Tipping at a Hair Salon

[mugsyb]

I need some help with a situation that happened at a hair salon.

Last night I went to a local salon at the mall and had both my children's hair cut. The 3 year girl's cut was $20 and the 11 month old boy's cut was $15. I was the only customer in the entire salon.

The stylist cut both of my children's hair. The receptionist read a book to my daughter while the stylist cut her hair and then the receptionist blow dried her hair. I'm not sure if she did this because of her job--or because she wanted to dry her hair. I don't think that was her specific job-I"ve gone to salons like that and this wasn't this type of salon.

At the end of the service I gave a tip to the stylist for $10--hoping she would share some of the tip with the receptionist. ( I had read somewhere that this is customary at some salons--the stylist sharing tips). I thought about going back last night to give her some more tip but then a friend said that the stylist probably did share a tip and then it would be over-tipping.

I felt guilty immediately afterward and thought I should have tipped the receptionist for her help. I never know what to do in a situation like this--tipping.

I couldn't sleep well last night, feeling horrible about the situation.

Should I go back today to the salon to give the receptionist a tip? I don't know if I'll use the salon again, but feel really bad. What would I say anyway when I return.

Thanks for your help!

[jamesglewisf]

You don't normally tip receptionists.

I guarantee you that you have spent more time thinking about it than the receptionist has. If you use them again, take care of it then.