Hairdresser Christmas Tip Calculator
How Much to Tip Your Hairdresser
Based on Brighton norms and your annual spending, this calculator helps you give the right amount.
Your Tip Amount
Brighton NormsIt’s December 1st. You’ve got your holiday shopping done, your tree is up, and now you’re staring at your calendar wondering: how much should I give my hairdresser for Christmas? You don’t want to underdo it and feel guilty. You don’t want to overdo it and strain your budget. And you definitely don’t want to awkwardly hand over cash in front of the whole salon.
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are smart, practical ways to figure it out based on your relationship, your spending habits, and what’s normal in your area. Let’s cut through the noise.
Start with what you normally pay
The easiest rule of thumb is to base your Christmas gift on your regular spending. If you pay £50 for a haircut and blow-dry every six weeks, that’s about £400 a year. A common and fair Christmas tip is 15% to 20% of your annual spend. That puts you in the £60 to £80 range.
But if you only come in every three months for a trim and colour, maybe you’ve spent £200 total this year. Then a £30 to £40 gift makes more sense. It’s not about the number-it’s about proportion.
Here’s a quick way to calculate it:
- Add up what you’ve paid your hairdresser for services this year (cuts, colour, treatments).
- Multiply that total by 0.15 (15%) for a modest gift.
- Multiply by 0.20 (20%) if you’re feeling generous or they’ve gone above and beyond.
For example: £350 spent × 0.18 = £63. Round to £60 or £65. Simple.
Consider how much time they’ve spent on you
Not all visits are equal. If your hairdresser spends three hours doing your full head of highlights every eight weeks, that’s a lot of work. If they’ve been patient with your growing-out roots, helped you through a bad dye job, or stayed late because you had a work emergency-those things matter.
One woman in Brighton told me she tips her stylist £100 every year because she’s been fixing her hair since her divorce three years ago. “She didn’t just cut my hair,” she said. “She listened. She didn’t rush. She made me feel like myself again.” That’s not just a service-it’s emotional labour. And it’s worth more.
If your hairdresser has been your go-to for years, or if they’ve handled a tricky situation like colour correction or wedding hair, consider bumping up your tip. A £50 gift might feel small if they’ve done five major colour jobs for you this year.
What’s normal in Brighton?
Salon culture varies by city. In Brighton, where the beauty scene is vibrant but not ultra-luxury, most people tip between £20 and £80. You’ll see a lot of clients giving £30 to £50. That’s the sweet spot for regulars who come every 6 to 8 weeks.
High-end salons like those in Kemp Town or Hove might see tips closer to £100, especially if you’re getting premium treatments or have a celebrity stylist. But for most local salons, £40 to £60 is more than generous.
Don’t feel pressured to match what someone else gives. Your budget, your relationship, your choice.
It’s not just cash
Money isn’t the only way to show appreciation. Many people give thoughtful, small gifts that say, “I see you.”
Here are some ideas that actually work:
- A nice bottle of wine or a box of artisan chocolates
- A scented candle (avoid strong perfumes-salons are sensitive to smells)
- A gift card to a local café or bookstore
- A handwritten note with a specific compliment: “Thank you for making my wedding day hair look flawless.”
- A small plant or succulent in a cute pot
One stylist in Hove told me she keeps a drawer full of handmade cards from clients. “They’re the things I reread on slow days,” she said. “They mean more than cash.”
If you do give cash, put it in a card. Never just hand over a £20 note. Wrap it. Write a note. Make it feel personal.
What NOT to do
There are a few common mistakes people make:
- Waiting until the last minute and handing over a gift in front of the whole salon. That puts the stylist on the spot. Do it quietly, maybe after your appointment, or slip it in an envelope when they’re not busy.
- Giving something you no longer use. That old perfume you hated? That scarf from 2018? Don’t. It feels like a hand-me-down, not a gift.
- Only giving cash if you’re not sure what else to do. A card with a note and £30 is better than a plain envelope with £50.
- Comparing your gift to someone else’s. That’s a trap. Your relationship with your stylist is yours alone.
What if you can’t afford anything?
That’s okay. Life happens. If you’re tight on cash this year, it’s better to give a heartfelt thank-you than to stretch your budget.
A sincere note saying, “Thank you for making me feel confident every time I leave your chair,” means more than a gift you can’t afford. Your hairdresser hears from clients all day-most of them are rushed or distracted. A real, thoughtful message stands out.
And here’s a secret: many stylists prefer a loyal, happy client who comes back next year over someone who gives a big gift once and then disappears.
When to give it
Timing matters. Don’t wait until Christmas Eve. Your stylist might be swamped, tired, or already done with appointments.
The best window is the week before Christmas. Book your last appointment of the year, and bring the gift with you. If they’re closing early or have a full schedule, ask if you can drop it off at the front desk with a note.
Some salons have a holiday party or gift exchange. If yours does, follow their rules. But if it’s just you and your stylist, keep it simple and private.
What if you’re new to the salon?
If you’ve only been seeing your stylist for a few months, you’re not expected to give much-maybe £10 to £20, or just a card. You don’t owe them a big gift just because they did a good job. Build the relationship first.
But if they went out of their way for you-offered a free touch-up, stayed late, gave you honest advice-then go ahead and give something meaningful. It’s not about time served. It’s about impact.
Final rule: Be kind, not calculating
At the end of the day, this isn’t a business transaction. It’s a human one. Your hairdresser sees you at your best and your worst. They remember your kid’s name, your allergies, your favourite shampoo. They’ve held your hair back when you were sick, listened to your breakup stories, and celebrated your promotions.
Give what you can. Give what feels right. And if you’re not sure? Go with £40 and a card. It’s enough. It’s thoughtful. It’s human.
They’ll remember it-not because of the amount, but because you remembered them.