By Editorial TeamThe National Retail Federation is predicting holiday spending will top $960 billion in 2026, and a chunk of that money always finds its way into personal care. We see it every year in the salon, as soon as the holiday party invites go out, people want to look their best for the gatherings and photos. So what’s actually trending for this year’s festive grooming, and how do you get that polished, glamorous look without the stress?
Key Takeaways
- More than 70% of people book facial grooming before holiday parties to feel more confident.
- You need to book your appointments at least two weeks out to get a spot during the holiday rush.
- A good post-wax aftercare routine takes 15-30 minutes and is key for healthy skin and lasting results.
- Eyebrow shaping and upper lip waxing are, by far, the most requested services before the holidays.
72% of Consumers Plan Professional Grooming for Holiday Events
It’s not just a feeling that bookings spike around the holidays. The data backs it up. A 2026 consumer report from Statista found that 72% of people plan on getting professional beauty services specifically for their holiday parties. People are choosing to invest in themselves for these big social events because they know the results are better than what they can achieve at home, and that polished look directly affects how confident they feel walking into a room. I see it constantly in my own practice. Clients say they want to feel “event-ready,” and for them, that means getting a professional finish that gives them one less thing to worry about. It’s about feeling put-together and self-assured.
Get smooth and event-ready
Look and feel your best for every occasion. Find a waxing studio near you and book ahead.
Find a Studio Near You →Advanced Booking Sees a 40% Increase During Peak Holiday Season
All that demand creates a serious bottleneck in the schedule. Data from booking software like SalonIris shows a 40% jump in advanced bookings for facial appointments in the six weeks before a major holiday. This is why I tell everyone to book early. If you wait until the last minute, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment, especially if you want a popular service like eyebrow sculpting or a full facial wax. The best appointment times with the most experienced techs are gone first, sometimes weeks or even months ahead of time. Don’t do that to yourself. Plan ahead and you’ll get the service you want, when you want it, without the last-minute panic.
Average Client Spends 20 Minutes on Post-Waxing Aftercare
The immediate result from a good wax is great, but keeping that smooth skin and making it last is all about aftercare. Too many clients think the service is over when they walk out the door, and that’s a huge mistake. A dermatology clinic study (which included practices in Atlanta) found that clients who get the best results spend about 20 minutes a day on their aftercare routine for the first two days, doing things like applying soothing creams and moisturizing. I always tell my clients that aftercare isn’t a suggestion. It’s part of the service you paid for. If you skip it, you risk getting ingrown hairs, bumps, and irritation, which completely ruins the point of getting waxed in the first place. Those calming products are not an upsell, they’re essential for keeping your skin healthy. We have more specifics in our guide to Colloidal Oat Aftercare: Your 2026 Waxing Secret.
Facial Waxing Remains Top Service, Accounting for 65% of Pre-Holiday Bookings
When you look at what people are actually booking before the holidays, one thing is clear: it’s all about the face. Internal data from salons and small chains shows that facial waxing (brows, upper lip, chin) makes up a massive 65% of all pre-holiday grooming appointments. That number tells you everything about where people see the most impact. Eyebrows frame your entire face, and getting a professional shaping can make your eyes look bigger and more awake, which is a huge part of creating that polished holiday vibe. It makes sense, right? Having a clean, well-defined brow and a smooth upper lip creates the perfect base for holiday makeup and looks so much better in photos. It’s the first thing people work on.
The Overrated “No-Pain, No-Gain” Mentality in Grooming
Can we finally put the whole “no-pain, no-gain” idea about waxing to rest? That mentality is so outdated and honestly just scares people off. The belief that hair removal has to be an agonizing ordeal comes from old techniques and stories people tell, but it’s not the reality anymore. Modern waxes and a good esthetician’s technique have completely changed the experience. For example, the hard waxes we use today are designed to grab the hair, not your skin, which is a world of difference in comfort compared to old-school strip wax. A skilled pro also knows how to work quickly and support the skin to minimize any pulling or irritation. Believing you have to suffer for a good wax is just wrong. A professional service should be efficient and as comfortable as possible, with the health of your skin being the top priority. It’s about smart technique and quality products. If you do have issues, you can find help in our guide on Post-Wax Blemish Fixes.
All the numbers point to the same thing: people are booking professional grooming for the holidays, they’re focusing on their face, and they’re learning that aftercare matters. If you understand what’s popular and plan ahead, you can get the exact look you want for any party.
Seriously, how far out do I need to book for the holidays?
For the big holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, you really need to book at least two weeks out. I’d even say three to be safe if you need a specific time or technician. The good slots fill up fast.
What’s everyone else getting done before holiday parties?
It’s almost always facial work. Eyebrow shaping is number one, followed closely by upper lip and chin waxing. These services make the biggest difference for a clean, polished look.
Do I really need to do all that aftercare stuff?
Yes, absolutely. Good aftercare is what keeps your skin from getting red and irritated, helps prevent bumps or ingrown hairs, and makes your smooth results last longer. Think of it as protecting your investment.
Is waxing always going to be painful?
No, it doesn’t have to be. A good technician using modern hard wax (which sticks to the hair, not the skin) can make the experience much more comfortable. Technique matters a lot, and it’s way gentler than it used to be.
How do I choose a good place for my holiday wax?
Look for a place with experienced staff that’s spotlessly clean. They should talk you through what to do before and after your appointment, use quality products, and make your comfort a priority. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
