Microblading is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic and beauty procedures in the US and is now a billion-dollar industry.
If you’re booked in for a microblading procedure or have just finished and are wondering whether to tip, we’ve got you covered.
Tipping is an important part of US culture but not everyone knows the right time to dip into their wallets and when not to.
Tipping too often or when there’s no need to can make a serious dent in your finances. On the flip side, failing to tip when you really should do will often leave you red-faced.
To help you there, we’ve looked at what the custom practice is for tipping after microblading, how much to tip (if anything), how much microblading technicians earn, and much more.
Let’s take a look…
Do You Need to Tip for Microblading? The Short Answer
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to tipping after microblading. Some people do and some don’t. If you do wish to tip, then we’d suggest 10-20% of the total cost but a fixed sum is also fine of around $20-$50.
How Much Do Microblading Technicians Earn?
Microblading is often performed by estheticians and sometimes tattoo artists or other beauty specialists.
Who can perform microblading is regulated on a state level and therefore the law will differ depending on which state you have it done in.
According to Ziprecruiter, microblading technicians earn, on average, a salary of around $67,000 a year.
However, this can be quite a bit higher for self-employed technicians with a good following.
We know a microblading artist who earns well above $100,000pa but she has carved out a great little business in her local area. However, even at her level of earnings, she still makes a fair sum from the tips she receives.
Some others (normally employed ones) may earn a bit below this, especially if they’re just starting out.
On this basis, it’s not like microblading technicians are necessarily relying on your tips to get by like in some professions, such as delivery drivers and cafe workers.
The main reason many people tip is because microblading is a skilled profession and is artistic in nature and people like to tip after this type of service, much like they do after receiving a standard tattoo.
Essentially, it’s a way of thanking the technician for a job well done and appreciating their art.
Related Article:
Do You Tip For IPL
How Much Does Microblading Cost and How Much to Tip?
Another key factor in deciding how much to tip (if anything) is how much the procedure is likely to cost.
If it’s going to set you back a king’s ransom, you might think twice about stretching to a tip.
According to Cosmopolitan, depending on the experience of the artist, where you live and the extent of the treatment, expect to pay between $500 to $2000.
If you apply the standard 10-20% figure to that then you’re tip is going to be in the $50 – $400 range which we think is quite pricey.
Therefore, for many people, it is more cost-effective to tip a fixed sum without using a percentage and $20-$50 is fine.
The bottom line is that your microblader isn’t necessarily going to be expecting a tip and most likely isn’t relying on one to boost their income so they can survive like workers in some professions.
You’re hardly going to ruffle any feathers by not offering a tip and a non-monetary tip such as:
- A Google review
- A thank you card
- Flowers
- Gift vouchers
Will be just as well received.
Microblading clinics rely on word of mouth and reputation to succeed so spreading the word about their awesome service or leaving a review online will be extremely welcomed.
When to Tip and Not to Tip After Microblading
Here are some examples of when you might want to tip when you wouldn’t normally or tip a little bit extra:
- If the service is exceptional
- If the workmanship is excellent
- If you’ve received a good deal on the price
- Around the holidays
- If the microblader is just starting out
- If you’re aware it’s common to tip at that particular establishment
On the flip side, you might want to hold back a tip if:
- The tip is already included in the price (check to see if a gratuity is included before your session starts)
- If the workmanship is poor
- If you’re injured during the procedure
- If you’ve paid above market rate
- If the procedure is performed by a medical professional (most medics such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons will not accept tips as a matter of course as we discovered when we looked at whether to tip for botox and cool sculpting)
- If the microblader is rude or unprofessional
Final Thoughts
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to tipping for microblading.
Many people do because of the artistic nature of the procedure and people love tipping if they’ve had their looks enhanced.
We’d suggest 10-20% of the price or a fixed sum of around $20-50 if you’ve already paid a high sum for the procedure.
However, microblade technicians don’t really require tips to get by and you’re unlikely to raise any eyebrows (excuse the pun) by not dipping into your pocket.
For that reason, a non-monetary tip is likely to be just fine, especially a Google review, referral or other positive demonstration of your gratitude
