How Much Should I Tip a Barber?

Tip the barber for extra services such as a shave.
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While tipping your barber is not required, a tip from 15 to 20 percent of the haircut cost is a fair tip amount. Adjust the tip as you see fit based on quality of service, amount of time spent on the haircut or for extra services such as shampooing or a shave.

1 Barber Tip Basics

While 15 to 20 percent is a general guideline for barber tips, offer a tip of at least $1, as handing out change may seem insulting. If the haircut cost nothing -- for instance, if the barber offers a free cut after every 10 -- tip based on the normal price you pay for the service. If others shampoo your head or give you a shave at the barber shop, tip them at least $2 each. If you feel the barber service is either exceptional or lacking, adjust your tip as you feel necessary. An extra tip may be offered around the winter holidays as a gift; give $5 to $20 or an amount that seems fair to you based on service and how often you visit the barber.

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies.

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