Guide
How Much to Tip at a Nail Salon
Tipping questions come up a lot, especially from first-time guests, so here's the plain version.
The General Range
Most guests tip 15–20% of the service total, similar to a restaurant. For a $50 service, that's roughly $8–$10. Cash is always appreciated, but card tips work too.
When Guests Tip a Little More
A longer, more detailed service — intricate nail art, a full set with a lot of prep work — is where a lot of guests round up past the standard 20%. Never expected, just common.
It's Never Required or Tracked
Tipping is entirely up to you and has zero bearing on the quality of care you'll get next time. If unsure, 15–20% is a safe, standard choice.
Splitting Between Multiple Technicians
If you had one technician for your manicure and a different one for your pedicure, it's common to tip each separately — just let the front desk know at checkout.