Key Takeaways
- Expect to tip between 15% and 25% of your total nail service cost, with a flat rate of $5 for less expensive treatments.
- Vary your tip based on the time and skill required to complete the job: the lower end for nail painting and the higher end for nail art and nail sets.
- If you’re traveling, research tipping expectations for that locale. In some cultures, tipping isn’t as common, and they may even find tipping offensive.
We have widely accepted norms for how much to tip for food delivery and how much to tip at a restaurant, but figuring out how much to tip at the nail salon is a bit different. (Maybe you didn’t even know you needed to leave a nail salon tip in the first place.) Read our tipping guide for nail pros, with advice from etiquette experts and manicurists.
How Much Should You Tip Your Manicurist
Do you always need to tip a nail artist? “Absolutely, 100% yes,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “The tip should be part of the final price that a client expects to pay,” she says. “For example, if your service costs $50, you should see it as costing $60.”
The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15%, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20%. This is similar to what’s expected when tipping at a hair salon or for a massage or spa treatment.
If you used a Groupon or other type of discount to pay for your service, calculate the tip for your manicurist based on the full price for the service you received.
Considerations for Tip Amount
Whether you went in for a quick paint job or a full set of acrylic nails with festive accents, the tip you’re providing should be a reflection of the skill level you received from your manicurist, not just the product you paid for.
“I like to think of it as compensating the artist for their time,” Kandalec says. “Give more for a more specialized or detailed service: A 17% to 18% tip for a manicure, and 20% to 25% tip for a new set with nail art. ”
No matter what you have done, a tip is a gesture as much as a part of the overall compensation for the nail artist. Keep that in mind while calculating your tip at the nail salon. Even if the job was simple, the money is still appreciated and necessary. “Personally, I never tip less than $5,” Kandalec says.
Reducing the Tip
If the manicure leaves a little something to be desired, don’t stay silent and withhold the tip. “Giving immediate feedback helps,” Grotts says. “If you speak up politely, you may be able to rectify the situation: ‘I prefer my nails to be a bit more oval than round, please.'”
Grotts suggests sticking with the appropriate 15% to 20% if the issue is minor. “Let it go if you’re a repeat customer and the issue is a slight delay or smudge,” she says. “If the issue is major, like damage to your nails, it’s okay to leave a reduced tip.” In other words, don’t skip the tip.
Tipping Etiquette at the Nail Salon
Avoid any awkwardness at the salon by having a cash tip set aside in advance. “Many salons have signage posted that tips are ‘cash only’ because of credit card processing fees,” says etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts. You don’t want to find out when your service is through that you don’t have the cash on hand to tip, and they don’t accept credit card tips.
If you’ve ever worked for tips, you know that cash is usually best because it goes straight into your pocket at the end of the shift. The same is true for your manicurist. “Tips that come from your credit card can take a week or two to get into our hands and are subject to credit card fees, too,” Kandalec says.
Where to Put the Tip
“Most salons have envelopes at the front desk when you pay, and I’ve seen lock boxes that you can slip them into,” Kandalec says. If your technician works for themself and there is no front desk staff to leave money with, just leave the bill partially tucked under a towel at their station.
If multiple people worked on you, leave the tip at the front when you pay and instruct them to split it, or better yet, give each a small cash tip.
And acknowledge it, so there’s no confusion. “When I’m saying goodbye to my technician, I’ll say, ‘I left you a little something at the front desk’ with a smile, so they know it’s there,” Kandalec says. “Trust me—the mention is very appreciated.”
Tipping Policies for Large Parties
Some nail salons have the tip built into the bill as an automatic gratuity. Check the website or ask before your appointment so you know what to expect. This added tip is especially common when salons work on larger bridal parties or events.
If there isn’t an automatic gratuity added to the bill, and you’re part of a large party, discuss the tip with everyone in advance so each technician is tipped fairly. As always, it’s a good idea to have cash (with smaller bills) on hand.
If there is no pooled container at the front or add-on to the bill, consider tipping individually. If everyone received the same service, a flat rate for each technician is ideal. However, if certain services required more time—like a more detailed manicure for the bride—adjust that tip accordingly.
Tipping in the United States and Abroad
Kandalec points out that in other countries, tipping is not only uncommon, but it can also be considered offensive. In the United States, we know workers in various industries rely on tips. Don’t be surprised if you see signs in nail salons in certain tourism destinations in the United States reminding clients to tip.
If you’re traveling and unsure about whether to leave some cash behind, Kandalec suggests doing a little research. “Look for gratuity guidelines on the salon’s website or at the checkout desk. I have even seen suggested gratuity amounts written directly on the tip envelope,” Kandalec says. A simple Google search goes a long way, too.”
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