Hair Stylist - To Tip Or Not To Tip

[girlinthecity97]

Hi All:

 

I am flying my hairstylist down for the weekend to do my hair and am wondering is it customary to also tip in this situation?

 

I am a big believer in tipping & this would otherwise be a no-brainer but given I am paying for her airfare, baggage fees, 3 night stay and services (hair for welcome reception the day before our wedding and the big day) I am unsure what to do.  My friends say no, but I do not want to be rude or tacky.

 

Can't wait to hear your insights - thanks in advance!

Edited January 13, 2015 by girlinthecity97

[calgarybride2015]

That's a tough one but considering you are paying for her trip I think that's probably fee and tip enough. That's a large 'gift' you are giving her that's probably way more cost wise than what her services are worth.

 

Also curious what everyone else says!!

 

 

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[MrsCtoB]

Are you paying for the services themselves for those 3 occasions that you mentioned?

[girlinthecity97]

@@calgarybride2015 - thanks!  I am af-am and will not have hair extensions in so unfortunately, I have no choice but to fly her in because there is no one who knows what to do with my hair type in Mexico.   She will also be getting a welcome bag since she'll be attending the wedding so I'm thinking you and my friends are right.

 

@@MrsCtoB - yes, the quote she gave me includes hairstyling for myself and at least 2 others (my mom and sister) for 2 days. So far it's only me and maybe my flower girls.  My Matron of Honor (sister)'s hair is short and she plans to do it herself (which she's good at) and she plans to do my niece (jr. bridesmaid)'s hair.  So i am thinking of having her do my 2 flower girls which won't be much work b/c their hair is curly so it's just a matter of moussing it and placing the hair combs. 

[MrsCtoB]

@@calgarybride2015 - thanks!  I am af-am and will not have hair extensions in so unfortunately, I have no choice but to fly her in because there is no one who knows what to do with my hair type in Mexico.   She will also be getting a welcome bag since she'll be attending the wedding so I'm thinking you and my friends are right.

 

@@MrsCtoB - yes, the quote she gave me includes hairstyling for myself and at least 2 others (my mom and sister) for 2 days. So far it's only me and maybe my flower girls.  My Matron of Honor (sister)'s hair is short and she plans to do it herself (which she's good at) and she plans to do my niece (jr. bridesmaid)'s hair.  So i am thinking of having her do my 2 flower girls which won't be much work b/c their hair is curly so it's just a matter of moussing it and placing the hair combs. 

If you are paying for the services in addition to paying for her travel, I think that is plenty. You could get a thank you card and something small (chocolates, nail polish, etc.) to give to her instead as a cost effective way of saying thank you or add the item to her welcome bag if she is receiving one. If you are including her in your events as well, that is also an additional cost to you. 

[girlinthecity97]

@MrsCtoB - Thanks!!! I didn't think about the fact she's part of our fesitivities headcount so I definitely think I will just get her a thank you note and something cute or unique to her to add to her gift bag.

[LisaAnthonyPoppy]

IMO considering she's providing a service I would tip irregardless that you are flying her in. You asked her to be a part of your day in a diff location so flying her in and paying for her things is accommodating you so you can have her there. Make sense?

So I would say you should tip, just like you would if you had hired a local or even a little more because of how much traveling she is doing to come to help you on your big days!

 

Congrats!!!

[JJCB0418]

That's rough.  I would think that you paying for her vacation is enough, but I think it kind of depends on your relationship with her.  Is she just your hairstylist or do you consider her a friend?  If she weren't styling your hair would you invite her anyway? 

 

Personally, if I were her I wouldn't expect a tip in this case no matter what the relationship is. 

[Kayla88]

I am also flying my hairstylist down, but I have a totally different scenario then you. ( She is my FI' best man's girlfriend, and he refused to go without her but they didn't have money afford both of them. Since my FI's family is not attending I could not, not let his best friend come because of money. So I decided to book her for our photographer since she loves taking pictures. So her trip will cover my photographs and what we would have tipped anyone we would have hired in Mexico) After we put down her deposit he contacted me and offered to do my hair and makeup as well as my wedding parties for free.

 

So long story short in your situation I would not tip because her flight that you are paying would cover what I would consider a tip for doing the hair she is doing.

 

However I will be tipping because we consider her our photographer ( which is paid for as the trip) and our hair/makeup stylist as well. I think this is a good way to look at it?

 

Sorry I'm not sure if that will make sense to anyone.

[LisaAnthonyPoppy]

@@Kayla88

 

That is super awesome of you to do that for you FI. Really cool.