Tipping at a Nail Salon

[ca1962]

I recently treated a lady to a new set of nails and pedicure at a nail salon. It was $95 total, but I know they expect tips. I tipped $20. Is that the typical range? Similar to what I tip at a restaurant.

[Stevensegal]

In my opinion - I would have asked yourself, would I ever come back to this establishment again? If so, I think the threshold would have been $10. However, if the $95 didn't hurt your wallet, then what's $20 bucks.

If the nail lady didn't upsell you on the services for your friend, then maye the big tip was okay.

I get a eyebrow wax every so often on Oak Lawn. The nail lady lets me skip everybody in line, so I tip her about $7 - $9 bucks.

[WalkerTx]

Agree with SS. Your tip sounds as it should be.

[Shea Veile]

Originally Posted by ca1962

I recently treated a lady to a new set of nails and pedicure at a nail salon. It was $95 total, but I know they expect tips. I tipped $20. Is that the typical range? Similar to what I tip at a restaurant.

Nail salons are part of the service industry that heavily relies on tips. The employees are typically paid only $2.15 per hour, federal minimum wage.

18 - 20% gratuity is the general rule of thumb.

$20 tip for $100 new nail set + pedicure is ideal. That's what I pay for the very same services. Any less than that shows lack of appreciation.

$10?? Seriously, after all of the work is done? A smaller tip might be understandable if the results didn't meet your expectations but talking to a manager about it would be a better way to address any issues.

[berkleigh]

I agree with Shea.
20% is ideal especially depending on the quality of work and if you plan on becoming a repeat client.


I double it for my Lash Lady and triple it for my Hair Guy!
(Just FYI in case any of you pay for your significant others services)


Always tip in the Salon!

Originally Posted by Shea Veile

Nail salons are part of the service industry that heavily relies on tips. The employees are typically paid only $2.15 per hour, federal minimum wage.

18 - 20% gratuity is the general rule of thumb.

$20 tip for $100 new nail set + pedicure is ideal. That's what I pay for the very same services. Any less than that shows lack of appreciation.

$10?? Seriously, after all of the work is done? A smaller tip might be understandable if the results didn't meet your expectations but talking to a manager about it would be a better way to address any issues.

[Melissa Madyson]

I am a regular at my salon and nail place. I am always spending alot of dough for these kinds of services, so I know they deserve a tip. Why you ask?/ Because they paid a lot of money to go to school to get their degree to do such work. They usually go above and beyond to make me happy, they take me on short notice sometimes, and if for any reason I need to reschedule, they do so with a smile on their face!!

When I see a guy and he gets a FBSM from me , I am always happy when I get a little extra, no matter what it is, because I know I did my job and did it well.

So YES your tip was greatly appreciated by the person you gave it to.

M.M.

[TropicAva]

Depends on nail work and how much money your able to spend at that time. Theres times i tipped 10 dollars. I feel as long as you tip them your good.

[Benny Siegel23]

Originally Posted by TropicAva

Depends on nail work and how much money your able to spend at that time. Theres times i tipped 10 dollars. I feel as long as you tip them your good.

Ava u so fine I think I might have to take u to get yours done.

[TexTushHog]

Originally Posted by Shea Veile

Nail salons are part of the service industry that heavily relies on tips. The employees are typically paid only $2.15 per hour, federal minimum wage.

18 - 20% gratuity is the general rule of thumb.

$20 tip for $100 new nail set + pedicure is ideal. That's what I pay for the very same services. Any less than that shows lack of appreciation.

$10?? Seriously, after all of the work is done? A smaller tip might be understandable if the results didn't meet your expectations but talking to a manager about it would be a better way to address any issues.

I have no idea the actual practice, but it's sounds like $20 is reasonable from what the providers are saying. However, FSLA does apply to nail salon workers and the owners should be paying $7.25 minimum wage. If not, they are ripe for being sued, assuming they are solvent.

If anyone knows of a major chain of nail salons (if there are even such things) that doesn't pay minimum wage, please let their employees know. They are in a great position to be plaintiffs in a class action. I will put them in touch with good FSLA lawyers.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/FLSAEmployeeCard/NailSalon.pdf

[Guest011218]

$20 sounds right to me! I always tip 20% minimum for anything related to the service-industry.

[Chung Tran]

Originally Posted by TexTushHog

FSLA does apply to nail salon workers and the owners should be paying $7.25 minimum wage. If not, they are ripe for being sued, assuming they are solvent.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/FLSAEmployeeCard/NailSalon.pdf

I read the link you shared, and the "alert" in red is meaningful.. most nail salon workers I know about are hired as Independent Contractors.. no minimum wage given.. in fact, I would think most nail salons would go out of business if the minimum wage was enforced.

many businesses operate the same way, hiring people as "contract" employees.. it's easy to say stand up for your rights, class action lawsuit, etc.. but reality tells a different story.

[Billogoods]

It is my understanding that "health & beauty" providers (hair, nails, RW massage, etc.) usually rent a space or are paid a portion of the house fee. So, hourly rates do not usually pertain, as it does for restaurant employees.
However, 18-20% tip is still the standard.

[TexTushHog]

Originally Posted by Chung Tran

I read the link you shared, and the "alert" in red is meaningful.. most nail salon workers I know about are hired as Independent Contractors.. no minimum wage given.. in fact, I would think most nail salons would go out of business if the minimum wage was enforced.

many businesses operate the same way, hiring people as "contract" employees.. it's easy to say stand up for your rights, class action lawsuit, etc.. but reality tells a different story.

If they rent the space, there is no wage, so the minimum wage suggested of $2.15 by Shea doesn't apply. You can't be both. It's either fish or foul. You can rent a booth or space and you're your own boss. Or you're an employee and FSLA applies.

[Velvetangeltouch]

I check it out on pay scale.com
Nail tech $23,976 yr
Salon mgr 40k yr
Manicurist/pedicurist 20,700yr
Spa mgr 20,150yr

10 I think is fine.. But if you really wanted to bless her 20. But keep in mind that when you tip higher than some your remembered which is good on she'll give you good service next time but also she'll expect that type tip in future..

[SexyPlatinum]

If they give me good service then I'll give them a great tip but if they had attitude or something I'll leave about 5