Even though that's true and the main reason why I don't tip my barber, I could imagine someone tipping a barber who charges 100 or 150 pesos for a haircut since after paying for the place , electricity, etc maybe brings in 20 to 30,000 a month and those extra 100 pesos come in handy. Even being his own boss.
In our Barrio, haircuts are usually done on Sunday afternoons in front of the Colmado while sitting in a chair, listening to music, and sharing a cold Presidente. There are usually three or four Barberos, as well as la mujeres doing nails. Haircuts are done using a Gellette razor blade for the Dominican men and charge 50-100 pesos. If a Barbero does a special design for someone, he gets a propina otherwise no tip. there is one woman that does nails and ladies hair too. She's who cuts my gringo hair which is longer and finer than the Dominicano hair. She charges me 150 pesos plus we share a Presidente or two as the men make pretty good fun of me having this Chica cut my hair. Great way to spend a Sunday.
Regarding Tipping in the DR, we pull into Ocean World and I request a line handler on the radio. Usually two show up. Gaby throws them the lines, they tie us off, come aboard and help with the shore power cable. I always hand them each $5.00 us and they immediately ask for our wash bucket and soap. Gaby get things for them while we are preparing to leave and they wash down the boat. They do a good job too, so I always hand them each another $5.00. They are always pretty happy with it. There is a reason I tip them well.. As I am thanking them for washing the boat and their help, Gaby is busy giving them our local number and telling them that if there is anything wrong with the boat to call her, and if nothing is broke or missing when we come back, she will have them help her prepare to depart and there will be more propina for them. Works every time and it's money well spent. Same with checking in and checking out. A little propina speeds things up a lot, and makes things easier. It's pocket change really, but is certainly appreciated by them and most certainly their families. I know Mariners that are muy taca?o and always complain about tipping officials and they seem to always have problems. We don't usually.
