Longhairlovers Psychology

from Healthy Hair Secrets Revealed (2005)

by Jennifer Bowers Bahney

The term "long hair" means different things to different people. If you currently have a pixie cut, you may be think that someone with hair to the shoulders has "long hair."

At Longhairlovers, we consider long hair to be shoulder length and longer. We don't advocate that everyone grow their hair to their knees. Not everyone should and not everyone can.

There is a school of thought that says, "Let it grow -- the longer the better!" For some people, this philosophy works just fine. Women such as Diane Witt and Crystal Gayle are world-famouse for their extra-long hair. But I'll be the first to admit that extremely long hair can be unattractive if it's not well-cared for. That's why I advocate healthy long hair -- hair that looks stunning, not straggly. Before you can really begin your long-hair journey, however, you need the right mindset, or what I call Longhairlovers Psychology.

Commitment

The first step to growing healthy long hair is to make a commitment. So often when we go through life changes, we get the urge to cut off our hair for a fresh start, only to be disappointed with the outcome. We all know many women -- including ourselves -- who have cut their hair for a new job, before starting college, or after a divorce. There's nothing wrong with getting a hair cut, but make sure you're getting it for the right reasons. A hair cut won't change your life; it will just make you look different. Whatever you do, don't act on impulse. That means that before you submit yourself to the shears, ask yourself how you want to look in six months or a year from now. If the honest answer is, "I want to have beautiful, long hair," skip the hair cut in favor of a conditioning treatment.

Support

The best way to stay committed to your hair growth goals is to find a friend or support group that will be with you every step of the way. Start a long hair club at work or school where you can swap tips and hold a "measure in" to record your growth at the beginning of each month. Or join a social media group such as the Longhairlovers fan page on Facebook and Twitter. We all have weak moments when we need help getting motivated. That's why friendly support is so important.

Acceptance

Before you grow your hair long, you need to make peace with your hair type. Learn to love your curly, straight or wavy hair and work with its natural texture. Constant perming, straightening, and coloring can irreversibly damage hair, which will then have to be cut off.

Maintenance

I used to think that as soon as you decided to grow your hair long, you should stay as far away from scissors as possible. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Letting your hair grow wild will only cause split ends to travel up the hair shaft, making your hair look damaged and your ends uneven. There's no truth to the tale that cutting hair will make it grow faster, but regular maintenance trims and treatments will keep it shiny and swinging, and you'll be less likely to cut it all off in a fit of bad-hair-day frustration.

Hair maintenance can include highlights or color as long as you use gentle products and techniques. For people with hair past mid-back, I always recommend that they have a salon professional color their hair. Long hair is older and more porous, and may absorb color unevenly. It can be difficult to get it right yourself unless you really know what you're doing.

Highlights are a good option for long hair because touch-ups usually only involve the roots. This means hair that has already been highlighted will not have to be touched again, which cuts down on dryness and breakage.

Patience

Growing long hair takes plenty of patience -- it's not something that can be accomplished over night. As a general rule, hair grows 1/2 inch per month. That means that most people's hair will grow 6 inches per year no matter what miracle products they use. Instead of spending your money on magical claims, take the time to learn the truth about hair growth and care.

Investment

Growing and maintaining healthy long hair takes an investment of time and money. During the months or even years it takes to reach your desired length, you'll want to invest in gentle, top quality products that work best for you. You'll also want to be more careful when heading to a salon by telling the stylist exactly what you want done and how much you want taken off. And, instead of spending your money on monthly hair cuts, you'll want to pamper yourself with salon or at-home scalp massages, dusting trims, and deep conditioning treatments.

Your investment of time and money will pay off in a glorious head of hair!

Salon Confidential

By Eunnie Park
Reproduced with permission of
The Record of Hackensack, NJ

When Jennifer Aniston split from her husband, Brad Pitt, earlier this year, she reportedly ran straight to Chris McMillan - her hairstylist - to cry on his shoulder.

Not to her family.

Not to her "Friends."

But to the dude who cuts her hair.

Granted, Aniston is a celebrity known for her lovely locks (i.e. "The Rachel" in the Nineties), but it still seems strange that a hairstylist would be the first person she turns to in a moment of crisis. Surely girlfriends, therapists and spiritual advisers are better suited to handle this sort of thing - I mean, how close could she possibly be with her haircutter?

