 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2003-05-01 12:39:00
Tip the barber/hairdresser?
ANSWER: A tip is based on the quality of service that you receive from an individual. Just like in a restaurant, you tip not only on the total amount of the bill, but also for the level of service you receive. Generally, a tip amount of 15% is standard. Exceptional service is 20%+. You are not required to tip. It is your choice. But if you choose not to leave a tip based on lack of service or quality of the product, it does no good unless you make the proper authority aware of the problem. Leaving 2 cents (as a friend of mine does) or a quarter, does make a statement, but probably not the statement that you are hoping for! A tip is a reward for a job well done, a way of saying thank you for taking care of me. Consider the relationship with your barber/stylist. Is it ongoing, or do you allow whoever is not busy to perform your service? Some clients never tip throughout the year, and choose to present their barber/stylist with a lump sum or a nice gift during the holidays or for their birthday. If you do not have an ongoing relationship with your barber/stylist, revert to the 15% rule. Indicators of acceptable/unacceptable service: · The client receives a consultation prior to any service. This allows the opportunity for both parties to make requests, ask for suggestions, or voice concerns. · It is acceptable for the barber/stylist to respond honestly. It is unacceptable to be brutally honest. · It is acceptable to ask the total cost prior to service. It is unacceptable for that price to increase without first consulting the client. · It is acceptable to perform a shampoo prior to any service (with the exception of some chemical services or at the request of the client). It is unacceptable to wet the hair with a water bottle in order to perform a cut, etc. · It is acceptable (and many do) to perform services on more than one client at a time. It is unacceptable to be left wondering if the barber/stylist will return. · It is acceptable for the barber/stylist to allow the client to see the back of the hair with a hand mirror and ask for approval. It is unacceptable to tear the cape off and say, "There you go!" Use these guidelines for standard tipping: If your needs have been met, the service that you were seeking has been completed satisfactorily, you have been given their undivided attention, you have a smile on your face, and you look forward to having that person's service on your next visit...tip the appropriate percentage...plus!
