Suggested tip: Up to you
Laser hair removal is considered a medical service at most facilities, including Seaside Skin Care in Los Angeles, and just like you wouldn't tip your primary care doctor, gratuity isn't expected. "There is no expectation for tipping, but when patients do choose to tip, it's typically within the 15-20 percent range," says lead laser nurse Kristin Daniel of Seaside Skin Care.
Generally speaking, if you do choose to tip, the amount of a tip is often related to the cost of the service, which means you may be paying a higher tip for larger areas like full legs or arms. On the flip side, smaller areas like the under arms are generally less expensive to treat and may result in a lower tip. "Patients usually tip as a percentage of the treatment price. However, we want to stress that there is no expectation of gratuity for medical services such as laser hair removal."
Tipping practices can vary in this setting, and ultimately, the decision is up to you. "There are patients who tip each time, those who tip at the time of the package purchase, and those who don't tip at all," says Daniel.
