Laser hair removal, do you tip?

[pixiejenna]

I decided to do do laser hair removal, I am doing my armpits, Brazilian, and full legs. I prepaid for 9 sessions and when they were checking checking me out the “register“ asked if I wanted to tip. I selected no because I was initially taken back by that especially considering the overall cost. I figured I could tip at each session if I decide to. I’ve never done anything cosmetic so maybe tipping is the norm and I just don’t know. I do tip on other cosmetic services like haircuts, nails, and facials. The place that I’m having it done at is a med spa and it will be done by an aesthetician if that makes a difference. If I do tip what do you guys recommend? 15-20%?

 

[880]

I do laser hair removal at my cosmetic dermatologist who is board certified and specializes in dark skin laser; cosmetic and laser surgery; and, injectables. Bc it is in a medical setting, performed by my cosmetic doctor, so I do not tip.


Any procedure that I do in a non medical office, such as spa setting (including med spa) or beauty setting, or by an aesthetician, I tip. Usually 20%. I have semi permanent ombré brows and lips done by the proprietor of Le kitsune, who works out of a dermatologist’s medical office (not my dermatologist). However, she’s not affiliated with the practice, and her services are not medical in nature, so I tip. In the old days, one did not tip the proprietor of the business, but these days, I am told, a tip is very much appreciated.

I am in the US, where tipping is generally expected, and of course custom varies elsewhere. Post Covid, the norm in NYC seems to be 20% plus. I do think that it is still the patrons choice whether to tip or not, and in what manner, up front on your CC or cash or other means per visit.

ETA: I seem to recall that there was a thread on this topic, but perhaps it covered only beauty services, not med spa or medical.

 

[pixiejenna]

Thanks for the feedback. I didn’t even think of mentioning it but I am in the US. I’m going to a medspa that I’ve had several recommendations for from people I know who’ve had it done there. I guess I will tip per session.