For a premium service like a $300 haircut, the standard tipping etiquette in the U.S. remains 20%, which would be $60. Tipping at this level is expected for high-end stylists who provide precision work, extensive consultations, and a luxury experience. If the $300 price tag includes a complex service like a full balayage, color correction, or extensions—which can take 4 to 6 hours—a tip of 22% to 25% ($66 to $75) is often appropriate to reflect the time and technical skill involved. If an assistant performed your shampoo and scalp massage, it is customary to tip them separately, usually $5 to $10 in cash, as they often do not share in the stylist's main tip. While tipping is technically optional, in the luxury salon industry, it is considered a vital part of the stylist's income and a way to maintain a good relationship for future appointments. If you are truly unhappy with the result, it is better to speak with the manager than to simply leave no tip.