After a haircut, hair treatment or coloring, this is the amount that hairdressers expect without ever saying it.
You are sitting in the chair, your new haircut or coloring finished, and the time to pay arrives… The question then arises: how much to tip? It’s not an obligation, but this small gesture can transform a successful hair service into a real sign of recognition. A few euros slipped into the hairdresser’s box at the checkout or delivered by hand is always a pleasure and can even encourage word of mouth: a satisfied customer inspires the hairdresser and attracts future customers.
Internationally, uses vary. In Europe, we generally leave 5 to 10% of the price of the service. In the United Kingdom, the norm is 10-15%, while in the United States the reflex is up to 15-20%. Some American lounges include the tip directly in the bill. These differences show that depending on the country, the gesture can be symbolic or significant. And in France? The uses are more flexible and depend as much on your satisfaction as on your budget.
A salaried hairdresser in France earns on average €1,800 to €2,000 gross per month, sometimes a little more in the Paris region or in a high-end salon. These modest incomes explain why a tip — even a small one — can help make ends meet. Some salons estimate that tips represent between €100 and €400 per month depending on attendance. These figures are confirmed by the hairdressing branch reports of the CNEC/UNEC. How much to give? If you don’t want to leave anything, that’s perfectly acceptable. For a simple gesture, 1 to 5 € is enough. To be more generous, count 5 to 10% of the price, especially if you have had a cut and coloring. For a cut alone, €2 to €5 is enough, and for coloring, rounding up to €5 or €10 depending on the service is common.
Some advice: bring some cash, because not everyone accepts tipping by card. You can round up the payment by credit card, but the cash gesture remains the most appreciated. And don’t forget the assistants: the one who washes your hair or prepares the products also deserves €1 to €3 to recognize their work.
In summary, tipping at the hairdresser is never obligatory, but it transforms a successful visit into a sign of recognition. A few euros are enough to please, encourage service and contribute to positive word of mouth. The next time you pay for your service, leave a gesture: your hairdresser will notice it as much as you admire your new cut.
