To tip or not to tip (that is the question....)

[sue11]

I have just come out of my 2nd visit to a different hairdressor and so far I have not tipped them anything. I had a cut and colour (as on the previous first visit) and the stylist left me with the receptionist to pay the bill. During this the colourist came over and started playing with her tip box, turning it over and opening it to look inside. I took this as her silent reminder that she is expecting a tip!
I am not against tipping staff and wonder if I should be doing so, but I have had a few bad experiences with hairdressing salons, with the last one, I used to tip each visit giving at least £10 sometimes £20 to my stylist who would cut and colour herself, the bill would be between £90 to £120 depending on the treatments I had. I felt that I had got into an awkward situation where a tip was expected regardless. the stylist started out okay doing my hair, but the service I received got progressively worse, sometimes she could not even be bothered to cut my hair on a visit, regardless of what I had booked in for.
This is why I am very hesitant to tip in the new salon, I have not been over the moon with the result so far, the first time the stylist cut the front too short, today the colourist told me she would leave the colour on for 30 mins and I was left for about 50 mins. I had a chat with the stylist today and we agreed that she would not cut the front this time, she acknowledged my concern and she seems to be trying her best to get my hair in the style I like, although she has not quite achieved the finished result so far.
What does everyone think? Am I being mean and should I be tipping the staff regardless to show my appreciation of the work they are doing, even though things are not right at the moment. My worry is that if I tip and they do not get any better, then I am tipping them for a poor service!
Thanks for your thoughts
Sue

[Eve]

I've always seen tipping as for good service, essentially a reward/treat I guess. When I was a waitress I never expected tips but they were very gratefully received and I felt it was nice to know it was for good service more than these days when it's more expected.

I find the tipping culture in New York strange and, in a way, pointless. It's just expected and often bluntly asked for (including if they think you haven't given enough), I don't see why they don't just incorporate the extra into prices and pay people more and encourage employees to provide a better (rather than bullish) service to earn any tips.

I agree with ummmm about not wanting to indulge someone who is hinting for a tip.

I rarely tip taxi drivers around here (save leaving change like China or for particularly good service). It seems like many of them just don't seem to have a clue where a lot of places are and I usually have to direct them (or redicrect them!).

[sue11]

Thank you for all your further responses, crisper it is nice to hear it from the hairdressers side!
I think I have definately been overgenerous with my tips in the past, once you start with that sort of money, it is difficult to back track and give less as it may cause offence and the person on the receiving end wondering what they have done wrong to get a lesser tip on that occasion. I will see what the next visit produces, if I am still not that happy, I will look around for another hairdresser.
Many thanks all.
Sue