First facial- how much to tip??

[Octobermommy]

I am having my first facial in a couple of hours. It costs $75 (is this normal) but my husband told me to go ahead since I have never had one and b/c I am in a wedding in a couple of weeks. How much do I tip? What is normal? I have had suggestions of $3-5 to 20% ( $15).

Thanks!

I tipped 19%! It was wonderful...now to figure out how to afford one every month or two.

[egoldber]

I always tip 15 to 20% for spa services.

[Octobermommy]

Thank you! Anyone else?

[JMS]

Definitely 15%-20%, depending of how great it is.
I actually used to get facials monthly (ah, the free time I had before kids:) ), and would often tip my facialist over %20 b/c I felt like it assured an extra great facial the next time.

I think $3-$5 would almost be insulting, but that's just my $.02.
Enjoy it, you'll absolutely love it!!!

[neeter]

Agree on the 15-20%!

$75 for a facial seems to be the average. Just one tip -- see if there's an Aveda Institute nearby. They are students and do facials for about $40. I've had several there, and all have been excellent. The instructor comes in to help analyze your skin and figure out the treatment...and the rest the student handles (which is basically applying the different cleaners/lotions, etc etc). I would highly recommend it! And this way I can afford to go every month, which is a great treat.

[Fairy]

The beauty industry universally expects a tip for good services in the 15% range. I am an overtipper cuz I'd rather overdo it and be out a couple of bucks than offend someone. That doesn't mean I do tip jars in the Subway, but beauticians, cab drivers, wait staff, I just always max out on this. So, I would leave at least 15% as a rule for the asthetician doing your facial, but me, I do up to 20% if the service is great. If it was a bad experience, but the person did a good job, still tip. If the person was eh, tip low. If the person was awful, no tip.

Facials are NOT for everyone. Sensitive skin? Rosacea? Don't do it.

[southernaccent]

15-20 percent. Some spas include a tip right in the bill, so check on that so that you don't tip like $40.

[Octobermommy]

I live in a small town, so no Aveda Institute. Thanks for the info though!

[miki]

I agree, 15-20%. I think if you tipped in the $3-5 range for a $75 facial, you are saying you thought there was something very lacking with the service.

[Octobermommy]

Thanks everyone!! Off to get the facial...