Navigating tipping etiquette can be tricky, especially at medspas, where a blend of luxury and medical treatments are offered. Are you expected to tip for Botox? How about microneedling or hydrafacials? Based on insights from seasoned industry professionals, here's a helpful guide to clarify when and where tipping is customary.

To Tip or Not to Tip at a Medspa?

At a medspa, tipping largely depends who performs the service more than the type of service. Medical professionals typically administer treatments that are considered more "medical" like botox and filler, while estheticians handle services like microneedling and chemical peels.  While tipping norms vary, understanding standard practices can help ease any uncertainties. 

Injectables: Botox, Fillers, and Other Medical Treatments

Tipping isn't typically expected for medical treatments like Botox, fillers, and lasers. These procedures are usually administered by medical professionals such as MD/DOs, PAs, or NPs, who often view their work as part of medical care rather than spa services.

As Meg Taylor, a nurse practitioner and medspa owner, explains:

"I personally do not accept tips for any treatments I perform."

You can generally skip the tip if a licensed medical injector performs your treatment. The industry standars is they do not accept tips for injectables like botox and filler. However, a kind word or a positive review is always appreciated and goes a long way!

Skincare Services: Facials, Microneedling, and Hydrafacials

When it comes to hands-on skincare treatments performed by estheticians—like facials, microneedling, dermaplaning, or hydrafacials—tipping is much more common and appreciated.

Here are 2 Examples:

Laken, a licensed esthetician, who works at a medspa owned by a physician shares:

"Typically, injectors and doctors don't take tips. Estheticians, however, usually accept tips."

If you're unsure whether to tip, ask about the medspa's tipping policy beforehand.  It's also common to ask your esthetician about commission—both out of curiosity and as a way to acknowledge their expertise.

Mallory, an esthetician at an esthetician-owned aesthetics office, explains:

"Tips are appreciated, never expected. Most people do tip me on every service I offer. In my case, people know I own my business and I work for myself, but they still tip. When I worked in a medspa owned by a physician, some clients assumed I got a high commission, which wasn't always the case."

Your Turn: Do You Tip at a Medspa?

What’s your take on medspa tipping? Do you leave a tip for Botox or fillers? How about for treatments like hydrafacials or microneedling? We’d love to hear your experiences—drop a comment below and let’s chat about tipping etiquette!