🇦🇺Australia · Hairdresser / Barber
How much to tip a hairdresser in Australia (2026 Guide)
OptionalCash or card
A$5–20 for an excellent cut/colour; many do not tip at all
Tipping calculator
$
Cultural notes
Australian hairdressers are paid award wages and tipping is not standard. The recent trend among urban under-30s is to leave a flat A$5–20 in cash at the basin or directly to the stylist for great service, especially for colour work that has been long and skilled. At budget barbershops, no tip is normal. EFTPOS terminals at many salons now show tip prompts (5/10/15%); locals routinely skip these without comment.
Common mistakes
Tipping 20% on a A$300 balayage to mirror US norms.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I give the tip to if there is a colourist and a junior who shampooed me?
Cash to whichever person did the bulk of the work; the salon may pool tips.
Is it ok to tip the salon owner if they did my hair?
Yes, owners accept tips in Australia (unlike some other countries).
Tipping other services in Australia
- Sit-down restaurantRound up to nearest A$5–10, or 10% at upmarket venues
- Counter / takeawayNo tip; drop coins in the jar if you want
- CaféDrop coins in the tip jar, or nothing
- BarGenerally nothing; offer to "buy them a drink" for great service
- HousekeepingA$2–5 per night at upscale hotels; nothing at budget
- PorterA$2–5 per bag at upscale hotels; nothing elsewhere
- ConciergeNothing routinely; A$10–20 for a meaningful favour
- TaxiRound up to nearest A$5 or A$10
- RideshareOptional in-app tip A$1–5; most riders leave nothing
- Food deliveryOptional in-app tip A$2–5 for difficult orders
- Grocery deliveryGenerally nothing; A$2–5 only for very large orders
- SpaNothing routinely; A$10–20 for exceptional treatment
- Tour guideA$10–20 per person full-day; A$2–5 short walking tours
- Tattoo artist10–20% in major-city studios; flat A$20–50 for smaller pieces
- ValetA$2–5 cash on car return
- Airport baggageA$2–5 per bag if a porter assists (rare)
- BuskerA$1–5 in the hat if you stop to listen
- MoversNo cash tip; offer cold drinks, snacks or lunch
- TradespersonNo tip; cup of tea / cold drink is the norm
Last verified: · Sources: lonelyplanet.com