You just got a $30 haircut in West Vancouver and left a $5 tip. Now you're second-guessing yourself—was that enough? Too much? Here's how to think about it.
The Math: $5 on $30 Is About 17%
A $5 tip on a $30 service comes out to approximately 16.7%. This is technically acceptable but falls slightly below the 18-20% range that's considered standard for good service in Canadian salons.
What Would Be Considered Standard?
On a $30 haircut, the percentage breakdowns are 15% ($4.50), 18% ($5.40), 20% ($6.00), and 25% ($7.50). Your $5 tip falls between the 15% and 18% marks. It's not a bad tip, but it's also not quite hitting the "good service" standard of 18-20%.
Should You Have Tipped More?
If the service was good—you got what you asked for, the stylist was professional and friendly, the experience was pleasant—a $6 tip would have been more in line with expectations. That said, you're only 60 cents below the 18% mark. This isn't a significant offense.
If the service was just adequate—nothing wrong, nothing special—your $5 tip is perfectly reasonable. It's above the minimum acceptable level.
The Easy Rule Going Forward
For services in the $30-40 range, an easy rule is to tip $6-8. This keeps you solidly in the 18-22% range without having to do math. For $30 specifically, $6 is 20%—easy to remember and generous enough to be appreciated.
Don't Overthink It
Stylists and barbers understand that not everyone tips exactly 20%. Your $5 tip showed appreciation for the service. It's not like you stiffed them. For next time, consider rounding up to $6, but don't lose sleep over this one.
Context Matters
Where you got the haircut also provides context. At a casual barbershop where speed is the norm, $5 on $30 is fine. At a salon where there was a genuine consultation and personalized attention, closer to $6 would be more appropriate.
Building Consistency
If this is your regular stylist, consistent 20% tipping is worth the small extra investment. It builds a relationship that can improve your experience over time. For a one-time visit somewhere you won't return, your $5 tip was adequate.