A bit of an update to this. A friend who uses the same salon got the same treatment from another employee. Add to that the bum's rush she got when she tried to make an appointment closer to Thanksgiving. She was told that those days are for 'special customers only'. After using this salon a couple times a month for several years, she felt she was being told to make a bigger tip now in order to get a prime appointment.

Her reaction was the same as mine! No! She reacted smarter than I did. She always puts the salon charges on a credit card and tips in cash. She paid the salon charges and walked out without leaving her usual tip, but left a smaller one in wadded up bills.

Does the salon owner know? No idea, but this could be a revenge plot by his 'girls'.