Even so, commission-based pay is still the most popular method for nail salons, and while in some cases salons offer low commission percentages that force nail techs to become dependent on tips, in others, commission percentages are more substantial. At Base Coat in Denver, for example, nail techs have the option to earn either an hourly rate, which starts at $13 an hour (and is above minimum wage) or 35 to 50 percent commission per service. The techs work eight-hour days, but with a one-hour lunch break built into their schedules. Tran Wills, the salon's owner, reveals she "grew up in salons" (her mother, also a nail tech, has worked in one all of her life), and so for this reason she wanted to make sure her techs were taking home a fair amount. Before tips, Base Coat nail artists can make anywhere between $2,500 to $3,500 a month, Wills says.
At Olive and June in Los Angeles, a shop sign explains the reasoning behind a new 10 percent charge appearing on customers' bills. "We are proud to announce that we've transitioned our manicurist team from freelancers to employees," the sign reads, continuing: "In order to help support this, an employee benefits charge of 10 percent will be added to all services. This charge is not a tip."
In other cases, nail techs have the option to rent a booth. Explains Wills: "[Some nail techs] rent a space within the salon, pay flat monthly rent to the studio owner, and take no commission." In those cases, nail techs would operate as their own business owners, providing their own clients and tools, and booking their own appointments. "It’s not really [as] common for nails technicians as it is for hair stylists," she adds. "Nail technicians who do this [typically] have a huge clientele and want to be their own boss."
How Much to Tip
In the end, tipping is all about customer satisfaction, so a standard 15 to 20 percent per nail tech, per service, is a fair amount, assuming you were happy with your experience. At Lacquer salon in Austin, nail technicians receive an average 18 percent tip for each service, though some customers will tip as high as 30 percent. "It’s really based on the relationship that [our customers] have [with our nail techs] and how great they felt their service was," concludes Hatler. At Poppy & Monroe in Nashville, the tips are closer to 20 percent. "If for any reason we don’t [provide great service]," Kops states, "then I can understand a lower gratuity, but I would I say 95 to 98 percent of the time, gratuity is 20 percent and above.” Similarly, at Base Coat, 20 percent gratuity is encouraged for all services.
Had one nail artist do your mani and one do your pedi? Tip both, and always do so in cash. While some salons allow tips to be put on credit card, you'll never be entirely certain your nail tech will end up receiving it, so cash is your safest bet. While the industry does seem to be improving slightly, thanks to the growing realization around the mistreatment of nail salon workers, tipping your nail tech a fair cash gratuity can only help.
This story is part of the Glamour guide to tipping. Tips are approximate and based on varying factors. Learn more about how much to give in this seven-part series.
Photos: Stocksy
