By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective

Let’s be honest — when the out-of-office is finally on, your boarding pass is saved to your phone, and you’ve started mentally packing your swimsuits, there’s only one thing left to do: get your glow on.

Whether you’re jetting off to the Amalfi Coast, island hopping in Greece, or lounging poolside closer to home, prepping your skin, hair, and body before a holiday is the ultimate act of self-care. And in Dubai — a city that practically invented luxury grooming — the beauty treatment options are as endless as the summer sunshine.

From subtle tweaks to full-body rituals, here’s your ultimate pre-vacation beauty blueprint. These are the top treatments to book in Dubai before you take off — to ensure you land looking and feeling like your best, most radiant self.

Brow Lamination & Lash Lift: Pool-Proof Polish

Best For: Low-maintenance beauty while traveling.

When you want to wake up and look polished without reaching for makeup, brow lamination and lash lifting are a game-changer. The brow lamination process lifts and sets your brow hairs for a fuller, fluffier, more defined look that lasts up to six weeks. Add a tint for extra pop.

Pair that with a lash lift — essentially a perm for your lashes that gives them a natural curl and tint — and you’re ready to hit the beach with no mascara smudges in sight.

Where to go: Browz in Jumeirah, Sisters Beauty Lounge, or The Dollhouse in Al Wasl.

Laser Hair Removal: The Smooth Operator

Best For: Fuss-free silky skin all vacation long.

If you’ve been playing the long game with laser hair removal, schedule a touch-up right before your trip. No one wants to be caught mid-wax cycle while on a yacht in Mykonos.

Many Dubai clinics now offer pain-free laser hair removal with cooling technology, and the best part? You’ll never have to pack a razor again.

If you’re new to laser, avoid starting right before a sunny getaway — but if you’re mid-treatment plan, now’s the time to go.

Where to go: Silkor, Skin Laundry, or Dubai Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.

Moroccan Hammam: Deep Detox + Goddess Glow

Best For: Shedding dead skin and city stress.

Every true Dubai beauty ritual begins with a traditional Moroccan Hammam. This centuries-old cleansing treatment scrubs off layers (literally) of dull, dry skin using black soap, eucalyptus steam, and the famous kessa mitt.

It’s equal parts exfoliation and meditation — a full-body reset before your trip. Your skin will be baby soft, your pores detoxed, and your body buzzing with relaxation.

Book it 2–3 days before your flight to avoid sun sensitivity and let the glow kick in naturally.

Where to go: Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Anantara Spa, or Hammamii in JBR.

IV Drips & Glutathione Shots: Radiance from the Inside Out

Best For: Hydration, immunity, and that post-plane glow.

Yes, beauty really does come from within — and nowhere is that more literal than with IV nutrient therapy. A pre-holiday drip packed with Vitamin C, B12, and Glutathione can boost your immunity (hello, airplane germs), rehydrate your body, and leave your skin radiant and fresh.

Want to go one step further? Try a Glutathione injection, dubbed the “Glow Shot,” which brightens your complexion and supports liver detox. It’s perfect for those who want to glow from inside out — and still enjoy a glass of rosé by the pool.

Where to go: The Elixir Clinic, DNA Health & Wellness, or Maison Santé.

Sculpting Lymphatic Massage: Bye, Bloat

Best For: Light legs, defined curves, and instant de-puff.

Flying + salty airplane snacks + late nights = bloating and water retention. Enter: the lymphatic drainage massage.

A cult favorite among models and celebrities, this deep, rhythmic massage helps detox your lymphatic system, reduce puffiness, and contour the body. You’ll literally see results after one session — flatter tummy, tighter skin, lighter legs.

For even more definition, try a sculpting variation like the Brazilian Lymphatic Massage or add a body wrap to boost detox.

Where to go: Blended Wellness, We Are Fit DXB, or Lucia Clinic.

Nail Art Meets Gel Tech: Vacation-Proof Manicure

Best For: Chic digits from airport to aperitivo.

No pre-holiday prep is complete without the perfect vacation mani-pedi. But this summer, it’s all about nail art meets durability — think colorful French tips, tiny seashells, pastel ombré, or tropical micro-designs sealed with long-lasting BIAB or gel overlays.

Make sure to book with a nail artist who uses top-quality non-toxic products and ask for cuticle care too — hydrated hands and feet are the ultimate travel accessory.

Where to go: That Nail Place, N.Bar, or The Nail Pavilion in JLT.

Blowout + Hair Treatment Combo: Because Humidity is Real

Best For: Hair that behaves — even in Santorini wind.

Whether you’re island-hopping or strolling the streets of Florence, frizz is not on the itinerary. Book a deep conditioning treatment and professional blowout before you fly to ensure your hair is glossy, nourished, and ready to be thrown into chic vacation buns or beachy waves.

Keratin, Olaplex, or custom masks can revive heat-stressed hair and lock in moisture. Pair it with a protective gloss or serum and you’ll land looking like you stepped off a campaign shoot.

Where to go: JetSet Hair, Pastels Salon, or Kozma & Kozma.

The Final Word: Beauty Is a Ritual, Not a Checklist

Prepping for a holiday is more than just looking good for the ’gram — it’s about stepping into your break already feeling you. Cared for, restored, polished, and proud.

Dubai makes it easy to indulge, recharge, and prep from every angle. So whether you go all in with a full beauty bootcamp or just treat yourself to one transformative session, the goal is the same: to arrive at your destination glowing with confidence, inside and out.

Because nothing pairs better with a passport stamp than skin that sparkles, brows that behave, and a heart that’s ready to unwind.

Published in The Wellness Collective – Summer 2025 Edition

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Hydrafacial: Deep Clean + Glow, No Downtime

Best For: Glowy skin, tight pores, and pre‑holiday selfies.

Dubai’s desert heat can do a number on your skin, so start your prep with a facial that delivers instant radiance without irritation. The HydraFacial has become the gold standard for pre‑holiday skin because it cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates—all in one session.

You’ll leave with that just‑had‑a‑facial dew, but minus the redness or flakiness of a traditional peel. Add a booster like Vitamin C or collagen if your complexion needs extra love. It’s safe to do 1–3 days before you travel—your vacation photos will thank you.

Where to go: Hortman Clinics (City Walk), Dermalase Clinic, Lucia Clinic, or Blended Wellness on The Palm.