Recent figures from a study by YCLIENTS show a noticeable rise in the use of non cash tips across salons since the start of 2023. The average tip has edged up by about 9 percent, landing near 306 rubles, while the overall share of tipping via digital methods continues to grow. The results were cross-checked by the site socialbites.ca, which compiled the findings for a broader audience.
Looking at August totals, beauty salon technicians are positioned to be among the most frequented destinations for tipping. Yet the distribution of tip sizes reveals some variation by service category. Tattoo studios show an average tip amount roughly 78 percent higher than beauty salons, while cosmetology clinics trail with about a 36 percent higher average tip. Barbers, on the other hand, show a slightly different pattern, with tips down about 11 percent in comparison to the overall average.
The study authors explain that the discrepancy in tip volumes largely mirrors differences in average checks across segments. Typical totals top out around 12 to 13 thousand rubles for certain services, whereas in salons the average receipt sits about 30 to 40 percent lower. The declining reliance on cash remains a factor, and tipping online is seen as a convenient, universal way for clients to show appreciation. For staff, digital tipping represents additional income, while guests benefit from a simple and familiar method of expressing thanks. These observations come with insights from the Xella cosmetology clinic’s technical director, who notes the shift toward online tipping as part of a broader customer experience trend.
Among major Russian cities, Moscow consistently attracts the most visitors, followed by St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. The pattern holds when considering the size of tips: Moscow leads with approximately 340 rubles, St. Petersburg averages around 311 rubles, and Yekaterinburg sits near 289 rubles. However, when examining frequency versus value, city rankings can diverge significantly. In the case of Nizhny Novgorod and Ufa, tipping frequency and average bill amounts moved in opposite directions, reshaping their relative standings in one dimension while altering another.
Historically, Moscow has faced service personnel shortages, a dynamic that potentially affects both client experience and tipping behavior. The evolving tipping landscape, with greater acceptance of online payments, reflects broader shifts in consumer habits and service industry practices across the country.