Tipping your barber, straight

In the US, tipping your barber is customary. Most barbers count on it, especially the many who rent their chair and run their own business.

How much

• 15 to 20% of the service price is the common range.
• 20% or more when the cut is great, the barber fit you in last-minute, or the job was harder than usual.
• On a $40 cut, that's $6 to $8, or more for great work.

Cash or card

Either is fine. Cash reaches your barber the same day. A card tip is just as real, as long as it goes to them in full.

Moments that call for more

• The holidays: many people tip the price of one cut in December.
• A big change: a dramatic new look, a grow-out plan, a correction.
• Event days: weddings, graduations, the morning of something that matters.
• When they stayed late or came in early for you.

If you can't tip much

Tip what you can, and tell people who did your cut. A review, a referral or a tag on your fresh cut is worth a lot to an independent barber. Rebooking your next visit before you leave helps too.