With so much to do this time of year and so much on already frazzled minds, it's easy to forget some of the “little people” who help make our worlds go ‘round. Sure, you’re already paying for a service…and yeah, you always tip…but what about that fantastic airbrushing job your nail tech did? Or the appointment your hair stylist squeezed in at the last minute?

That’s right, I’m talking about a little extra holiday cheer for those special people in your life who work day in and day out to keep you looking, and feeling, your best – hair stylists, hair colorists, nail techs, massage therapists and on down the line. They ache over your acrylics, slave over your skin and share your heartache over hair so don’t forget to give a little something extra to all those who make a living making you even more beautiful than you already are.

While you should already be tipping nail techs and hair stylists anywhere from 10-20% (10% for average service, more for outstanding service), you want to make sure there’s a little something extra in their tip jar this time of year.

 Not only does it show you appreciate all their hard work year-round, but it’s a guaranteed way to make sure you stand out in their eyes for having remembered them. If you can afford it, an extra $10.00 - $60.00 depending on the amount of service provided (according to The Emily Post Institute) is a fabulous way to say happy holidays. If that seems a little steep, consider an extra 15% on top of what you normally tip instead. And, if your stylist is in a high end salon where he or she isn’t the one shampooing you, someone else does your blow outs or up-dos, or you have a separate colorist, slip a little something extra to them as well.

Since cash is tight for everyone right now, if you can’t reasonably afford to tip more, don’t just blow it off! If the thought of irking the person holding your hair in one hand and a pair of shears in the other isn’t reason enough, consider that you started going to this person for a service how long ago? And you’ve continued to go to them why?

If you can’t spread the cheer with cash, consider a gift instead. A gift card to a beauty supply store would surely be appreciated or maybe a gift certificate for a massage to soothe aching hands and feet. Perhaps a token of their trade (a new pair of shears your stylist has been eyeing, or a full bottle of the nail color you always bring for your nail tech to use that she compliments every time) or even a more personal gift (like jewelry – what gal doesn’t love something sparkly) if you’re a little closer to your hair cutting or nail polishing guy or gal. 

Still too rich for your blood? How about homemade goodies?

Bring a tray of assorted sweets for everyone in the salon to snack on and if you really want to go the extra mile, make sure a few of them are sugar-free (and marked as such or otherwise noted) for anyone who may be battling the bulge or diabetic. It really is all about the thought, and a plate of tasty treats will leave a sweeter impression than having blown off some of the most important people in your life.

There are still a few salons and spas that don’t allow their staff to accept tips or specialty gifts, so if you’re unsure about giving to someone you’ve never tipped before or whether or not a gift exceeds an acceptable monetary value, ask.

Never assume that because it hasn’t been done before, that it can’t be done. And, if it all comes down to it, write a wonderful letter to your stylist’s boss, singing their shear slinging praises right into the New Year.

Sometimes Santa’s elves are where we least expect to find them, so make sure you stop and think about the people in your life who make things just a little easier with their knowledge, patience and expertise when you’re making out your list this holiday season.

*Photos from img.photobucket.com (CLBHEADCUTIE), localwin.com, luxyachts.com