Getting your hair braided is an investment – you’re paying for time, expertise, and a gorgeous, long lasting outcome. It’s no secret that knotless braids and more intricate styles like boho or goddess braids can be expensive. The recent debate about the high cost of braids has sparked another conversation: If you’re already paying hundreds of dollars to get your hair done, why should you have to tip your braider on top of that?
As I said in a previous post about the cost of braids, people — Americans in particular — have become so disconnected from the labor that goes into providing services that they expect the cheapest price possible for everything, with little to no regard for the physical labor that goes into that service. Feeling the pinch of inflation, many are starting to feel resentful to service providers. To me, that resentment is misplaced.
So, should you tip your braider and if so, how much? Read on for a guide to gratuity when it comes to getting your hair braided.
Should I tip my braider?
Yes. Braiding is a labor intensive service that takes many hours and a lot of skill. “Braiding is hard on the back, hands and legs. Can you imagine standing or even sitting in one spot for hours doing a repetitive motion?” Imani McDonald, a stylist and braider at The Coily Collective in New York City, told me. “Over time it does affect the body.”
A 2023 Harpers Bazaar article reported on the occupational injuries suffered by West African hair braiders in New York City, like chronic back, neck, shoulder and knee pain — issues they oftentimes can’t take time off for. “And most people have to remember this is not a job where we get paid time off or PTO,” Imani told me.
Braiders and hair stylists don’t receive the full amount you pay for a service.
When you go to a salon, stylists are renting a chair from the owner or are getting paid based on commission. “So most people believe we are receiving the whole amount but that’s not the case — we are only getting a percentage. On top of that, supplies are an expense, so it helps us recoup when we do get tips,” Imani told me.
When I got my goddess braids done by Imani at The Coily Collective, it came with a wash, condition and blow dry and she provided the hair. Unlicensed and unprofessional braiders and stylists with ridiculous rules and prices have caused a lot of people to think all braiders and salons are like that — when it’s really not the case.
How much should I tip my braider?
Let me get this out of the way: Tipping culture has gotten out of control in the United States. While I do think being guilted into tipping 25% on an already $8 latte is outrageous, tipping your braider for eight hours of work is not.
On average, I tip 20% when I go to the salon, no matter the service I’m getting but I think 15% is a fair amount, too.
What if my braider works for herself? Should I still tip?
If your braider is an independent contractor and is keeping 100% of the amount you are paying her, there is a more flexibility in tipping. When I’ve gone to a braider who works for herself, I still tip — but less than when I go to the salon.
This is probably the only scenario where it wouldn’t be a complete faux pas to not tip anything but if this is a braider you want to go back to and she did a good job, tipping is the right thing to do.
But I’m on a really tight budget and can’t afford to tip.
To be blunt, if you can’t afford to tip anything, then you should probably learn to do your hair yourself.
Inflation is impacting everyone and everything but that doesn’t mean all etiquette and decency should be thrown out. Braiders and hairstylists understand that their clients may be struggling in this economy — they are too! Imani says she has noticed a shift in tipping since the pandemic. “I understand people not tipping as much, just because their dollar isn’t going as far. But anything is always appreciated,” she said.
If you are truly on a very tight budget, tip 10% or what you can. But in my opinion, unless you received terrible service, you should always tip something.
Ultimately, the decision to tip, and how much, rests with you. Remember, braiders are skilled professionals who work hard to provide a valuable service that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Showing appreciation for their time and artistry through a tip helps ensure they receive fair compensation for their work, and it fosters a positive relationship for the next time you want to get your braids done.
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