Ah, tipping, it’s always awkward facing your tech when you’re checking out at the register. I go to this place that does lhr only and had recently had my first appointment, ever. When I paid I received a receipt that had a tipping line. So basically they are expecting tips I assume… my question is, what percentage do I tip? 20% is out of the question because I’m already paying $200 a pop. But seriously, is ten bucks okay? How much do techs make hourly? I don’t want to be cheap… ugh
If a client hands me a “tip” (and sometimes they do), I politely hand it back and say (with a laugh), “Thanks, but tipping is ‘illegal’.”
It all depends on how you view “hair removal?” Is it medical, or are you at the “beauty shop?”
Would you hand a “tip” to your doctor or dentist? Frankly, I think having a place on a receipt for a “tip” is downright tacky! (I would give them 25 cents … or a dime … and maybe that would make the point?)
I personally see hair removal as a medical procedure. It is NOT as simple as waxing, shaving, or epilating. It’s a science that requires training, practice, expertise, and vast amounts of knowledge (to do it properly). We, as customers, pay for this experience and expertise at the checkout when we spend, usually at the very least, a couple hundred dollars every single time we go. Think about how much hair removal will cost you (for most people here, in the thousands!) I guess, like Michael said, it depends on how you view it.
If the place is a spa type set up, then the tip line is a default due to the spa services provided on site.
In everything, tipping is about the gratuity. If you don’t feel gratitude above and beyond what you were required to pay, then don’t tip. Most won’t think anything of the fact that you did not.
Thank you so much for the replies… I always feel guilty and obligated to tip. I dont want to be “the cheap one”, and you know, this isnt a spa and is specifically lhr. Sigh… I guess I shouldnt be so bothered by what people think of me. I also feel like they wont like me as their client if I dont tip, but maybe I’m just thinking too much.
You are thinking too much.
When I first started doing hair removal and people started giving me tips, I was puzzled. My thought was, “How is it that this person is looking to bargain hunt on everything, and wants to haggle on any price discussed, but is now handing me extra money.” It finally bothered me enough to start asking people about it.
I came to find that the tippers fell into two categories. Some people who felt like you looked at it as and obligation, and some thought of buying a special place in my heart to get better service, and maybe ability to get appointments on short notice, and other perks. Others were genuinely impressed with the work, and happy with the impact it would bring to their lives. This latter group fit the description of the definition of gratuity. The were genuinely grateful and wanting to express that to my with anything from cash, to theater tickets, and as my signature picture shows, World Championship Belts 
I began explaining to my clients that I did not expect tips, I did not encourage tips, but I also did not turn them down. The reason being, I learned that to do so would actually be the equivalent to refusing, or sending back a birthday gift, if the person was offering the tip as a true gratuity and not as a cave in to some preconceived notion of my expectations. It has been a wonderful lift for both me and my clients. Those who are liberated from the constant expectation that they need to pay me more than I have asked for relax and get their work done. Those who want to give me tokens of their appreciation feel liberated in the form that expression is manifested. Some people never tip, and then from out of nowhere drop a birthday or some other holiday gift on me, and others have started a thing where they have given me “Graduation Presents” when they finish their course of work. It is kind of like a farewell gift. As pictured here on HairTell, one month I got an on field authentic football jersey with my name and number on it from one client, while another got me a special trophy of accomplishment. (I think some of my clients who know each other try to out do each other)
If you were my client, I would tell you, no tips expected. If you find that you actually want to, and have the means to do so at any time, you will be reminded that it is not expected, and no one will think less of you if you don’t, but once that is understood, such expressions will be freely accepted in the spirit they are offered.
Interesting points. I have been receiving services at a place that is set up like a medical clinic. They offer laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, vein removal, etc (not a beauty salon setting or spa). Most people on the internet agree with the above, that it is a medical procedure. I was all set to not tip until my receipt came out with a tip line and I noticed little money envelopes at the front desk. I asked if tipping was customary, the receptionist said it was a personal choice but most people tip. Since then I tip about $20 for every session because I didn’t want to seem rude or unappreciative. I suppose “if you build it, they will tip.”