Your flights are booked. That first sip of Fanta lemon is within reach. Now all that’s left to do is nail your pre-holiday hair and beauty.
As every jet-setting beauty-lover knows, this part of the planning process can feel like a military operation. Picking the perfect holiday-proof treatments. Timing them just right. Keeping that fresh-from-the-salon feeling all trip long. And suddenly realising it’s all starting to feel pricier than the holiday itself. But not around here.
Our holiday guide reveals the best pre-holiday treatments, when to book them, and other expert advice guaranteed to take the stress out of your prep. Plus, we’ve got budget friendly tips to help you jet-off without breaking the bank. So, you can savour that pre-holiday anticipation, whilst we handle the planning. Ready to get started?
Book pre-holiday prep here-
1 1 week before your trip: Cut & colourLet’s face it: haircuts can sometimes take a few days to grow on us – no pun intended. Ever felt that post-haircut panic when you realise you have no idea how to style those new bangs? And sun exposure too soon can cause fresh colour to fade faster than your holiday tan. Don’t sweat it – follow these tips to keep that ‘just stepped out of the salon’ feeling all holiday long.
Holiday hair lowdown:
☀️Timing: Book your cut and colour at least a week before you jet off. This gives your colour time to settle, and you time to master your new look.
☀️Aftercare: Use a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep your colour vibrant. Consider packing a travel-sized set for your trip.
☀️Styling: Practise a few easy on-the-go styles. Think: beachy waves, slick-back buns, and claw clip ponytails. Opt for heatless options to prevent damage and dryness. Accessories with scarves or headbands that shield from the sun (bonus: they’re perfect for that Euro-Summer vibe). -
2 3 days before takeoff: Lush lashes
Want hassle-free holiday lashes? Ditch the mascara and opt for a lash treatment like a lash lift & tint or lash extensions. No more dealing with panda eyes in the pool, and one less thing to pack in your makeup bag. Yes please.
Tips for lashes that last:
☀️Timing: Water and humidity can spell disaster for both lash lifts and fresh lash extensions – with both treatments needing at least 24 hours to fully set. We recommend booking at least 2-3 days ahead of your trip. This’ll avoid moisture mishaps, and give tinting time to settle to a more natural-looking colour.
☀️Lift or extensions: which is right for you?
Lash lift & tint: Perfect for a natural, enhanced look without mascara.
Lash extensions: Long-lasting, and ideal for that little something extra. Wispy extensions – one of 2024’s biggest lash trends – are perfect for day-to-night holiday glam.
☀️Aftercare: Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 24 hours, and pack a lash brush to keep them looking neat. Opting for a lift and tint? A clear mascara can define them further for that no-makeup-makeup look. -
3 Tanning or waxing? Which comes first?
Fancy smooth, sun-kissed skin before you hit the beach? Remember: wax first, tan second. Why? Waxing whisks away hair from the root and exfoliates by removing dead skin along with it. This means no pesky tan clinging to hair follicles, a streak-free finish, and a tan that penetrates more evenly and lasts longer:
🍯Waxing wisdom:
☀️Timing: Wax 2-3 days before flying to avoid irritation from the sun and sea.
☀️Aftercare: Moisturise often to maintain smoothness, and exfoliate gently to prevent ingrown hairs. Avoid exposing freshly waxed skin to direct sunlight for extended periods and always remember: plenty of SPF is key to protecting your skin. That’s an important one.🍑Tanning tips:
☀️Timing: Wait at least 2 days after waxing before getting your sunless glow on. This allows your skin to heal and helps prevent strawberry skin.
☀️Aftercare: Avoid exfoliating too much after tanning to keep your glow intact.
☀️SPF: If we’ve said it once we’ve said it 100 times: SPF is your skin’s best friend. Whether or not you’ve indulged in a bit of sunless tanning before your trip, you’re not protected from the sun without SPF. Make sure to lather up on your holidays – and opt for an oil-free option which won’t take away your tan with it. -
4 2 Days before your holiday: Best ever brows
Brow blindness? We don’t know her. Leave it to the pros to get your best ever brows just in time for your summer holiday. Read our advice on how to get your brow game down to an art.
Brows, but better:
☀️Timing: Whether you opt for tinting, threading, laminating, or waxing, schedule your appointment at least 2 days before takeoff to let redness settle and avoid irritation from sun and sweat.
☀️Types of Brow Treatments:
Tinting: Adds colour and depth – perfect for those blessed with naturally full brows (we’re not jealous at all 🥲).
Threading: Provides precise shaping and grooming. Flawless arches, coming right up.
Laminating: Creates a fuller, more defined look. The long-lasting older sister of soap brows.
Waxing: Quickly removes hair and sculpts brows into shape. -
5 As close to takeoff as possible: Summer mani-pedis
For perfectly prepped hands and sandal-ready toes all holiday long, it’s best to get a mani-pedi as close to your trip as possible.
Mani-pedi tips:
☀️Timing: Book your mani-pedi the day before you leave for long-lasting results.
☀️Types of Manicures:
BIAB: Offers strength and flexibility.
Gel: High-shine and durable, lasting up to 3 weeks.
Acrylics: Perfect for a more dramatic, long-lasting look.
Dip Powder: Durable and chip-resistant, ideal for holidays. -
6 Find your feel-good for less
If you’re anything like us, that pre-hol pampering is as essential as remembering the passports. So, you can consider us experts when it comes to beauty prep that doesn’t break the bank. Our ‘off-peak and last minute discounts’ filter helps you get that getaway glow on for less. So you can jet off without splashing the cash.