Pretty darn close, says Pat Wynn Brown, creator of "Hair Theater," a talk theater piece about the importance of hair, and author of the upcoming "Hair-A-Baloo: The Revealing Comedy and Tragedy on Top of Your Head."

"There are times in a woman's life where they want to go to the safest place on earth," says Brown. "And a lot of times, our hairdresser is deemed as one of the safest persons that we know."

Celebrity or not, many women have strong, close bonds with their hairstylists that are incomparable to any other client/service professional relationship. We come to them on our best days, we come to them on our worst days. We sit in that swivel chair, spilling our secrets, problems and life stories while getting our hair cut/permed/ colored/set.

We see this relationship all around us - in movies such as "Beauty Shop" starring Queen Latifah and on Broadway ("Steel Magnolias"); in celebrities' lives, like Aniston's; in real life, with our own hairdressers. Unlike our pharmacists or dry cleaners, these professionals often end up becoming a unique combination of confidante, friend and therapist.

But why?

A lot of it has to do with our relationship with our hair, says Brown. For many women, hair is our security blanket, our identity, our source of anger, frustration and (if we're lucky) pride and joy.

"Hair is emotional, psychological, it's sexual, it's so much a part of who we are," says Brown.

My friend and fellow hair aficionado, Aram Bae, explains it like this: "If you have a bad hair day, your whole day is bad. Good hair day means great day. Great confidence."

And our obsession with our hair isn't entirely unfounded, either. Hair is among the first things people notice about us. |It has a significant impact on our overall appearance, and a new 'do can go a long way.

"Hair is one of the biggest changes you can do to yourself in a short period of time, other than plastic surgery," says Rodney Cutler, celebrity hairstylist and owner of the upscale Cutler Salon in Soho.

Which is why when undergoing major shifts in life, we make changes in our hairstyle. Women do this all the time, especially famous ones. Some examples:

Ashlee Simpson dyed her blonde hair dark when she was coming of age and trying to distinguish herself from her sister, Jessica.

Samantha of Sex and the City shaved it off when she could finally face the reality of breast cancer.

Alanis Morissette cut her signature long hair short to symbolize the release of her "last piece of stereotypical femininity," she told MTV.com.

And as people who can deliver these changes in appearance and spirit, hairstylists wield a lot of power.

"It's almost like they're hair gods," says Brown. "We want them to give us the type of hair that will lead to the type of life that we cherish and we hope for."

Hairdressers are very aware of this power - enough to influence some beauty schools to revamp their curriculum to focus more on customer service. Parisian Beauty Academy in Hackensack, for one, recently became a Paul Mitchell Partner School, a franchise that values its students' interpersonal skills.

"If your hairstylist is making you feel comfortable even when you're just walking through the door, you're going to open up to him [and] confide in him," says Penny Muccia, dean of Parisian.

And building trust with the client is an extremely important part of the beauty industry, adds Jim Cox, executive director of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools: "I think you'll find that the more successful hairdressers are not necessarily the ones who have the greatest technical skills, but the ones who have the best chair-side manners and have the personalities."

In addition to Parisian's standard texts (which already emphasize communication), Muccia also incorporates into the curriculum principles from self-improvement books. Two that she considers bibles are Be Nice (Or Else)! by Winn Claybaugh and Life as a Daymaker: How to Change the World by Making Someone's Day by David Wagner.

Both authors are renowned hairdressers. In his book, Wagner talks of the time he unwittingly saved a client from suicide by being particularly warm to her during an appointment. He writes, "The wonderful time she had during our appointment had given her hope that things could get better."

With these kinds of stories, it's no wonder there's a common saying that women are more likely to listen to their hairdressers than to their doctors. ("It's almost a cliché," says Cox.)

In other words, it's not just about the hair. So what is it about?

First, the conversation.

My friend Aram goes to her hairstylist not for his haircuts (his work is good but far from great, she says), but for his company. "I go to him because we've developed this bond - a stranger-to-stranger, fellow humanity bond," she says. "I totally respect him, and I know he respects me. ... He's actually interested in my life and why I do what I do."

Second, the time and attention.

During a typical appointment, we have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time, during which we make eye contact (albeit through the mirror) and talk about any topic of our choice. In this busy day and age, we're lucky to get that kind of attention from our friends.

