As a stylist, I can say that I am ALWAYS greatful for holiday extras!
As a matter of fact, you Gratuity shows your level of satisfaction with my services, however, if you're a "frequent flyer" and a great tipper... you will most definitely be bumped to the top of the priority list if you need to get in suddenly, or if therequired is a scheduling conflict and need to move things around. I have very few who exercise their right not to leave Gratuity, and that's fine... but they can't expect me to come in early/late or to work through my lunches for them when they monetary gains just aren't there. If there is an opening in my book, the can have it, if you're a great tipper, I'll make one for you.
Keep in mind. This is our job. We work for wages just like you do. However, if I'm going to take time away from my family, I need to know that it's well worth it. If you have never tipped, you probably won't now. Unfortunately, I'll pass. Try to see things from our perspective as well. You may see 20%-25% as high, but consider what we are working with, what we are doing, in the time allotted, trying to interpret your mind and create it on you. That's a tall order. Most of us don't necessarily charge what we should for our products either, considering they raise prices quarterly (at least here they do). If we did that to you, you all would have a fit! So we eat the cost as long as we can.
I know my Gratuities are saved for my 18 month old. Not spent on my self, but put in an account for him. So all of the therapy we provide, all of the smiles we get to see when we turn that chair around can ultimately be the most rewarding career ever!