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How Much to Tip a Barber, With Real Numbers for Each Cut
How much to tip a barber is one of the most common questions at the chair. The general etiquette in most American barbershops is 15 to 20 percent of the price of the cut, and more when the work is complicated or you are very happy. This is common practice and not a rule set by any one shop.
The short answer: on a $25 haircut, most people tip $4 to $6, and on a $30 fade, $5 to $7. Round up to a clean number, tip a little more for detail work or a rush, and tip in cash when you can so it reaches your barber directly.
How much should you tip a barber?
Tip 15 to 20 percent of the service price as a baseline. If the cut was great, 25 percent is a generous thank you. If something was off, you can tip less, but let the barber fix it first.
This is general etiquette. Tipping is voluntary, and a tip is a thank you for the person who did the work, not part of the price. Every barber and every shop is a little different, so if you are unsure, ask the barber or watch what other customers do.
Many men tip in round numbers because it is quicker than calculating. If your cut is $25, handing over $30 and saying keep it is a common move. If you pay by card, many terminals offer tip buttons, but cash goes straight into the barber's hand. Either is normal.
What does a tip look like at our prices?
Here is what the usual percentages come to at our published prices. These are examples of etiquette, not a shop policy.
| Service | Price | 15 percent | 20 percent | 25 percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut | $25 | $3.75 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| Fade | $30 | $4.50 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| Kids cut | $20 | $3.00 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| Line up | $16 | $2.40 | $3.20 | $4.00 |
| Bald head with straight razor | $35 | $5.25 | $7.00 | $8.75 |
Most people round these to the nearest dollar or five. A $30 fade with a $6 tip comes to $36. Our haircut and fade cut prices are on the service pages, so you can work out your amount before you sit down.
Do barber styles change how much you tip?
The style of cut does not change the percentage, but the effort can. A detailed fade, a hair design or a long scissor cut takes more time and skill than a basic trim, and many people tip more for that.
Here is how it tends to go in practice. A clean, simple cut gets the standard 15 to 20 percent. A skin fade, a hard part or a design with a razor line takes more attention, so 20 to 25 percent is common. A scissor cut on long hair takes time, and a tip toward the higher end says thanks.
If you are not sure which style to ask for, our guide to the types of barber haircuts covers the common ones, and men's hairstyles shows how they compare. Some men bring in a photo of a trending style, and it can help to ask the barber how long it will take.
When should you tip more?
Tip more when the barber went above the usual, when you are a regular who gets extra care, or when the cut was a hard job. You can also tip more around holidays as a thank you.
- You came in early or the barber stayed to fit you in.
- You wanted a detailed design or a tricky style.
- The shop was busy and the barber stayed patient with your kid.
- You are bringing a long beard, a very thick head or a head that needs a lot of work.
- It is a holiday or a big event, and you want to say thanks.
Some men also tip more because they know their barber relies on tips. That is a personal choice. We open at 7 AM Friday to Sunday, and for a barber who starts that early, our early morning hours are a good moment to say thanks with a tip.
How much do you tip for a kids cut or a shave?
Tip the same percentage on a kids cut, or round up to the next dollar or five. If your child was patient, or the barber was patient with them, a little extra is appreciated.
For a kids cut at $20, $4 is a common tip, and $5 is generous. First haircuts can take longer because kids wiggle, so many parents tip a bit more. For shaves and head shaves, the same range applies. A bald head with a straight razor at $35 comes to $7 at 20 percent.
If your barber also trims your beard, you can add the beard price to the total before you work out the percentage, or tip separately. If you take our package, base the tip on the package total. Our groom package guide shows what is in each package, and prices for beard work are by call.
Should you tip the owner of the shop?
In most barbershops, yes. The old idea that you do not tip the owner is out of date. If the owner cuts your hair, the same etiquette applies as for any barber.
Some customers feel awkward tipping someone who owns the chair, so they skip it. Most owners are happy to get it, and it shows respect for the work. If you are not sure, a smaller tip is better than none.
Etiquette also says to tip on the price before any discount, not on the price after. If you used a coupon, tip on the full amount. And if you are happy, tell them too, because a word of thanks and a recommendation to a friend mean a lot. Policies on tipping can vary, so check with the shop if you want to know how it is handled.
What if you cannot tip or want to skip it?
Tipping is not required, and nobody can make you. If money is tight, a sincere thank you and coming back is better than an awkward amount. You can also tip a bit more next time.
If you were unhappy with the cut, speak up before you leave. A good barber will fix it. If you cannot fix it, you can tip less. Do not skip the tip because you forgot your cash. Ask about paying by card.
A small tip is better than no tip if the barber did what you asked. Before you decide, remember that a cut takes years to learn, and the people at the chair often work long days. A thoughtful tip says you notice.
Visit Lilacroix Barbers in Laurelton
Lilacroix Barbers is at 232-12 Merrick Blvd in Laurelton, Queens, and our barbers have served Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans, Cambria Heights and Queens Village. Read more about undercut styles or whether to shave your head before you come in, then book a haircut.
We are open Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 7 AM to 5 PM. Walk ins are welcome, and we take cash and major credit cards. Call (718) 749-5800 to check the wait, or see our contact page.
Questions readers ask
How do you ask a barber for a scissor cut?
Say you want a scissor cut, say how long you want it on top and sides and describe how you wear it. A barber can use scissors over the comb for the whole head instead of clippers.
Can you get a scissor cut at a barber shop?
Yes. Lilacroix offers a scissor cut at $25, and the barber can also use scissors on top while clippers do the sides.
Is it rude not to tip a barber?
Tipping is customary but optional. Most barbers appreciate a tip, though a polite thank you and coming back matter too.
Should I tip in cash or on a card?
Either is fine. Cash goes straight to your barber, and many people prefer it.
Do you tip on the price before a discount?
Common etiquette is to tip on the full price, since the work is the same.