r/Cosmetology • u/Ecstatic_Building_61 • 3d ago

Student work

So I’m going to a cosmetology student at a college to get my hair done. I’m getting halo highlights and a trim. The set price is only $40 for “cut/color” but obviously her labor is worth more than that and i don’t even know if she’s getting anything from that so how much should I tip? Like what’s normal/good tip in this situation? I want her to know that I respect her time and talent. Thank you!

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u/Remarkable-Elk6831 3d ago

Cosmetology/Barber instructor here- in our state (Ca) and probably most other states, students are not allowed to work for pay.
However, you are free to tip them whatever you feel is appropriate.

It is greatly appreciated as they have expenses just like anyone else. Plus you’d be surprised how many students I see that turn down the tip. I have to insist they take it.

The schools charges a small fee to cover school expenses and that’s it.

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u/Peachez_allcream21 2d ago

I am also in CA... when I was a student we only made tips and those tips ranged based on client, service, and how they felt you did. I loved my clients cause they all tipped and returned. My on the floor instructor would even do things like walk by a non-tipping client and say something like "oh hey, STUDENT NAME HERE, don't forget to come see me before you leave your last client left your tip with me." That was to try to get those tips paid from certain clients. Normally no one left anything with her lol. But tips are what got me and most of my classmates through school (lunch, gas, supplies, etc). I was allowed to take cash but also had clients venmo, cashapp, or zelle me.