You’ve probably heard that you should cut your hair when the moon is in Leo since that’s the zodiac sign that rules hair. But it’s not always that simple. What really matters most is what phase the moon is currently in. The moon’s phase actually plays a bigger role in determining if it’s a good time for a haircut than which zodiac sign the moon is in.
How The Moon’s Phases Affect Hair Growth
The lunar cycle has long been associated with various aspects of human life, including hair growth. The idea is that the moon’s gravity doesn’t just control the ocean tides, but maybe the fluid levels in our bodies too – including the moisture in our hair follicles. So when the moon is glowing bright and big, some say that pump more fluid to the roots and that gives your hair that extra little nudge to grow a bit longer overnight.
New Moon: A Time For New Beginnings
During the new moon phase, hair is said to be at its weakest. This period is ideal for trimming damaged ends, as it’s believed to promote faster and healthier growth in the coming lunar cycle.
Waxing Moon: Encouraging Growth
As the moon grows fuller, so does the potential for hair growth. Waxing moon is considered optimal for cutting hair if your goal is to encourage length and volume. The increasing lunar energy is thought to stimulate hair follicles, promoting quicker and more robust growth.
Full Moon: Peak Growth Potential
The full moon is often regarded as the most potent time for hair-related activities. Cutting hair during this phase is believed to result in thicker, healthier locks. The moon’s maximum illumination is thought to correspond with peak hair vitality.
Waning Moon: Slowing Down
As the moon’s visible surface decreases, hair growth is believed to slow. This phase is ideal for those looking to maintain their current length or reduce hair growth in certain areas.
Best Moon Phases For Trimming Hair
Waxing Moon For Growth
The waxing moon phase is the best time to cut your hair if you want it to grow faster and healthier. The idea is that in that couple weeks between the new moon and the full moon, that’s when energy levels are up and things are more vibrant.
If you cut your hair then, it may help it grow in stronger and fuller. And for maximum results, you’ll want to aim to do the trim about two or three days after the very start of the new moon. The theory is that gives your hair the boost it needs to really take off during that waxing phase as the moon swells up.
Full Moon For Thickness
The full moon is often considered the most potent time for hair cutting. Getting your hair trimmed when the moon is full can make it really thick and voluminous. The theory is that the full moon amplifies the effects of snipping those ends. So if you want big, bouncy hair, a lunar haircut could be just what you need!
Of course, the full moon is also thought to encourage hair growth. So if length is your goal, you may want to hold off until the moon isn’t completely lit up. The last thing you want is hair that grows back even faster than normal!
Waning Moon For Maintenance
The waning moon phase, occurring between the full moon and new moon, is ideal for maintenance cuts. During this time, things are winding down before the new moon resets everything. It’s associated with releasing and letting go of things. So it just makes sense that it would be perfect for getting rid of split ends or damaged pieces of hair.
What’s interesting is that if you trim your hair during the waning moon, it may regrow a bit slower. For some, that could be annoying, but I think it has its advantages. For instance, if you just got a new style cut and want it to last as long as possible before the next trim. Or maybe you’re growing your hair out and don’t want it to get too long too fast. The slower regrowth from a waning moon cut could really help with both of those situations.
How To Maximize Hair Growth Based On Lunar Cycles
Check The Zodiac Sign
For example, if the moon is in Virgo when you trim, you’ll want to focus on using herbal products and remedies. Virgo energy favors the natural and holistic, so brewing an herbal tea with rosemary, nettle or horsetail and rinsing your hair afterward can infuse it with nourishing properties. You could also lather up with a shampoo containing herbal extracts like aloe vera or licorice root.
Meanwhile, an Aries moon is a perfect time to reach for spicy or ginger-infused hair products. Known for its strengthening benefits, ginger pairs well with the energetic and assertive Aries moon. Opt for a ginger shampoo or serum to stimulate circulation on the scalp, which can invigorate hair follicles and promote new growth. The fiery energy of Aries also meshes well with the stimulating properties of essential oils like peppermint and rosemary.
Prepare Moon Water
When the moon is full, it emits powerful energies that can nourish your hair and scalp. Making moon water is simple – you just leave a jar or bowl of plain water outside overnight during a full moon.
The full moon’s light infuses the water with its healing properties. People have used moon water for centuries to promote hair growth and strength. Sprinkling moon water on your scalp or washing your hair with it can help stimulate your hair follicles for better growth. The negative ions in moon water help balance the pH of your hair and reduce excess oil production.
If you want to maximize the benefits of your moon water, try to make it during a full moon when the lunar energies are strongest. Simply fill a glass jar or bowl with filtered or distilled water and leave it outside under the full moon overnight. In the morning, bring the water inside and store it in a glass container.
You can use your moon water in a few different ways. Sprinkling a few tablespoons on your scalp and massaging it in can help nourish your roots for faster growth. Or add some to your normal shampoo when washing your hair. The lunar energies in the moon water will be absorbed by your hair and scalp to promote strength and health from within.
Avoid Major Cuts During The Waning Moon
The waning moon phase, from full moon to new moon, is associated with slowing growth and releasing the old. While this can be beneficial for removing split ends, it’s best to avoid significant length reductions during this time if your goal is to grow your hair longer.
Key Takeaways
New Moon
- Energy: New beginnings and renewal.
- Haircare: This is a great time for a fresh start. If you want your hair to grow back thicker and healthier, it’s a good idea to get a trim now. Need a change or want to strengthen your hair? Cutting it during this phase can help support those goals.
Waxing Crescent
- Energy: Growth and expansion.
- Haircare: Best time for stimulating growth. If you want your hair to grow faster, trimming or cutting during the waxing moon is recommended. This phase is associated with increased vitality, so haircuts taken during this time are thought to encourage thicker and longer hair.
First Quarter (Waxing Half Moon)
- Energy: Action and decision-making.
- Haircare: This is a good time for maintaining your hair length while keeping it healthy. Getting rid of split ends or tweaking your style without making big changes works well right now. It’s also good for deep conditioning treatments and masks that can make your hair stronger.
Waxing Gibbous
- Energy: Build-up and refinement.
- Haircare: This phase is perfect for making your hair stronger and healthier. Use moisturizing masks or protein treatments to make your hair strands even better. It’s also a good time for keeping your hair strong, so getting a trim now means your hair will be thick and full of body.
Full Moon
- Energy: Peak power, fulfillment.
- Haircare: Known for maximum energy and growth. Haircuts during the full moon are believed to result in faster and thicker hair growth. It is also a good time to cut your hair if you’re seeking fuller volume and vitality. And let’s not forget, the full moon is considered a powerful time for deep hair care treatments.
Waning Gibbous
- Energy: Release and gratitude.
- Haircare: This is a good time for a trim and to let go of any damaged hair. It’s a period for maintenance cuts to keep your hair healthy without it growing too fast. If you want your current hairstyle to last a bit longer, getting it cut now may help slow down hair growth a little bit.
Last Quarter (Waning Half Moon)
- Energy: Reflection and reorganization.
- Haircare: Great for maintenance trims or reducing split ends. If you’re looking to maintain your hairstyle or slow down rapid hair growth, cutting your hair during waning half moon can help with that. It’s also a good time for organizing and simplifying your hair routine.
Waning Crescent
- Energy: Rest and release.
- Haircare: THis time period is good for trimming off any damaged or excess hair. It’s actually the best time to cut your hair if you want it to grow back more slowly. And it’s a great phase for a trim if you want your style to last longer between cuts. Be sure to take it easy on your scalp and hair during this time – let it rest and restore itself.