Salon etiquette question

[dianec42]

Question: Underwhat circumstances is it appropriate to tip, and how much is considered appropriate?

I have only ever been in a Proper Hair Salon in the US once in my life; there was a coupon involved, I hated the results, and I never went back. So I don't know the first thing about what to do if I actually like the results and/or intend to return. (-:

Having thoroughly frightened myself by surfing the web looking at Beverly Hills salons, I have found this place in Santa Monica where the stylists are all cute women with great hair, and where the first haircut is $20. What could possibly go wrong?

Comments

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

I believe it's appropriate to tip the staff, but not the owner, if you're happy with the haircut.

(This is true for most businesses, you never tip the owner)

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

So... what's a good amount then, 15-20%?

If it's an intro special for $20 and I know it would normally cost $40, do I tip based on the $40 "real" price?

I suppose a lot of it depends on whether I intend to come back or not. (And it's a small enough operation that they probably don't have separate shampoo people. I've done a quick search on Google and apparently these situations can get quite... complicated.)

[flyingwolf.livejournal.com]

ooo. and free WiFi ;)

I have no idea. Last I got stuff cut I went to hair cuttery - just wanted them to make the ends I had chomped off more even. I gave them a $20 and almost had to pry change from them. This last time I did the ends myself I just left the ends jagged.