"You have this intense, concentrated period of time, where you actually have open dialogue and you're touching their hair at the same time," says Cutler. "I think the dynamics and the chemistry create a very strong relationship."

Which leads us to the third bond-building experience: touching.

Everyone agrees that touch builds a relationship like none other. And in that sense, hairstylists are head-and-shoulders above therapists, life coaches, spiritual leaders and other professionals who are not supposed to touch us (legally, at least).

"The physical touch breaks down a lot of barriers," says Muccia.

Adds Cutler: "Once you touch a woman's hair, the whole dynamic changes."

"Anytime anyone touches somebody else, there's a bond there," Brown says. "So you're connected to that person physically, emotionally and psychologically."

And so, a relationship is born. The hairstylist becomes one of the most important people in our lives. The kind who sees us at our worst and best. The kind who can shampoo our problems away. The kind we want to run to when we're breaking up with our husbands.

But wait. What happens when we break up with our hairstylists?

Forget it. That's another beast entirely. We'll hit that topic some other time - maybe when Jennifer Aniston does the unthinkable and breaks up with her man. Her hairdressing man, that is.

Moon Maintenance Plan

By Susan Larsen


Women will go to great lengths to have beautifully healthy hair. One very powerful system to achieve just that is the Moon Maintenance Plan. Guaranteed to be a great addition to your beauty arsenal. With this simple technique, you coordinate your hair-care activity with the most auspicious moon phase and moon sign to achieve the hair goals that have eluded you in the past.


The Moon Maintenance Plan for your hair is based on principles and secrets passed down by lunar planters and astrologers. In this cosmic plan, you’ll learn when to cut hair for faster growth; when to condition hair to avoid dryness; and when to chemically process hair for the best results. Both the moon phase and moon sign have an effect on the success of our hair activities. Let’s begin by taking a look at the moon phases.


Moon Phase:


It’s no secret the moon pulls the tides but what is lesser known is the moon’s subtle effect on the growth of all living things…plants and animals. Lunar gardening and lunar agriculture, in particular, are such time-honored and proven practices that, since the 1st century A.D., gardeners and farmers, sensitive to the effects of the moon, planted their crops during favorable times to achieve maximum growth and yield. Their thinking was, if the moon could have such a magnificent effect on the ocean, then plants, composed of a good deal of water, must at least be affected to some degree.


For humans, water accounts for 60-80% of our body weight. If there is credence to the notion that the moon effects all bodies of water then it will certainly have her say in the cycles of our lives, not to mention our hair. While it’s true the hair shaft is dead material and almost entirely protein, the moon does have an effect on hair since the hair follicles are made of epithelial tissue that is comprised mainly of Hydrogen and Oxygen, the two elements that combine to form water.


One suitable explanation for the subtle effect is that during the phase when the moon increases in light (the waxing moon) fluids are drawn upwards as in growth. When the moon decreases in light (the waning moon) fluids flow to the roots. If you planted during a new moon, the growth energy available would increase the success and hardiness of a seedling. If, however, you planted after the full moon, energy for new seeds would decline. Enough about farming, what about the moon phases’ effect on hair?

When we barely see the moon in the sky, it is in the new moon phase. From here it increases in size or waxes until it reaches the crest or peak of the cycle—the full moon. If you wish to speed up the process of growing your hair, then get it cut during the new moon to full moon phase. The full moon begins to decrease in size or wanes until it ends up as a new moon or new phase once again. If you want to slow your hair’s growth, cut it from the full moon to the new moon phase. Each phase is approximately 14 days in length giving you plenty of time to cut.


Moon Sign:

Lunar planters intimately knew the moon sign best suited for an activity. We can borrow there wisdom and use it to give our hair the best chance of happiness. Water signs such as Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are the best moon signs for cutting hair for faster growth and thickness. Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are the next best fertile signs. Virgo is the last choice of the six signs because it was best suited for the harvest. Fire and air signs, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius are generally infertile and dry and should be avoided when cutting hair for growth and thickness. Deep condition during these times.

As the moon moves through the 12 signs in a month, we are met with 12 different energies. If you know the moon sign coming up you can take advantage of its energy by coordinating a style, cut, color to match the quality associated with those few days. For example, planning a mysterious look works better when the moon is in passionate Scorpio than it would when the moon is in conservative Capricorn. Up-dos are better scheduled when the moon is in Taurus, Libra, because these are linked to Venus, the planet of beauty and fragrance.

