How Much to Tip Barber: Complete Etiquette Guide & Tips

When tipping the barber, many people are unsure how much to give and when is the best time to do it. Today, we will discuss why tipping is essential, how much you tip a barber, and when is the best time to do it.

We will advise on how to make the most of your barber tipping experience! Let’s take a closer look.

Why Does It Matter To Tip a Barber

Tipping your barber is crucial because it shows that you appreciate their work. It also helps to build a good rapport with your barber and ensures that you will receive quality service in the future.

Additionally, tipping your barber can lead to better service, as they will be more likely to go above and beyond for a customer known to be generous with their tips.

How Much to Tip a Barber

The standard amount to tip your barber is 15-20% of the total bill. However, you can always give more or less depending on your service level.

For example, if a barber had to do some extra work, you may want to consider giving them a larger tip. On the other hand, if you were not pleased with the service, a smaller tip or no tip at all is appropriate. But we’re here to talk about tipping, so let’s assume you had a great experience!

You can also round the number up to the nearest dollar if you’d like – it’s entirely up to you. The best way to know how much to top your barber is to ask yourself how much you would like to be tipped in their position. This is especially the case if the barber is equipped with amazing tools like straight razors for shaving.

When to Tip Your Barber More

Tipping can sometimes be more than just a show of appreciation – it can also be used to show your barber that you are happy with their work.

Therefore, let’s see when you should feel comfortable tipping more:

• If you are a regular customer, it’s always a good idea to tip more generously. This is because your barber will remember you and may give you preferential treatment in the future.
• If you have received exceptional services, such as a great haircut or beard trim, consider giving a larger tip to show appreciation.
• If you are getting your hair cut for a special occasion, such as a wedding or job interview, it’s also a good idea to tip more. This is because your barber has taken extra care to ensure that you look your best.
• In case you feel like rewarding your barber with some extra cash. This might be the most common reason people tip more – because they want to show their barber that they are appreciated.

Tipping more than usual is a good thing – but only do it if you can afford it!

When to Tip Your Barber Less

As we already said, leaving a few bucks for your barber is more than appreciated. However, you are not obliged to do so if you can’t afford it or were not pleased with the service. On top of that, here are some reasons to tip less than you should usually do:

• If the service was not up to par, feel free to leave a smaller or no tip. There’s no shame in leaving a smaller tip if you are on a tight budget. Just remember that your barber will appreciate anything you can give them.
• Sometimes, it’s perfectly acceptable to say “thank you” instead of leaving a tip. This is usually the case when you have received a complimentary service, such as to define and trim your neckline after your haircut.
• If you want to show your barber that you are genuinely grateful, consider giving them a small gift instead of cash. A gift doesn’t have to be fancy – a simple coffee mug or box of chocolates will do.
• In case you got a ”small” service. For example, if you only got your eyebrows trimmed or had your beard brushed with a premium beard brush, leaving a smaller tip or no tip at all is perfectly acceptable.

The bottom line is that tipping your barber is essential because it shows that you appreciate their work. It also helps to develop a positive rapport with your barber and guarantees that you will receive high-quality services in the future.

That said, always tip according to your budget and level of satisfaction. You should also take into consideration the essential tools for every barbershop. If your barber has excellent tools, tipping him is a good idea.

Tipping the Shop Owner

Sometimes you may visit a barbershop where the owner is also the main barber. In this case, you should still tip them 15-20% of the total bill. It’s more or less known that owners make more money than the average barber’s salary.

The only exception to this rule is if you are friends with the owner or if they give you a significant discount – in which case, a smaller tip or no tip is perfectly acceptable.

But, there’s no need to tip the shop owner if he didn’t do anything to style or cut your hair. Simply speaking, you should only tip the person who provided the service.

Best Way To Tip Barber

Choosing the best way to tip your barber depends on your personal preference and relationship with them. In that light, let’s mention some valuable ways to tip your barber.

Use Cash

If you are a regular customer, it’s always a good idea to tip in cash so your barber can put the money towards their next haircut. This is because most barbers are self-employed and work on a commission basis.

Use the App

On the other hand, if you are not a regular customer or are uncomfortable with leaving cash tips, feel free to use another method. Tip through the app. Nowadays, many apps allow you to send tips electronically. This is a great way to tip your barber if you don’t have cash or want to avoid carrying large amounts of cash around.

