How to use the phases of the moon to amplify your beauty and hair routine, straight from the experts

The phases of the moon can tell you when to cut or color, plus when to reach for those serums or exfoliators

Woman's silhouette against a galaxy background
(Image credit: Getty Images / Tara Moore / Chaiyun Damkaew)

The answers to all of our burning questions are in the cosmos, even when it comes to beauty and style. According to the experts, phases of the moon are key to planning new looks and trying out different routines. 

If you're toying with the idea of switching up your 'do (like dyeing your hair at home or finally getting bangs) or experimenting with the biggest skincare trend of 2021, see which celestial phase best enhances those beauty vibes and plan accordingly. All you need to do is look to the sky!

Boost your beauty during the phases of the moon:

Female with strong make up

(Image credit: Getty)

1. New moon

New moons are focused on beginnings and renewals, so if you're thinking of going a dramatic route—be it a different color, a bold cut, or a straightening treatment—now is the time to take action, according to celebrity hairstylist Hannah Gaboardi

Meanwhile, celebrity facialist Su-Man—who is regularly entrusted with caring for the gorgeous skin of famous folks like Anne Hathaway, Juliette Binoche, and Freida Pinto—recommends focusing on cleansing and detoxifying your skin during this particular celestial phase. (No, makeup wipes alone aren't enough to do the trick.) We suggest trying this 60-second cleanser hack to get healthy, gorgeous-looking skin!

Su-Man Gua Sha Plate | £30 ($41)

<a href="https://www.su-man.com/shop/gua-sha-plate/?v=79cba1185463" data-link-merchant="su-man.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Su-Man Gua Sha Plate | £30 ($41)

These ceramic plates, which you can use for your face or body, help tone facial muscles, minimize pores, promote blood circulation, and more. 

2. Full moon

The full moon is a time to let go. Hannah Gaboardi suggests trimming your hair to increase vitality when a full moon is on the horizon. 

Su-Man fittingly recommends working on your glow. (Our go-to vitamin C serums can help with that!) "In terms of skincare, it is best to focus on hydration and utilize serums that brighten," she says. 

Su-Man Velvet Skin Brightening Serum

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An anti-aging serum that helps promote a firmer, brighter complexion.

3. Waning moon

The waning moon presents the opportunity for a little TLC, and we can't argue with that.

"Pamper your body with essential oils to bring you calm and peace," Su-Man says. "This is the best time for facials and a massage."

When it comes to your hair, keep strands strong with an ultra-hydrating serum or hair mask. Hannah Gaboardi even recommends looking into hair rollers to help stimulate your scalp. And in terms of style, here's when to book an appointment.

"If you wish for your haircut to last longer (for example if you want your bob to stay in shape for longer), you should cut it during waning moon as the moon in this phase slows down the growing process," Gaboardi suggests.

OLIVIEREWILSON HAIR Microneedling | £58 ($80)

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This product, suitable for both men and women, will stimulate and strengthen hair follicles.

4. Waxing moon

"If you want hair to grow faster, then the best time to cut it is on the waxing moon," Gaboardi says. 

In terms of skincare, you'll likely want to attempt skin peelings or intense exfoliation to remove the dead cells during a waxing moon, says Su-Man. 

Su-Man Refining Facial Polish | £38 ($52)

<a href="https://www.su-man.com/shop/refining-facial-polish/?v=79cba1185463" data-link-merchant="su-man.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Su-Man Refining Facial Polish | £38 ($52)

A watermelon scrub to exfoliate, hydrate, and soothe the skin.

So if you've got some big beauty plans for your near future, keep track of the next new moon, full moon, and other celestial events to give your makeup and skincare routines a cosmic boost!

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.