We have widely accepted norms for how much to tip for pizza delivery (or any food delivery) and how much to tip your server 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.)
Check out our tipping etiquette guide for nail pros, with tips and advice from etiquette experts and manicurists.
Should You Tip Your Manicurist?
"Absolutely, 100 percent yes," says Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist based in New York City and the founder of Masterclass Nail Academy. "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."
How Much Should You Tip Your Manicurist
The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15 percent, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20 percent. This is similar to what's expected when tipping at a hair salon, or for a massage or spa treatment.
Keep in mind that if you used a Groupon or other type of discount to pay for your service, you should still calculate the tip for your manicurist based on the full price for the service you received.
What if I Just Got My Nails Polished?
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 percent tip for a manicure, and 20 to 25 percent 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.
Tipping Etiquette at the Nail Salon
Avoid any awkwardness at the salon with these tips to help you get the tip right to your manicurist or pedicurist.
- Be prepared with cash. "Many salons have signage posted that tips are 'cash only' because of credit card processing fees," says Lisa Mirza Grotts, etiquette expert and author of A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette. 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.
- Tip in cash. 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.
- Know where to put your 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.
- Share your appreciation. "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."
How Much to Tip Movers
Should You Tip if You Aren't Happy With Your Manicure?
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 percent 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 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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