At Hairstory, we believe hair is central to identity. It holds memories, energy and spirit, and no change to it is ever permanent. We asked some of our hairdressers to share the superstitions and rituals they swear by, and their answers show just how much your hair can carry.
“Your hair is the closest thing to your face that you can change and adjust and play with…I really think hair holds onto so much energy and it's such a special thing to have a temporary element that will always be changing and growing with you and all the changes of your life. By cutting your hair you’re truly releasing and shedding old versions of yourself, old versions of you and the energy from the past.”
“When you cut your hair outside in nature and leave it with the land you release trauma and past grief back into the cycle of the earth, a process of renewal and healing.”
— Diaz
“One superstition I’ve heard about in Mexican culture is that the moon phases can affect your hair growth. Some people believe cutting your hair during a waxing moon helps it grow longer and healthier. I also love the idea of cutting your hair to let go of old energy and start a new chapter. As a hairstylist, I feel like hair can hold a lot of personal meaning for people!”
— Draven
“It’s about bangs - if you think you want bangs and you’re not sure about them, I’m sorry I won’t do it. I swear by it!!”
“1) I’m careful not to sweep over my coworkers’ feet at the salon. It’s bad luck, and even though I don’t actually believe it, I still avoid it. 2) Cutting bangs after a breakup. It's always good juju. 3) I’ve had a few clients swear they only cut their hair on a full moon when they want it to grow and it actually works”
“Mine are more like cutting your hair (during) a new moon for full release and I have clients take some of the hair we cut off and burn it with a list they write of things they want to release from their life. Then with the other hair I tell them to write the things they want to bring in and to put that hair in 'flow' either in water or wind to bring it in.”
The Bottom Line
Whether it's a new-moon cut, bangs after a breakup or hair returned to the earth, every ritual comes back to the same idea: a haircut is a chance to let go and start fresh. There's no wrong time to begin.
