Christmas Tip Etiquette: What to Know About Salon Tipping During the Holidays

When it comes to Christmas tip etiquette, the unwritten rules around giving extra during the holiday season to service professionals. Also known as holiday tipping, it’s not just about being polite—it’s about recognizing the work that keeps you looking and feeling your best. Many people assume tipping is optional, but in salons, stylists often rely on tips to make ends meet. A $100 hair color might cost the salon $30 in product and overhead. The stylist’s base pay? Sometimes as low as $15 an hour. That’s why a thoughtful tip at Christmas isn’t just a gesture—it’s part of their income.

Salon tipping, the practice of giving extra money to hair and beauty professionals for their service. Also known as beauty salon tips, it’s not one-size-fits-all. A shampoo assistant who spends 20 minutes washing and conditioning your hair deserves recognition, just like the stylist who spent three hours coloring and styling. And during the holidays, when clients are often getting their best looks for parties and family photos, the expectation for extra goes up. Most people tip 15–20% year-round, but in December, many choose to give 25–30%, or even a flat $20–$50 bonus, depending on how long they’ve been coming and how much they’ve appreciated the service. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about fairness. If your stylist remembers your name, your color preference, and how you like your bangs cut, they’ve built a relationship. That’s worth more than a transaction.

Don’t forget the people behind the scenes. The assistant who preps your hair, the receptionist who remembers your birthday, the person who cleans your chair after you leave—they all contribute to your experience. A small holiday tip for them can mean the world. And if you’ve been going to the same salon for years, consider giving a little more than you normally would. It’s not charity. It’s respect.

There’s no magic formula, but here’s a simple rule: if you’d buy them a coffee in December, that’s your tip. If you’d buy them a gift card, go bigger. If you’re not sure, ask yourself: would I miss them if they left? If yes, tip like it matters—because it does.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—the exact amounts people actually give, what works in different cities, and when skipping a tip might actually hurt more than help. No fluff. Just what you need to know before your next holiday appointment.