Cut Your Hair According To The Phases Of The Moon?

Surely you have ever heard someone say that they are going to cut their hair because it is a crescent; or, on the contrary, reject it because it is a full moon. This is because, according to popular beliefs, lunar cycles have an important influence not only on hair growth, but also on plants and tides.

Myth or Reality

Undoubtedly, there are many stories about the Moon and its phases. Beliefs indicate that for each cycle there are activities with which we will do better than others.

The natural satellite of our planet and its magnetism on Earth, supposedly, would influence moods, the severity of ailments, the growth of nails or hair, and the behavior of animals, among many other issues.

It is said that the movements that guide us on a daily basis are largely governed by what the Moon ‘does’, although it is true that there is no scientific confirmation on some aspects in particular.

For example, there is a sowing calendar that specifies which day each species should be planted. This is made taking into account the phases of the Moon and its characteristics (if the fruits, leaves or bulbs are consumed).

What is proven is that, in a year, the Moon travels 13 times the circumference of the Earth;  therefore, 13 lunations are produced.

Each of them lasts approximately 29 days and is divided into four stages or phases. These could – we insist that according to popular beliefs – modify vitality, energy, intellectual capacity, sensitivity, mood, humor, pain, etc.

The cycles of the Moon

Each cycle affects the planet with different vibrations. Where it can best be seen is in the tides, since the satellite ‘draws’ the water towards it according to the phase in which it is.

When the Moon is waning or waxing, the tides are smaller (called ‘dead’) and when there is a new or full moon, the tides are higher (‘live’). The most intense occur at a new moon because the Sun also comes into play.

The relationship between beauty and health and the phases of the Moon has been studied for a long time. For example, it is said that if a woman waxes in the waning moon phase, subsequent growth will be much slower and weaker, an issue that does not occur in the waxing phase. In any case, there is no scientific evidence to back it up.

Again, there are contradictory studies that refer to the fact that the growing phase is when there is a greater chance of bleeding, which is why the menstrual period should be more intense and painful, and it would not be convenient to perform surgeries or tooth extractions in this phase; you should wait until it was waning.

Cutting your hair in relation to the moon phases

New moon (or new moon)

It is when the Moon is not visible to us because it is located between the Sun and the Earth. It is only observed when there is a total solar eclipse.

At this stage, popular culture does not advise cutting your hair, since it would be a harmful phase for the strands, with weakening of the hair fibers and greater loss.

Crescent moon

The rising of the star on the horizon occurs in the east at 12:00 noon (unofficial astronomical time). The zenith occurs at 6:00 in the afternoon and the sunset at 12:00 at night.

The illuminated part is in the shape of a semicircle or a circle cut in half. Popular beliefs say that by cutting it in this moon phase, your hair will grow faster and will be very strong.

In this sense, it would also be a good time to cut the ends that are dry or ‘flowered’, since, apparently, it would improve the general structure of the capillaries. It would be preferable to cut your hair between 12:00 noon and 6:00 in the afternoon, when there is a progressive increase in lunar attraction.

Full moon (or full moon)

It is when the concavity of the luminous part of the moon is seen in its entirety; that is, we appreciate a full circle. The departure on the horizon occurs at 6:00 p.m., the zenith is reached at midnight and is hidden at 6:00 in the morning.

It marks the middle of the lunar month (composed of 14 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 36 seconds). It is said that it is the ideal time to get a great haircut, but there is no conclusive scientific evidence.

Supposedly, if your hair is very damaged, abused, dry and without shine or life, you should take advantage of the full moon to cut it because it would favor an abundant, healthy, shiny and strong growth. The cut should be made between 6:00 in the morning and 12:00 noon, preferably one day before the full moon or the same day it begins.

Last quarter

It is the same as the crescent Moon, but it is in the opposite direction. Its departure on the horizon occurs at 12:00 at night, reaches the zenith at 6:00 in the morning and sunset at 12:00 noon; this corresponds to the period during which it can be observed even during the day.

The popular culture recommendation is that women who have a lot of hair and too much volume should cut their hair at this stage. In this way, apparently, it would be achieved that it does not grow so accelerated and the look could be maintained for longer. Make the cut between 6:00 in the morning and 12:00 noon, when the lunar attraction descends.

Images courtesy of NASA Goddard Space Flicht, Janet Ramsden.