# A Question of Etiquette

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-of-etiquette/262774>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 2, 2004, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-of-etiquette/262774 "2004-09-02T15:12:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Richard\_Crystal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b3f665/32.png) [@Richard\_Crystal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Crystal)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2004, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-of-etiquette/262774/1 "2004-09-02T15:12:02Z")

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Many years ago my mother told me that it was not proper etiquette to tip a salon owner if he or she was the one who cut your hair.  
Can you bring me up to date on this, since most of my friends disagree?  
Thank you.  
RICHARD CRYSTAL, Baltimore

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**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2004, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-of-etiquette/262774/2 "2004-09-02T15:17:45Z")

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[According to this site:](http://www.beautyofasite.com/beautycast/faq/TippingEtiquette.htm)

> [@](#):
>
> **SALON OWNER**
> 
> The old saying goes: that if the stylist is also the owner of the salon or spa you don’t have to tip. While you are not expected to tip, if your stylist (who also happens to be the owner) does a fabulous job for you, fits you in during an emergency hair disaster or always does little extras for you, reward them either with the customary 15-20% of your bill or find some other show of appreciation (cookies, flowers, etc). Everyone (including salon owners) appreciate acknowledgement of a job well done.

But I always tip, regardless. That’s how my momma raised me.

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**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2004, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-of-etiquette/262774/3 "2004-09-02T15:21:23Z")

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From **DeVena** ’s cite:

> [@](#):
>
> …fits you in during an emergency hair disaster …

The turn of phrase here amused me. One can see FEMA receiving an invoice with “…and $20 for my hairdresser; Charley completely ruined my hairdo!” 😃