Ah, Christmas. Time with family, movies in bed, and hot chocolate by the fireplace – the festive season could be pure bliss – in theory. Instead, we’ve got endless amounts of planning, parties, and present-buying to worry about – decidedly un-bliss, if you ask us. Not to mention, there’s the prepping of yourself to think about.
If you’re ready for a break from the excitement of Christmas planning, you’re in luck. When it comes to hair, beauty & grooming – we’ve got the ultimate guide. No more last-minute dashes to the (fully booked) barbers, or trying to apply falsies whilst roasting the potatoes. Nope, this year you’ll know exactly what to book, and when to book for. Think of it as an early Christmas present from us, to you.
By Beth
Book now-
1 18-20 days to goBeen collecting inspo for a new winter hair colour for weeks? Now’s the time to finally take the plunge and start booking. Colouring can take a while (around 2-4 hours depending on the length and thickness of your hair) – so it’s well worth getting your booking in early before your fave salon fills up. Plus, if you don’t completely love it, you’ll have plenty of time for a touch-up.
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2 14-16 days to go
Your skin could use some extra love this month (stress, sugar, and booze – we’re looking at you). A good facial can be just the ticket for radiant holiday skin – not to mention, a much-needed dose of mid-madness pampering. Results are at their best 10-15 days post-facial, so book yours for around a fortnight before the big day. Glowing skin and the perfect canvas for any party season make-up *looks*.
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3 10-12 days to go
We’re halfway through the month, which means we’re well into the December delight of detangling Christmas lights and ticking off the last-min presents from your list. Essentially, our bodies and minds could do with a bit of a boost. A relaxing massage can relieve stress, improve mood and sleep, and have you feeling refreshed and revitalised – enough to get you through the rest of the month. Plus, it can help detox some of those pesky waste products from your body.
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4 9 days to go
Split ends? Quick fringe trim? Totally new look? Around a week and a half before Christmas is the perfect time for a haircut touch-up. You’ll still have that fresh trim feeling, but you’ll also have had enough time to get used to look and feel (we’ve all felt that post-haircut panic when you realise you actually have no idea how to style those brand new bangs – no, thank you).
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5 6 days to go
There’s nothing better than the *I woke up like this* feeling of perfect lashes and groomed brows – especially when those Christmas nights out are starting to catch up with you. Book your appointment for around a week before Christmas – this will mean they’ll last through Christmas to New Year’s Eve. For a more natural brow look, a tint and wax is a great go-to. If you’re a fan of soap brows – brow lamination is the semi-permanent alternative. For lashes, a lash lift and tint is perfect for those who want to enhance their natural lashes, and eyelash extensions are ideal for a more glam look. The choice is yours – either way, it’s less time applying makeup in the morning, and more time sleeping off those mulled wines. Bliss.
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6 5-7 days to go
Less than 1 more week to treat yourself well. For silky smooth skin (if you’re into that) – now’s the best time to book. Whether you opt for waxing, sugaring, or threading – any irritation will have had plenty of time to ease off by your sequin dress bare-leg debut. Plus, you’ll have enough time to leave it a few days before your pre-Christmas spray tan. If you are heading for a wax – make sure to read this first to make it as pain-free as possible.
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7 3-5 days to go
Now you’re ready for a few finishing touches.
We’ve been waiting for this moment more eagerly than Christmas itself – it’s time for the festive mani (!!) Gel polish will ensure your digits are chip-free and flawless, and should stay that way into the new year. And if you’re into the more ‘au naturel’ look? A classic mani without polish is the perfect way to feel clean and refined (and more importantly – pampered) for the big day.
Now’s also the best time for a trip to the barbers. A fresh beard trim will give you a sharp look, ready for the Christmas (and pre-Christmas) celebrations.
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8 1 day to go
You’ve got your colour and cut sorted – so now it’s time for the icing on the cake (or rather, the angel on the Christmas tree) – a good ol’ salon-fresh blow-dry. A classic bouncy blow dry, subtle waves, or an uber glam Hollywood style – ask your hairdresser to pin the style up so that it lasts as long as possible (from your Christmas Eve pub trip right through to your turkey and stuffing). Merry Christmas ✨
Book your Christmas blow-dry ➡️
From all of us here at Treatwell, wishing you Merry ‘me-time’ this Christmas 🥰🎄
Look, feel & book better with Treatwell this Christmas. Find salons in seconds with our app, and try Top Rated treatments near you.
FAQs
When should you book your hair colouring for Christmas?
Book your hair colouring 18-20 days before your main event. This timing gives you enough time for a touch-up if you want to adjust the colour and helps you secure a spot before salons get fully booked. The process can take 2-4 hours, depending on your hair length and thickness.
How long before Christmas should you get a facial?
Schedule your facial about 14-16 days ahead for the best results. Radiant, glowing skin develops 10-15 days after a facial, making it the perfect choice for prepping before the party season. A facial also provides much-needed pampering during holiday stress.
What’s the best time to get brows and lashes done for the festive season?
Book your brows and lashes appointment around 6 days before your event. This ensures your lashes and brows will last through multiple nights out, giving you extra time for sleep instead of morning make-up. Choose a lash lift and tint for a natural look or eyelash extensions for more glamour.
When should you book hair removal before a party?
Schedule your waxing, sugaring, or threading 5-7 days before your party. This allows any skin irritation to calm down before your event and leaves you time for a spray tan if desired. Book in advance for the best experience and smooth results.
How far in advance should you get your nails or a beard trim?
Book your manicure or barber appointment 3-5 days before the big day. This keeps your nails flawless and chip-free with gel polish or leaves you polished with a classic mani. For a sharp look, a beard trim close to the event ensures you feel your best at celebrations.