Observe the following moon signs below, learn them well, and undertake the activity at the appropriate time for maximum success and effect. You’ll be well on your way to having fewer bad hair days than ever before.

The Moon in Aries tends to be dry and barren. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries dynamically pushes head first into activities so this Moon is best used for short, sporty styles that can be created quickly with no fuss or muss. If you’ve always wanted the convenience of a bob, get a cut during this moon. Since Aries is a fire sign with drying energy, chemically processing hair is not favored. Instead, moisturize and condition heavily. Cutting hair during this time will cause slow growth and dryer hair. Since Aries rules Mars and has dominion over the head and metal, be especially careful with scissors if you choose to have your haircut.

The Moon in Taurus is very productive and moist. When the Moon moves through the sign of Taurus, be assured that people are out to satisfy the senses. Soft, romantic, alluring styles are best planned for under this Moon if you want to melt your man’s heart. Wispy styles that fall delicately around your face are especially attractive now. If you want your hair to grow quickly and thickly, get your hair cut or trimmed during this moon. Chemically processing your hair is favored since there is moist growth energy. This is a fantastic moon to color your hair in earthy tones, especially ash blondes and browns. Taurus moons are best for kicking back and relaxing too. However, don’t be so inert that you forget to spend the time making your locks look sexy.

The Moon in Gemini is barren and dry. Gemini, an air sign, is far too fickle a Moon for drastic decisions to be made. One minute you’ll want radical, the next you’ll want romantic. After the deed is done, you may regret the hasty decision you made. Like Libra, wait this moon phase out. Look through magazines, have a hair consultation, chat with friends about trends but do no get your haircut. Gemini Moons are great for research so pick up a copy of your favorite hairstyling magazine. If however, you need a deep conditioning, go ahead. If you must color your hair, go “temporary” instead of “permanent.”

The Moon in Cancer is a fruitful and moist sign. It is considered the most productive of all the signs and most frequently used for planting, seeding and irrigation. As the premier water sign, Cancer is the best sign to get your hair cut for growth and thickness. Avoid radical styling moves such as severe colors or kinky perms. Cancer is a sign better suited to traditional styles that make mom and dad proud. Even if you do not need a cut but want the long, luxurious locks that knock men off their seats, consider a trim to enhance your hair’s growing ability. A soft look that frames your face will have your guy curling up in you arms. Because there is abundant moist energy available, all chemical processes will take well. This is a great time for coloring or highlighting your hair golden blonde.

The Moon in Leo is the most barren and driest of all signs since it’s naturally ruled by the burning sun. Deep conditioning treatments are a must during this time. If going out on the town, choose a sensational hair-do that grabs people’s attention since a Leo Moon loves the spotlight. A Leo moon may not be a good moon to attempt chemically processing your hair but it is excellent if you want to increase thickness. Leo people tend to have hair like the luxurious mane of a lion. Temporary colors are acceptable especially if they are in gold or copper tones. During this moon, closet entertainers come out of the woodwork making it a festive time for parties. A beautiful sweeping up-do is just the style to get noticed by that special someone. Rrrr! I hear the call of the wild.

The Moon in Virgo, although slightly moist, is the only barren earth sign. Virgo is the premiere sign of the harvest so only cut hair during this moon if you want to go from a longer style to a practical and conservative shorter style. Extremely thick hair should be thinned out. Radical changes should be avoided. Research flattering styles. Coloring is acceptable if the shade leans toward earthy tones, especially chestnut. Virgo moons bring the clean freak out in all of us so opt for shampoos that rid the hair of excessive product build-up. Virgo also rules over health so determine what vitamins, minerals and supplements weshould take for our inner-beauty regime. B-Complex and Silica are especially good for our hair’s health.

The Moon in Libra is a semi-fertile and moist sign. Lunar Planters used this sign to plant vines and flowers, appropriate since Libra rules over beauty. It’s no surprise, then, that perms, colors and styles have a better chance of success during this moon although working with a style you already have is better. Libra is about perfection so use this moon to discover what style looks best on you. Cutting is acceptable but avoid radical styling. This is a favorable time for romantic and sensuous soft styles. Libra is a very sociable moon so match your hair to the occasion with a stunning up-do. Libra can easily see the pros and cons of any situation so it’s unlikely you’ll feel like making a big decision during this moon anyway.

