquette, how much you tip ultimately depends on your personal values and the quality of service. When in doubt, err on the side of generosity — it’s always appreciated.


Warmly,

Iris ✍︎

Write to Iris✍︎


Every letter begins with a story

Whether you're navigating the uncertainties of love, struggling with a crossroads in life, or simply seeking a gentle voice to help you see things more clearly, Iris is here to listen.


Your letter doesn’t need to be perfect - Just honest

Share what’s on your heart, and Iris will reply with the care, candor, and compassion of a trusted confidante from another time.


All letters are read in confidence

Some may be published with your permission (and details changed for privacy), but names are always withheld unless you specify otherwise.


To write to Dear Iris

Simply fill out the form below. Begin your message with “Dear Iris…” and let your story unfold.


As the saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved.” Let Iris share it with you.