Tipping culture in the US has long been a topic of debate, with many people finding it inconvenient due to its ambiguity and sometimes high cost. Recently, a woman named Justice from Chicago sparked controversy when she admitted to not tipping her hairdresser after paying $350 for a seven-and-a-half-hour hair braiding session.
Justice, a personal trainer, explained that while she typically tips when getting her hair done, she felt that the total cost of the service already provided a profitable wage for the hairstylist. She reasoned that the rate she paid, averaging to around $46 an hour, was fair considering the time and effort involved in creating small knotless French curl braids. Justice also noted that the hairstylist worked from home, saving on commute expenses and overhead costs.
Despite acknowledging that her hairdresser was the best she had ever had and expressing her intention to return to her in the future, Justice argued that spreading positive word-of-mouth and supporting the hairstylist's business on social media was a more impactful way to show gratitude for her work.
Justice's video, posted on TikTok, received 4.6 million views and generated mixed reactions. While some criticized her for not tipping, others agreed with her perspective on tipping culture in the US. Many viewers expressed frustration with the expectation of tipping in various service industries, citing instances such as being asked for a tip when picking up takeout or ordering a pizza for pick-up.
The issue of tipping in the US is not new. Columnist Arwa Mahdawi wrote for The Guardian in 2023 that the norm of tipping at least 20% on a meal and a minimum tip of $1 for a drink has confounded European tourists and even confused Americans themselves. The constant prompts for tipping have become so widespread that almost every payment transaction in the US involves an option to add a tip.
This constant pressure to tip has led to feelings of intrusion and stress for many people. The question arises, should one feel obligated to give a 20% tip when purchasing a simple item like bread from a bakery or a vanilla cone from an ice cream shop?
The Emily Post Institute, a renowned authority on etiquette, advises that tipping in a sit-down restaurant is expected. However, when faced with tip jars or electronic screens prompting for tips, customers have the discretion to decide whether to tip or not.
Tipping culture in the US continues to be a divisive topic, with advocates arguing that it encourages better service and fair wages for service industry workers, while critics find it burdensome and inequitable. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen if there will be any significant shifts in tipping customs in the future.