The Moon in Scorpio is a very fruitful and moist and almost as productive as Cancer. For Hair Maintenance, cut hair if you need it to grow quickly. With so much moist energy, chemically processing enjoys greater success. Scorpio moons are passionate and dramatic so choose sexy, provocative, daring styles now. If you’ve wanted a dramatically different color and style that what you’re currently sporting, this is the moon to do it. Dark brown or black add to your intrigue. Severe styles are even met with success if attempted under this moon. Part of Scorpio’s sexiness is their mystery so think “seduction” during the Scorpio Moon.

The Moon in Sagittarius is barren and dry and fiery. Perms, colors and any chemical processes should be avoided during this moon since the fire quality will leave hair dry and brittle. Instead, choose deep conditioning treatments. Sagittarius Moons are good for sports activities and exploring so if you want short, sassy, easy to style hair, have it cut during this moon. Cutting now will also slow growth. Sagittarius in medical astrology rules the process of detoxifying the body, so now is a good time to take a critical look at your diet. Greasy, fatty foods will reek havoc in the body and ultimately manifest as lifeless, unmanageable hair. If you have dry and brittle hair, use a deep conditioning treatment.

The Moon in Capricorn is productive, earthy and feminine, a bit drier than Taurus but still good for cutting hair if you want faster growth. Capricorn moons are laced with assertive, career-advancing energy so avoid styles that are radical and take attention away from your hard work. If, however, you want a very conservative, yet sensuous look, choose this moon for cuts and colors. Since people are more concerned about their status and career during this moon, don’t attempt styles and cuts that make a statement about your individuality. If you are planning to highlight your hair avoid brassy reds or golds. Ash blonde or brown is more preferred. If cutting your hair, don’t stray from your current style. Cut for maintenance only. You’ll make a great impression at work if you choose classic, styles. Avoid trends.

The Moon in Pisces is watery and feminine and one of the most fertile signs so expect increased growth and thickness if you cut your hair during this moon. In fact, almost any hair goal can be achieved with success. Chemically processing your hair is favorable since so much moist energy is available. A Pisces moon is meant for reflecting on your connection to other people and the cosmos so use this time for intimate, serious, and inspirational conversations with the opposite sex. There’s a passionate quality to this moon that sets the stage for romantic encounters. Don’t let this moon pass you by without trying a superbly romantic, soft style. Deep auburn and chestnut colors enhance an amorous moment.

The Moon in Aquarius is another barren and dry sign not suited for increasing growth or thickness. Definitely avoid chemically treating your hair since Aquarius is an air sign known for the unexpected. With so much drying air-like energy, processing will leave your hair dry. If however, you would like to flaunt your individuality with a trendy cut, this is a super moon to do so. Be aware, though, that your hair may not grow as quickly as you’d like when you tire of it. For a brief 2 ½ days, people want to revolutionize the world by trying new and exciting things so if you’re itching to be unique, add a temporary blue streak to your hair or crimp your hair.

To sum up the Moon Maintenance Plan:
Coordinating your hair activity with the appropriate moon phase and sign will have you working with the cycles instead of against. Since certain activities are better suited to certain times, take advantage of the energy that will make the task flow easier.

If you choose to grow your hair long, cut hair during the first phase of the moon when the light is increasing. To further enhance the growth of your hair, cut it when the moon is in Cancer, Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn, or Pisces. To increase thickness, cut during these times but also during the Leo moon. If you hate cutting your hair every 4-6 weeks then choose the second phase of the moon when it is decreasing in light. Cutting when the moon is in a fire or air sign like Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius, also prevents excessive growth.

Creating elegant, romantic, and decorative styles work better when the moon is in Taurus, Libra, or Pisces—signs that are naturally ruled by the goddess of love and beauty, Venus.

Moon Madness

For thousands of years, people have looked to the planets and stars for guidance. Queen
Elizabeth I consulted an astrologer when determining the best date for her coronation, while average folk planned their everyday activities around astral projections. These included farming, starting a business, and even cutting hair to promote growth.

“Cutting by the phases of the moon” is an astrological practice that continues to this day. Hair care experts like Anthony Morrocco and Dr. George Michael believe in the moon's effect on hair growth and promote the information to their clients.

