Haircuts are basically witchcraft
how to perform a haircut ritual!
The last time I cut my hair, I had the realization that haircuts are essentially witchcraft. Part cord-cutting, part glamour magick, haircuts are a powerful ritual that helps us release old, stagnant energy and step into a fresh, revitalized version of ourselves.
Think about it—every strand of hair carries energy, memories, and experiences. When we cut it, we are symbolically shedding layers of the past, making space for new beginnings.
Let’s dive into what exactly cord-cutting and glamour magick are, and how you can perform your own hair ritual (aka haircut). If you want to follow along with me, check out my video on YouTube:
What is cord-cutting?
Cord-cutting is a ritual used to energetically release attachments to people, situations, or versions of ourselves that no longer serve us. We are always forming energetic “cords” with everything and everyone we interact with. Some of these connections uplift us and make our lives better, but others can drain us or keep us tethered to outdated narratives. Over time, some of these cords need to be severed so that we can be free from that energetic bondage.
Ironically, the most common form of a cord-cutting ritual does not include scissors at all. Typically, this ritual involves two candles tied together by a string. One candle will represent you, while the other represents the person, situation, or thing that we want to detach ourselves from. Eventually, the flames of the candles will catch the string and burn it, thus severing the connection between you and the other person or thing.
A haircut can be another form of a cord-cutting ritual. When we intentionally cut our hair with the mindset of letting go, we are severing those energetic ties and shedding the weight of past experiences, emotional baggage, or stagnant energy. It’s an act of renewal and a way to reclaim our power and move forward unburdened.
What is glamour magick?
Because hair is associated with our appearance, haircuts can also be considered a form of glamour magick! Glamour magick is the art of using energy, intention, and aesthetics to influence how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. It’s not a superficial practice to just look good, it’s about embodying a desired energy and consciously shaping our presence in the world.
Common forms of glamour magick include…
Enchantment: charging a piece of jewelry or beauty product with an intention so you embody that energy whenever you wear the item
Color magick: intentionally wearing a color (clothing, makeup, nail polish, etc) that aligns with your intention and desired mood/outcome
Protection: using certain oils or adding protection braids to your hair before going out in public, doing readings, or performing spiritual work
A haircut can be an extremely potent glamour magick ritual. Whether it's a bold chop, a new color, or just a fresh trim… changing our hair shifts our self-image. It allows us to align our outer appearance with our inner reality. It allows us to step into a new energetic frequency, a new reality. Our hair often defines chapters or eras in our lives. In my YouTube video, I discuss chopping my long hair off right when I started college and the interesting astrology of that moment.
How do I perform a hair ritual?
I know it sounds scary, but I find so much power in cutting my own hair! And I promise, it’s really not that hard to do yourself. I have been cutting my own hair for five years now!
Here is what my hair ritual looks like, with some practical haircut tips sprinkled in:
Choose an intention and create a game plan: maybe a trim is what you need to feel refreshed, or maybe you’re ready to step into a new era with a dramatic chop! Whatever it is, set a clear intention… are you releasing old energy? Reinventing yourself? Once you decide on your intention, be sure to watch a couple YouTube tutorials (from actual hairstylists!) to create an action plan for your cut. Trust me, I used to go at my hair with no plan whatsoever and would spend hours trying to even it out.
Prep your hair: This step sets the stage for the ritual. I like to do an oil treatment ahead of time to nourish my hair (I’m obsessed with Mielle’s Rosemary and Mint oil!). I also prefer to cut my hair wet, so I give it a good scrub before I start. This part feels like a cleansing ritual in itself!
Visualization: ~this is the witchy part!!!~ Before you make your first cut, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think about everything you’re ready to let go of— old habits, outdated beliefs, toxic relationships, stagnant emotions. With every snip, visualize that energy leaving your body.
Continue on with the cut: As you continue with your cut, stay present. With every section, take a deep breath and feel the weight leaving—literally and energetically. If any doubts creep in (because let's be real, there’s always that one moment where you panic mid-cut…happens to me every time), remind yourself: this is a transformation. You are shedding what no longer serves you.
Admire the aftermath: Once you’re done, take a moment to gather the hair you cut off and look at it in one big pile (I know, it sounds weird, but trust me on this). That’s all the energy you just released! That’s the past you’ve let go of! Hold gratitude for what you’re leaving behind, then throw it away. Goodbye!!!
Makeover moment: you might as well give yourself the full salon experience… style your hair in your absolute favorite way <3
And viola, you just performed a cord-cutting, glamour magick ritual with your hair!
With a little intention and mindfulness, a mundane task like a haircut turns into a ritual of release, transformation, and self-empowerment. Having all the crystals, candles, and fancy tools isn’t what makes you a witch— finding magick in the mundane is. I hope this guide inspires you to bring more ritual into your life because there is truly magick everywhere.
Love,
Taylor
just now i was thinking about hair because i felt the need to release!! very appropiate for scorpio moon transit