Let’s be honest.
You probably didn’t start prepping for Chinese New Year 8 weeks ago. Most people don’t. Life happened, December flew by, and now CNY is 2–4 weeks away.
Good news: you don’t need a 12-step skincare transformation. You just need to make your last salon appointment count.
This guide breaks down exactly what to book — for your face, hair, nails, and lashes — depending on how much time you have left. No fluff. Just what actually works when you’re working with a deadline.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Experiment Now
Whatever you book in the next few weeks, this isn’t the time to:
- Try a treatment you’ve never done before
- Go dramatically different with your hair colour
- Test a new salon you found on Instagram
- “Fix” a long-standing skin issue
Your goal isn’t transformation. It’s refinement.
Look like yourself — just well-rested, polished, and ready for all the photos your relatives will inevitably take.
Facial: Your Last Appointment
What to book
If you have 3–4 weeks: A proper extraction facial. This gives your skin enough time to calm down, heal, and look clear by CNY. Follow it up with hydrating skincare at home.
If you have 2 weeks: A hydrating or “glow” facial — think HydraFacial, oxygen facials, or anything focused on moisture and radiance. Skip extractions this close unless your therapist is very gentle and you know your skin handles it well.
If you have 1 week or less: A light, calming facial only. No extractions, no peels, no actives. You want to soothe, not stimulate. Or honestly? Skip the facial and focus on rest, hydration, and a good mask at home.
When to book it
- Extraction facials: At least 2 weeks before CNY (ideally 3)
- Hydrating facials: 5–10 days before
- Calming/light facials: 3–5 days before
What to tell your therapist
Be direct: “CNY is on [date]. I don’t want any redness, peeling, or purging. Just clean, hydrated skin.”
A good therapist will adjust accordingly. If they push for something aggressive, that’s a red flag.
What to avoid
- Chemical peels (too much risk of flaking or sensitivity)
- New active ingredients (vitamin C serums, retinol, acids)
- Microneedling or laser (downtime is unpredictable in Singapore’s humidity)
- Anything you haven’t done before
Hair: Your Last Appointment
What to book
If you have 3–4 weeks: This is your window for colour. A refresh, not a reinvention. If you’re maintaining your current shade, you’re safe. If you’re thinking of going lighter or trying something new — maybe wait until after CNY.
Smoothing treatments (keratin, rebonding) can also work here, but only if you’ve done them before and know how your hair responds.
If you have 2 weeks: A trim and a treatment. Deep conditioning, hair gloss, or a quick toner refresh. Keep it simple.
If you have 1 week or less: Just a trim and blowout. Nothing structural.
When to book it
- Colour: 2–4 weeks before (so it settles and any brassiness can be toned)
- Smoothing treatments: 2–3 weeks before
- Trims: 1–2 weeks before
- Blowout: 1–2 days before (if you want that fresh salon look for day one)
What to ask for
“I want my hair to look polished and healthy, not like I just walked out of the salon.”
The goal is hair that behaves — not hair that looks obviously “done.”
What to avoid
- Major colour changes (you might hate it, and there’s no time to fix)
- First-time chemical treatments (reactions vary)
- Anything experimental
Nails: Your Last Appointment
What to book
Gel manicure is the safest bet — it lasts through the festivities without chipping. Gel extensions or structured gel if your natural nails are short or weak.
For CNY, classic colours work well: reds, nudes, soft pinks, or a clean French tip. Nail art is fine, but keep it balanced — you’ll be photographed a lot, and your hands will be in frame.
When to book it
3–5 days before CNY.
Too early, and you risk chips or lifting. Too late (day before), and you might not get a slot.
What to ask for
“I need this to last at least 10–14 days without lifting.”
If you’re prone to lifting or chipping, ask for a structured gel or BIAB (builder in a bottle) for extra durability.
What to avoid
- Regular polish (it won’t survive the festivities)
- Overly long extensions if you’re not used to them
- Press-ons unless you’re confident with application
Lashes & Brows: Your Last Appointment
Lashes
Lash lift + tint: Book this 1–2 weeks before CNY. It’s low-maintenance, lasts 6–8 weeks, and gives a natural “I woke up like this” look. Great if you don’t want to deal with extensions.
Lash extensions: Book 5–7 days before. This gives time for any initial fallout and a potential infill if needed. Go for a natural or classic set — you want to look fresh, not dramatic (unless that’s your thing).
Brows
Brow shaping (threading/waxing): Book 5–7 days before. Freshly shaped brows can look a bit “bare” on day one — give them a few days to settle.
Brow lamination: Book 1–2 weeks before. Like a lash lift, it lasts well and keeps brows looking groomed without daily effort.
What to avoid
- Lash extensions the day before (if a lash falls in your eye during reunion dinner, you’ll regret it)
- Brow shaping the day of (redness)
- Trying a new lash style for the first time
Putting It All Together
Here’s a rough timeline if you have 3–4 weeks:
If you have 2 weeks, compress the timeline — skip extractions, focus on hydration and maintenance.
If you have 1 week… honestly, book your nails, maybe a lash lift, and call it a day. Less is more at this point.
The Real Secret
CNY beauty isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about looking rested.
Sleep matters more than any facial. Water matters more than any serum. And stressing about how you look will show on your face more than skipping one treatment.
Do what you can. Book what makes sense. And walk into the new year feeling good — not frazzled from last-minute beauty panic.
This guide is brought to you by Glamingo — Singapore’s AI-powered beauty and wellness marketplace. Soon, you’ll be able to discover, compare, and book CNY-ready treatments across trusted salons and clinics — all personalised to your timeline and needs.
Disclaimer: Results vary based on individual skin and hair conditions. Always consult a professional before starting treatments.
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