In his book, George Michael's Secrets For Beautiful Hair (Doubleday, 1981), Dr. Michael wrote:

“The moon has a magnetic influence on hair just as it does on the tides. During the first quarter of the moon, a person on earth has an extremely opposite electrical pull to the moon itself.. Electric static goes through the body, through the hair, and becomes immersed into the atmosphere. The hair actually serves as a conductor of electricity, and breakage and splitting are minimized.”

New Age publishers Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. puts out a Moon Sign Book each year with instructions on using the moon's phases. In their 2006 edition, Llewellyn states, “Time and experience have proved that anything started when the Moon is weak by sign and aspect is unlikely to prosper.” This includes hair growth, according to Llewellyn:

"For faster growth, cut hair when the Moon is increasing in Cancer or Pisces. To make hair grow thicker, cut when the Moon is full in the signs of Taurus, Cancer, or Leo.”

Llewellyn also says the moon affects the outcome of chemical processes:
“Permanents, straightening, and hair coloring will take well if the Moon is in Taurus or Leo and trine or sextile Venus. Avoid hair treatments if Mars is marked as square or in opposition, especially if heat is to be used. . .”

Is there any truth to the theory that the moon affects our body systems including hair growth? Scientists and scholars are divided.

A psychiatrist named Dr. Arnold L. Lieber published a book in 1978 called The Lunar Effect: Biological Tides and Human Emotions. (The book was revised in 1996 and is titled How The Moon Affects You.) Lieber's book centers around what he calls his “biological tides theory,” which states that the moon is responsible for causing tides in all bodies of water. Since the human body is 80% water, the moon's pull affects us as well.

Another learned individual, Marilyn vos Savant, agrees that the moon affects the human body just as it controls the ocean tides. Savant is considered to have the highest I.Q. on record and writes a magazine column, Ask Marilyn, in which she wrote,
“There are tides everywhere on Earth, including not just oceans and lakes but also the ground we stand on and the atmosphere we breathe. If you stood long enough, there would even be tides in your tummy.” (Parade Magazine, Jan. 8, 1995).

But many in the scientific community consider these theories to be “bad physics.” In his paper, Myths About Gravity and Tides, physicist Mikolaj Sawicki states,
“. . .tidal effects on small bodies of water the size of a reader's tummy. . .is negligible and therefore impossible to observe.” Sawicki even provides physics calculations to prove his point.

On his Web site, Skepdic.com, Sacramento City College Professor Robert Todd Carroll states, “The fact that the human body is mostly water largely contributes to the notion that the moon should have a powerful effect on the human body. . . It is claimed by many that the earth and the human body both are 80% water. This is false. Eighty percent of the surface of the earth is water. Furthermore, the moon only affects unbounded bodies of water, while the water in the human body is bounded.”

Psychology professor James Rotton of Florida International University, cites a scientific article about the moon's effects to disprove the “biological tides” theory:
“In a cogent review that appeared in the Spring 1979 Skeptical Inquirer, astronomer George O. Abell pointed out that the moon's gravitational pull was less than the weight of a mosquito. Two of my colleagues, Roger Culver and Roger Ianna, subsequently showed that the moon's 'pull' was less than that of a wall of a building six inches away.”

Rotton was part of a research team including professors Ivan Kelly and Roger Culver who published a paper about the moon in 1996. They examined more than 100 studies on lunar effects and concluded that there was no correlation between moon phases and psychiatric or physiologic changes in the human body.

Unfortunately, no one has published a study specifically on the moon's possible effect on hair growth. If you believe the studies that say the moon does not affect our physiology, then you probably don't believe that it helps or hinders hair growth. However, if you believe that further study is needed to prove or disprove the theory, you may well decide to follow the phases of the moon in your quest for healthy hair.

For the best dates to care for your hair according to the moon's phases, visit www.morroccomethod.com

Halloween Hair Magic

Halloween is a spooky time of year when children and adults alike dress up as witches and warlocks, ghosts and goblins, to scare their neighbors and abscond with a sweet morsel or two.

With all the focus on the supernatural, it's interesting to take a look at how "real" witches practiced magic by using aspects of their everyday lives - including their hair.

In her book, Enchantments: 200 Spells for Bath & Beauty Enhancement, author Edain McCoy devotes an entire chapter to "Hair Magick." She begins by discussing traditional folk beliefs about hair in different cultures: how some believed that hair holds the soul, that long hair can protect children from evil spirits, and that hair can be used to bring curses as well as deflect them and heal illnesses.

