5 Lunar New Year Traditions to Follow for Good Fortune

Happy (almost) Lunar New Year! The Year of the Horse celebration (Feb 17th) marks the start of a brand new year according to the traditional Chinese calendar. Celebration revolves around securing good fortune to make it a year filled with happiness and prosperity. Here are five cultural beauty tips known to give you luck in the new year.

Hold off on hair washing

It’s best to skip your hair washing routine the night before February 17th and two days afterward. According to Chinese tradition, shampooing and conditioning could possibly wash away your luck as you embark on a brand new year. Instead, extend your blowout (and good fortune) with a powerful dry shampoo. We recommend Verb Dry Shampoo Powder for its gentle cleansing properties that’ll re-energize your ‘do on the spot. The talc-free formula absorbs excess oil while adding a boost of volume, making tip #2 easier to follow.

Skip all salon trips

Don’t even think of shortening your hair or nails during the first week of the Lunar New Year. Superstition has it that if you trim your fingertips or split ends you might cut off your luck. To avoid diminished fortune in 2026, camouflage frayed ends with a moisturizing leave-in cream or nourishing oil to temporarily seal the hair cuticle. For nails, give yourself a quick mani-pedi sans clipping and filing. Use a cuticle oil, base coat and topcoat to finesse flawlessly manicured fingertips.

Pick a go-to face mask

The first week of Lunar New Year often means late nights and plenty of celebrating—all of which can throw skin off balance. Opt for a face mask that keeps your complexion refreshed, clear, and radiant throughout the festivities and into the Year of the Horse. Find a healing formula like The PETAL Hydrating Mask from MAHALO Skin Care. Harnessing bioactive Hawaiian honey, hyaluronic acid, and four rose extracts, this formula brightens, nourishes, and supports skin renewal for a healthy glow with a soft rose scent.

No cleaning

It may be tempting to refresh your beauty arsenal for 2026, but ancient tradition suggests holding off. Cleaning your space on New Year’s Day could wipe away good fortune, so hold off on sterilizing counters and tools. Instead, have a set of extra brushes or beauty blenders on hand to apply makeup until you can thoroughly clean your beauty tools.

Wear bright, celebratory colors

Lean into vibrant tones for Lunar New Year, especially red, which symbolizes happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. As we welcome the Year of the Horse—a sign associated with energy, passion, and movement—bold shades like red, orange, gold, as well as rosy hues feel especially fitting. Reach for bright eye and lip colors to create festive looks that capture the celebratory spirit and carry that vibrant energy into the year ahead.