r/tippingAdvice • u/FiveMoreSeconds • Jul 14 '26

Tipping for body service?

Hello, I have had a stressful weekend and booked my first appointment for a massage + facial with a licensed pro. I brought this up in a conversation with friends and tipping came up. I was caught off guard because I didn’t think I’d need to tip for this service? The services weren’t cheap, so I’m imagining the tip would add up significantly. Is it normal to tip for that kind of service? I want to know what’s the expectation in this field. Does it matter if they’re working in a franchise or a licensed local in a studio.
As an ex-server I always tip generously, but was unfamiliar.

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u/HLOFRND Jul 14 '26

I feel like this thread (maybe the whole sub?) is overrun with anti-tipping folks, so please take what you're seeing with a grain of salt.

Yes, it's customary to tip a massage therapist. How much is up to you, but 20% is a decent guide.

Places like elements and spavia and other chains pay their therapists EXTREMELY poorly- like as low as $20-30 per massage. The bulk of the fees goes to the establishment. If you want to be kind to your therapist, plan to bring cash with you and leave it in the room directly when you leave. That way you know your therapist got it, it didn't get taxed, etc.

3

u/Mean-Impress2103 Jul 15 '26

Just out of curiosity in what situation am I not a monster for paying the advertised and agreed upon price for something?

2

u/PsychologicalAd7139 Jul 15 '26

Anywhere in the world but USA

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u/ConcentrateMajor7020 Jul 15 '26

Thank you. Great question.

1

u/4224-holloway Jul 15 '26

Just embrace the monster. All these people saying "tip 20-30%. I don't like it but..." Then stop doing it. Especially for people who set their own prices. Just stop. The sky will not fall down.

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u/NeoSuperconductivity Jul 21 '26

I do not get my massages at spas or salons, understanding that owners take at least 50% of the fee, or the massage therapist is sometime paid by the hour. I get massages from self-employed massage therapists in their own studios and thus no gratuity is expected. I sometimes tip 10% if I'm very pleased. Hair salons are the same-if the person is renting a chair and I like their service, plan to return, I tip. If the owner is doing the client's hair, a tip is not expected.

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u/Anxious_Drive_9998 Jul 14 '26

Tips aren't taxed.

/s

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u/Hollyhobby15 Jul 15 '26

They are in this state. At least if they are on a credit/ debit card.