As a divination tool, a single hair was tied to a jewel or other weighted object and allowed to swing while the practitioner asked yes and no questions, such as, "Is my future husband someone I already know?" Clockwise or up-and-down motions were usually interpreted as "yes" and counterclockwise or side-to-side as "no."

Another divination called for a mirror and a hairbrush in order to catch a glimpse of a future love. A woman would sit before her mirror just before sunset and brush her hair 100 times. Just before the 100th stroke, she would peer through her veil of hair into the mirror to see her future husband.

Braids were used to "bind power" to the practitioner. Creating a slow tight braid while visualizing a lover was said to ensure that he would be faithful. At the end, the braid was bound with a colored ribbon: red usually represented passion while blue stood for fidelity. Women also used braids to "bind a child" to them while trying to conceive.

McCoy also discusses how women used hair brushing to "brush up" magical energy. This practice was believed to be especially effective when the brushing produced static electricity that sparked and cracked in the dark. While brushing, a woman would concentrate on her need or wish. Then she would smooth her hair with her hands and envision the brushed-up energy being released toward her goal.
For the current-day practitioner, McCoy includes "Magickal Shampoo & Conditioner" recipes that you can use to attract a new love, conceive a child, banish something bad from your life, or break a curse that's been put on you.

She lists the following herbs and their "magickal properties" for use in a dry shampoo to be mixed with cornstarch and brushed through the hair:

• Psychic Skills: dill, marjoram, mugwort, thyme
• Attracting Love: vervain, yarrow, myrtle, jasmine
• Inciting Lust: fenugreek, basil, hyacinth, damiana
• Fertility: bistort, hawthorn
• Fidelity: sweet pea, thistle, chickweed, rye
• Money: cowslip, comfrey, woodruff
• Curse Breaking: vetivert, wintergreen, galangal
• Healing: fennel, bay, feverfew, boneset
• Mental Prowess: rosemary, sage
• Protection: cinnamon, clove, bay, nutmeg.

In addition to "Hair Magick," Enchantments: 200 Spells for Bath & Beauty Enhancement covers "The Magickal Bath," "Soap and Shower Magick," "Lotions and Potions," Perfumes and Aromatherapy," as well as "Magical Makeup." It's definitely a fun read, during the spooky time of year.

Cutting Hair as a Sign of Grief

Shortly after September 11, 2001, The New York Times reported that many American women were cutting off their hair in response to the terrorist attacks.

In her Nov. 20, 2001 column, writer Gina Bellafante reported, “While the post-Sept. 11 world does not seem to be prompting American men to experiment with drastic changes in appearance, it is moving women to greet their hairdressers with the words, 'Take it all off.'”

Although Bellafante contended that many women just wanted a new look, she said that others cut off their long hair as a sign of shock and sadness at the immense loss of life.

One client of famed hairdresser Stephen Knoll said she “cut her hair after Sept. 11 because, as she said, 'I felt so different internally, I wanted something to express it externally.'”

The client said that some of her friends “have felt similarly compelled.” One friend who practically shaved her head “explained that this was, in fact, an ancient ritual of grieving.”

Scary Hair Dreams: What They Mean and What You Can Do To Change Them

It's 4 a.m. and you just awoke with a start. You had that dream again - the one where you went to run your fingers through your hair but the length seemed to have vanished. You hurried over to a mirror only to see that every last strand had been mysteriously shorn off. All those years of caring for and growing your beautiful long hair were stripped away. Your reaction was one of panic, remorse, even anger. Then you woke up and felt relief wash over you. It was only a dream.

If you've ever had a similar dream, you may have been left wondering if it really meant something. Something deep down in your subconscious that reflected your personality, your relationships, or your future. Perhaps the hair itself represented something important in your life. Could suddenly having it cut off might mean you'll be abruptly cutting off a relationship or leaving your job?

According to dream expert Craig Webb, dreams do have meanings and they're usually shaped by cultural and personal beliefs. A dream about having your hair cut may be scary to you because you work hard taking care of it. But to someone else with different goals or values, the same dream might not be scary at all.

