A professional nail artist has sparked a wild debate on Instagram after she asserted that manicurists should not always receive tips.
The hot take was shared last month by Candace Kim, a Los Angeles-based manicurist and esthetician whose work has been featured in ad campaigns for popular brands like Chobani and Ulta Beauty.
In the video, which went viral as it topped over 3.6 million views, the nail artist showed off a fresh pink manicure, writing, 'Can we normalize NOT tipping your nail girl...'
She expanded her thoughts in the caption of the clip, explaining that although she understands that there are reasons for tipping, like supplementing low wages, the whole culture around it has gotten 'out of control.'
'In my ideal world manicurists, brow artists, lash techs, hairstylists, and all other beauty pros would charge what their services and time are worth! PERIOD,' Kim wrote in the caption.
'In my ideal world manicurists, brow artists, lash techs, hairstylists, and all other beauty pros would charge what their services and time are worth! PERIOD,' Kim wrote in the caption
Professional nail artist Candace Kim sparked a wild debate on Instagram after she asserted that manicurists should not receive tips
Kim insisted that while not everyone has the opportunity to set their own prices, she does, which means that instead of accepting tips, she sets competitive prices, makes sure all costs are covered, and pays herself a fair hourly wage.
The nail artist told DailyMail.com that it's definitely a privilege to be able to work for yourself and set your own prices, but knows that her customers appreciate the flat fee.
However, she noted that it is 'totally different' for beauty pros who work in a salon or spa, as they don't get to set their own prices and tips can provide a necessary supplement to their income.
Kim said that she would 'never suggest that we stiff these people.'
'I initially shared this Reel to encourage other independent beauty pros to consider going "no tip" and also to temp check clients and get their thoughts,' she told DailyMail.com.
'Safe to say, the comments on this post have been really interesting. Goes to show just how divisive tipping culture is in the US!'
And divisive it is - in the comments section of her post, a fiery debate broke out amongst social media users, with some in complete agreeance with Kim, and others criticizing the mere thought of not tipping.
'Absolutely not. I am so delighted to tip my nail girl. I get a dazzle dry manicure and it is beautiful and not very expensive and frankly she should charge more so I'm delighted to give her a tip… And a really generous one,' one person wrote.
Kim is a Los Angeles-based manicurist and esthetician whose work has been featured in ad campaigns for popular brands like Chobani and Ulta Beauty
Kim's post set off a furious debate in the comments section of the Reel, with some users agreeing that you shouldn't tip your nail techs, while others totally disagreed and said tipping was mandatory
Another agreed, 'No, I'm sorry. This is the instance where you should be tipping. They're providing a service, using their experience and skill, and should be tipped for that.'
'You tip for a service. If you can't afford to tip, do your own nails. Tipping IS our culture until the day it isn't but that would require better base pay,' someone else typed.
One user even chimed in to write that they didn't feel it was 'appropriate' to avoid tipping your nail tech.
'No, I don't think it's appropriate to not tip your nail tech. Just my opinion. I tip my nail tech and my stylist, always,' they wrote.
Another commented, 'Yeah sorry not gonna happen. A service is a service. I will always tip for someone doing a SERVICE for me.'
However, others were divided, and admitted that they agreed with Kim on this - including some fellow nail techs.
'I agree. I've been providing tip inclusive price for years, so there is no frustration and stress, plus I get clients that meet my standard. If anyone tips me, I politely decline first time and show them extra gratitude which makes clients more satisfaction for their kind act,' one manicurist typed.
Another concurred, 'Let's normalize not tipping a lot of people. Let's normalize livable wages and not expecting the customers to pay their bills.'
One makeup artist weighed in, 'I agree! My rate is based on my experience and expertise. Therefore, it is on the higher end, but I absolutely do not expect tip. And I hold no resentment towards my clients bc I am charging them what I feel I'm worth!'
'I'm a gratuity free hairstylist and I charge my worth and I'll never go back. The client knows exactly what they'll be paying and doesn't have to do math and if they're super pleased and have extra $$ to splurge they can bring me a lil snack/drinky or buy product from me - it lowers my booth rent per my salons rental agreement,' one stylist commented.
