You check your horoscope daily. You blame Mercury retrograde for any and all communication breakdowns. But are you consulting the moon about your haircuts yet?
Sure, that question sounds a little ridiculous, but it’s no more ridiculous than rethinking that Hinge date after you find out they’re a Pisces (no offense, Pisces). Plus, there is some logic to scheduling your salon appointment around the phases of the moon: As the science of biodynamic farming tells us, the waxing and waning of the moon affect crop growth. And as the internet tells us, humans are basically just plants with more complicated emotions. Ergo, the moon affects hair growth…right?!
Maybe we should consult some professionals.
We spoke with hairstylist Mischelle Navar, who happens to be a pro when it comes to lunar cycles, Lauren Tisza, an astrologist and psychospiritual mentor, and Alice Bell, the astrologist behind British Vogue’s weekly horoscopes.
How the Moon Cycles Affect Your Hair
“The traditional ideology surrounding hair care and the moon is related primarily to the moon’s phases,” Lauren Tisza, tells us. “The moon travels through many degrees of illumination throughout its 28-day cycle. Depending on if the moon is waxing or waning (becoming more or less illuminated), it is said that your hair growth is affected.”
For the uninitiated, the moon has phases because of its orbit around the Earth. Every time the sun sets, our hardworking moon rises. It positions itself with the side of the face of the earth fully exposed to sunlight. According to our Mischelle Navar, a new moon marks the start of another 28-day cycle. The new moon is symbolic of new beginnings, renewed goals, and new intentions.
“I’ve recommended to clients for years and have seen the benefits firsthand. It’s almost like pruning a plant, dusting your ends during this phase of the moon promotes hair growth and length,” Mischelle Navar shares. “I’ve had clients whose hair wouldn’t really grow much at all. I put them on this schedule. To their surprise, they came back weeks later with more growth than they’d had in a long time. I believe the moon affects us in many ways, and using its cycles to our advantage during certain phases can enhance what you are trying to achieve,” Navar advises.
How to Use This to Your Advantage
So, how exactly do we use the moon’s cycle to our advantage? First off, knowing the difference between waxing and waning is crucial. When the moon is waxing or becoming full, Tisza advises cutting your hair. "It’s considered 'astrologically wise' to cut hair, as the energy is building toward bounty and lusciousness.” If you are looking for fullness, Navar recommends getting your hair cut during a full moon to increase thickness.
When the moon is waning (the period between the full moon and the new moon), it’s not the best idea to get a cut. If you want your hair to grow back at a normal rate, that is—keep in mind that as the moon disappears, so will any semblance of growth.
That’s not the only reason to avoid aligning a big chop with the full moon. “The full moon and the days leading up to it tend to be a very emotionally charged time, so you’re more likely to act on impulse,” Alice Bell shares. “You should reflect rather than take immediate action because your emotions are kind of in a state of flux.” In other words, You’re probably not making the soundest decisions under a full moon, and your strands could pay the price. Instead, the stargazer suggests a snip-snip around the new moon. “New moons are for fresh starts. If you’re going to do a drastic haircut, that would be the better option,” she says. “Or, do it when the moon is waxing, in the days that follow a new moon.”
And if you just can’t be bothered manually tracking the moon amongst all the other responsibilities you have, the Farmers’ Almanac has a Best Days calendar that will tell you when it’s best to cut hair for growth and when to cut to slow growth. They also have a Moon Phase calendar—consider it a study guide.
Uplevel Your Hair Care Using Both Zodiac Signs and the Moon’s Cycle
If you really want to get specific, Tisza says you can look to the “element rulership of the sign the moon is in on the day you decide to cut your hair.” Basically, the moon moves through a new astrological house (or sign) every few days, and each house has its own unique characteristics.
WATER SIGNS
“Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio) are generally acknowledged as the most fertile for growth,” Tisza explains. So, if you’re scheduling a minor trim for maintenance while growing your hair out, book an appointment while the moon’s visiting a water sign.
EARTH SIGNS
Opting for a bob? Or are you finally pulling the trigger on those Birkin bangs? Save your most attention-detailing haircuts for when the moon is in an earth sign. “When the moon is in a stable earth sign (Virgo, Capricorn, and Taurus), it’s better to get a cut because no details are overlooked,” Bell adds.
AIR SIGNS
Ah, we love our air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra)—they do what they want and fly by the seat of their pants. While that’s great for when you’re enjoying an impromptu adventure, it’s not the best for trying a new ‘do. “When is in a rebellious air sign like Aquarius, your hair might be more all over the place, so it’s better not to do anything drastic.”
FIRE SIGNS
If the moon is moving through a fire sign like Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius—maybe cancel that salon sesh, just to be on the safe side.
Of course, the cosmos are infinite, and the moon isn’t the only celestial being that can interfere with your hair care routine. “Venus is the planet associated with beauty, so when Venus goes into retrograde, which happens roughly every one and a half years, definitely try to avoid making any major beauty changes,” Bell advises. “It’s more likely that something will go wrong, and it won’t turn out how you expected.”
According to these calculations, you have, uh, three solid days a month in which to schedule an astrologically sound haircut. But before you manically rearrange your calendar, you should know that Tisza doesn’t totally believe in the whole moon-hair connection thing. Rather, she believes that each individual controls their own destiny at any given moment, no matter what the moon may say.
“Astrology is wonderfully flexible when used well and leaves room for everyone to have their own unique experiences when it comes to the reality we partake in,” the astrologist explains. “If astrology is fun for you, then I would urge you to use it as a ‘guiding star’ in your life. But always know that at the core, you’re the one who determines your reality.” And this goes for your hair, too.