"On one level, hair can represent the physical body aspect of one's personal past. On the mental level, the nature of our hair often speaks of the type of thoughts or ideas that we have, as in the metaphor of what comes out of our head. On a mythical level, hair can be a source of strength and especially for men, as in the tale of Samson and Delilah. Another myth, Rapunzel, suggests a connection between hair, beauty, and sexuality, especially for women. Native cultures around the planet generally have different myths entirely and this will definitely affect the nature and meaning of their hair-related dreams," Webb says.

And long hair? "Long hair is viewed by some to represent a certain creative freedom and artistry in our culture, and this will influence what the dream might be speaking about, but people will have individual differences in beliefs."

Hair may represent one of these things to you, or something completely different. Regardless, Webb says that the feelings you had at the time of the dream have a direct link to your feelings when you're awake.

"If your dream is stressful and leaves you feeling panicked, look at where you have the same feelings of stress and panic in your life," Webb says.

It makes sense, then, that if you feel dread and worry during a recurring dream about a hair cutting disaster and you have the same feelings of dread and worry about a relationship ending, the two are most likely related.

The good news for recurring dreams or recurring themes in dreams is that you don't have to continue to experience the same upsetting dream night after night. According to Webb, you can actually "re-script" your dream to have a more positive outcome and your waking life will likely follow suit. In an article about resolving recurring dreams and nightmares, Webb recommends completely relaxing your body, then employing a visualization exercise.

"...Once you’re calm and quiet, mentally visualize or remember the dream... running through as though you were watching a video, except at the point where things begin to turn unpleasant, replace the old ending with the new empowering one you created...and imagine it as vividly as you can."

Make a special point to experience "the new feelings of confidence, freedom and empowerment that your new ending gives you."

Then clearly suggest to yourself that the next time you have the dream it will include your new positive outcome. Making this suggestion over and over to yourself should help you to alter your dreaming experience.

Instead of dreading bad dreams, Webb says you should welcome them as important outlets for your true emotions. You can then use these dreams as opportunities for personal healing.
In other words, once we recognize what our dreams mean to us, we can begin to turn our lives around.

"Our physical senses are turned off while we sleep, putting us on an absolutely different channel," Webb says. "We're free from the physical world when we dream, and that's when we can really achieve personal empowerment."

Handling Criticism About Hair Length

By Marie Mills

Whether it takes the form of snide comments from a stranger or a cutting remarks from a loved one, people who forego the style mainstream and wear their hair long often receive criticism about their choice. The best way to respond to these unwanted comments depends on who is saying them, and why.

When the criticism takes the form of offhanded jibes from casual acquaintances, it is seldom meant to be constructive.

Instead, it usually reflects the detractor’s own insecurities.

It may help the situation to gently call attention to the critic’s motivation by politely answering their comments with questions like: Why are you bothered by my hairstyle? Why do you think you base so much of your opinion on looks?

Another useful approach is to answer truthfully and directly.

“A coworker once told me I would look so pretty with shorter hair,” reports Jessica, who has waist-length locks. “I honestly said ‘I think you would look much better with longer hair.’ She hasn’t said anything else since.”

If all else fails, nothing beats an arsenal of snappy comments.

“When a woman says something catty about my hair I usually just wink, smile and purr, ‘Men love it,’” Jessica says.

Witty one-liners may work well for strangers but not when the comments come from close friends or relatives. Loved ones are more likely to intend their criticism to be constructive. They may not even realize that their comments are irritating and perhaps very hurtful.

“Rationally and calmly confronting your friend is the only way to deal with the situation,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Catherine Gildiner. “Let her know that no matter what she meant to do, her actions have caused you pain.”

Mothers can be especially critical of their daughters’ appearance, and it may help to try to understand what their exact problem with long hair is. Depending on their age and culture, women may think shorter hair indicates more wealth, more professionalism or more polish. Pointing out dynamic, successful looking longhaired women on television and in magazines may help alleviate these stereotypes.

Very rarely, constant criticism from a parent may indicate a deeper problem. If the endless negative comments extend to all of the child’s appearance, personal and professional choices, the trouble goes beyond hair length.

“Some (parents) are filled with self-hatred that they extend to their daughters, who they see as extensions of themselves,” says Gildiner.

No one likes to receive criticism, especially about something as personal as appearance, but understanding the origins of the comments can help in diffusing them. Always remember, the occasional taunt just makes the inevitable long hair compliments sweeter.