With a Credit Card

Another useful way to tip your barber is by using your credit card. This is incredibly convenient if you don’t have cash on hand or if you want to earn rewards points. However, remember that some credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, so check with your bank before using this method.

Leave a Present Instead 

Finally, if you want to show your barber that you are genuinely grateful, consider giving them a small gift instead of cash. It does not have to be a special occasion for you to give a gift – a basic coffee cup or box of chocolates will suffice.

The bottom line is that there is no wrong way to tip your barber. Just remember to be generous and to show your appreciation for their services.

Tipping During the Holiday Season

Sometimes, you may want to tip your barber a little extra during the holiday season. This is because most people are busy during this time of year and may not have time to visit the barbershop often. As a result, your barber may not make as much money during this period.

If you can afford it, consider giving a larger tip or even a small bonus to show your appreciation for their services. This is especially important if you are a regular customer and have developed a good relationship with your barber.

But, if you are on a tight budget, don’t worry – a small tip will still be appreciated. Any amount you can give will be helpful and show that you are thinking of them during this busy time of year.

Additionally, the holiday season is also the time when your barber might want to take a rest from the job. Therefore, you might end up needing to pick the right barber again. Don’t let that happen and always tip your barber so he can take some time off his vacation for you.

Other Barbershop Etiquette Tips

Now, look at some of the most crucial barbershop etiquette tips. You don’t want to be the one that needs to shape your beard like a barber.

Wash Your Hair Before Your Appointment

One of the most important things to do before your appointment is to wash your hair. This will help to remove any dirt or product build-up that could interfere with the haircutting process. It will also give your barber a clean canvas to work with.

Most importantly, washing your hair will say more about you as a customer. It will show that you are taking the time to prepare for your appointment and that you respect their time and work.

Be on Time

Another essential thing to remember is to be on time for your appointment. This is common courtesy and will show that you respect their time. Being late will not only make you look bad, but it will also make the barber feel rushed and stressed.

And, if you are running late, be sure to call ahead to let them know. This way, they can make the necessary adjustments to their schedule.

Know What Style You Want

The most annoying thing any barber could face is the customer who doesn’t know what they want. So, before you even step into the barbershop, take some time to think about the style you want. Also, research some unique summer hairstyles for men ideas if you’re feeling like it.

Do some research online and look at pictures of your favorite hairstyles, such as the perfect winter hairstyle. This will give your barber a better idea of what you are looking for and save everyone a lot of time.

Stay Off Your Phone

Once you are in the barbershop, it is crucial to stay off your phone. This shows that you are not interested in the conversation and would rather be elsewhere.

It’s OK to use your phone before your haircut to pass the time, but once you sit in the barber chair, put it away. Instead, take this opportunity to talk to your barber and get to know them better.

Communicate With Your Hairdresser

Finally, one of the most important things to remember is to communicate with your barber. This means letting them know if you are unhappy with the way your haircut is going.

It can be easy to sit there and hope for the best, but this is not fair to either of you. If you are unhappy with your haircut’s direction, speak up. It’s better to have a short conversation now than to be disappointed with your haircut for weeks to come.

All in all, remember to do all these things we listed and you’ll do just fine. Most importantly, your barber will appreciate it and you’ll get the best haircut possible.

FAQ About How Much To Tip a Barber

Is 20% enough to tip for a haircut?

Yes, 20% is an average amount to tip for a haircut. However, if you are happy with the service and want to show appreciation, you can consider giving a larger tip.

Is it ok to tip less than 20%?

If you are on a tight budget, don’t worry – a small tip will still be appreciated. Any amount you can give will be helpful and show that you are thinking of them during this busy time of year.

How much to tip for a $100 haircut?

If you got a $100 haircut, then you would typically tip $20. However, as we mentioned before, if you are happy with the service, you can consider giving a larger tip.

Should you tip the owner of the shop?

Not necessarily. A tip is always appreciated if the owner did your haircut and you were happy with it. However, if someone else did your haircut, there is no need to tip the owner.

Is there a way to tip my barber that is not cash?

Yes, a few ways to tip your barber don’t involve cash. For example, you could buy them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop. Or, you could write them a positive review online. Whatever you do, make sure it is something that they will appreciate and find useful.

Conclusion

Tipping your barber is a great way to show appreciation for their work. By following the tips we listed above, you can be sure that you are giving a fair and generous tip that will be appreciated.

In that light, barbers are some of the most important people in our lives. They help us to look our best and feel confident. So, the next time you are in the barbershop, show your appreciation with a nice tip!