Tipping a hairdresser around the world
Tipping a hairdresser is customary in 9 of the 15 countries we track, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and 5 more. In the United States, 18–20% of service cost. It is unusual or unwelcome in Japan, South Korea, and China.
Hair salons and barbershops. Customs vary widely — here is what to expect country by country.
Europe
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Expected | 10% standard |
| 🇫🇷France | Appreciated | €2–10, or roughly 5–10% for a longer service |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Optional | Not customary; €2–5 if you wish |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Optional | Not customary; €1–3 if you wish |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Appreciated | 5–10% — round up to the nearest €5 |
North America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Expected | 18–20% of service cost |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Expected | 15–20% on the service |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Appreciated | 10% neighborhood salons; 15–20% upscale or tourist-zone |
Asia
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵Japan | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇨🇳China | Unusual | ¥0 |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | Unusual | ₩0 |
| 🇹🇭Thailand | Appreciated | ฿20–100 depending on salon tier |
Oceania
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | Optional | A$5–20 for an excellent cut/colour; many do not tip at all |
South America
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Appreciated | 10% if not already added; R$5–R$20 to each assistant |
Middle East
| Country | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | Appreciated | 10–15% or AED 20–50 flat |
Tipping a hairdresser: common questions
Do you tip a hairdresser?
It depends on the country. Tipping a hairdresser is expected or appreciated in 9 of the 15 countries we track — including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and 4 more — and is unusual in Japan, South Korea, and China.
How much do you tip a hairdresser?
In the United States, 18–20% of service cost. Across all countries the usual range is 5–25% of the bill. Amounts vary by country — see the table above for each one.
Which countries expect you to tip a hairdresser?
A tip is genuinely expected in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In these countries staff often rely on tips as part of their income.
Where should you not tip a hairdresser?
Tipping a hairdresser is unusual or can cause awkwardness in Japan, South Korea, and China. A polite thank-you is enough.
Should you tip a hairdresser in cash or by card?
Cash is the safer choice in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Thailand, and 3 more, where card tips may not reach staff. Elsewhere adding the tip to a card payment is normally fine.