Many individuals prefer having their nails done by professional nail technicians, which is why they often book appointments at beauty salons. It’s important to realize that manicures and pedicures are much more complicated than simply choosing the perfect polish color, and these technicians have the skill and experience to expertly deliver a wide range of styles and designs depending on your preferences.
When you receive this level of professional service, it’s important to show your appreciation. Aside from showing your appreciation through kind words, you can also give your nail technician a tip, but how much should you actually give?
Is It Rude Not to Tip Your Manicurist?
Yes, it’s generally regarded as bad etiquette to not tip your nail technician or manicurist. In case you didn’t know, the prices shown on the salon’s menu of services do not include the manicurist’s tip, so it’s best to show up to your booked appointment fully prepared to add a tip on top of the cost of your service.
Aside from being an expression of gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, manicurists and nail technicians can greatly benefit from the added bonus, as this remains untouched by the salon.
How Much Should You Tip Your Manicurist?
The industry standard for tipping manicurists and nail technicians is around 15 to 20 percent of the service cost, but here are some additional factors to also consider when deciding how much to tip:
- Quality of Service: If your manicurist has given you exemplary service and was attentive and thorough with your treatment, then it’s best to assume the higher end of this range as the minimum.
- Complexity of Treatment: If you only came in for a basic service, then sticking to 15 to 20 percent is acceptable. However, more complex services or additional customizations should warrant around 20 to 25 percent.
- Location: Take into consideration the area where your nail salon is located, as the tipping culture may be different than what you’re used to.
- Coupons and Discounts: Even if you’ve availed of a coupon or discount, you should still base your tip on the full price of the service you’ve received.
How Should You Tip Your Manicurist?
Here are some things to remember when tipping your manicurist:
- It’s much more convenient to tip with cash than with credit cards, which often come with processing fees. Because of this, some salons may flat-out reject any tips through credit cards, so make sure that you always have some ready. There’s also the fact that it’ll be much easier for the manicurist to handle, as it can go straight into their pockets immediately.
- While some manicurists are tipped with envelopes located at the front desk upon checkout, there may also be lock boxes where you can simply slip your tip in. It’s best to avoid the awkwardness of having to ask around and simply familiarize yourself with the tipping norms at your salon.
- After leaving your tip at the designated spot, make sure that you inform your manicurist that you’ve left them something. They’ll really appreciate it.
When Is It Okay to Not Tip Your Manicurist?
While tipping should be a normal part of your salon appointments, there are a few instances where it’s okay not to tip:
- Some salons may automatically include an additional service charge to your bill, so make sure to check the breakdown of your payment.
- If you had a bad experience with the salon and received unsatisfactory service, then speak to your technician or the salon manager to give them a chance to address the issue. Afterward, you may consider whether or not you still want to tip.
- Some countries may find it offensive to be tipped, so make sure that you do your due diligence before your appointment.
The Takeaway
A tip is a great way to thank your manicurist for a job well done and show appreciation for the time that they spent perfecting your nails. However, this tipping behavior shouldn’t be restricted to salons only. You should definitely apply the same mindset, even when you’re booking an at-home nail service because these professionals are dedicating their time and skill to ensuring that you’re happy with your results.
