Ahh…the big question of should you or should you not.  Just so you know beforehand, I am  in the service industry, so this article may seem biased; however – I have also been (still am) on the other end as a patron, a client – so here is my take on tipping.

Keep in mind that tipping your esthetician is a way of expressing satisfaction.  By no means are you required to follow any set of rules or requirements.  However, when services performed aren’t tipped for, it makes me wonder 1 main thing – did I do something wrong? 

Although tipping isn’t required, most estheticians still do expect it.  A satisfactory tipping percentage in this industry is 15%-18%, 20+% being reserved for services that you feel are above and beyond.  Not only does tipping goes hand-in-hand with the service industry, but receiving tips is also healthy for the esteem of the practitioner. 

As a patron, on the rare occasion I decide not to tip, it will be for reasons such as
     – the services were not thoroughly performed with the utmost care in mind
     – my displeasure far outweighed my level of satisfaction for any service-related reason
     - I did not get what I went in there for

Some practitioners in the field may rant that they work for the tip and they deserve it, but truly, you, the recipient, are the only one to decide that.   If you decide not to leave a tip, it would be fair to let the front desk or better yet, your practitioner, know why.  I can tell you from experience that it helps everyone have a better experience.  Most of the time, the practitioner didn’t even realize that you were dissatisfied or that something didn’t suit you quite right. 

One last point I wanted to make is that beyond all the etiquette of tipping and such, the best way to compliment your esthetician (or beautician) is simply to send her business.  Recommending her services to someone else is infinitely better than leaving her a tip.  I know I’d take that over tip any day.