Why Do People Avoid Cutting Their Hair at the Beginning of the Lunar New Year?

Avoiding haircuts at the beginning of the year is a common folk custom in Vietnamese culture as well as in many other Asian countries. This tradition stems from long-standing beliefs and spiritual concepts that cutting hair at the start of the year may bring bad luck. In the article below, Aveline will help answer the question: Why do people avoid cutting their hair at the beginning of the year?

Origins of the Tradition

The custom of avoiding haircuts at the beginning of the year originates from various folk tales and traditional beliefs. According to ancient beliefs, hair is an important part of the body that contains energy and life force. Cutting hair was thought to affect a person’s health and destiny.

Many oral traditions say that at the beginning of the New Year, deities visit households. If someone cuts their hair during this time, it may be considered disrespectful, potentially bringing misfortune. Hair is also believed to symbolize luck and longevity. Therefore, cutting hair at the beginning of the year is thought to mean losing one’s blessings and good fortune.

Why Do People Avoid Cutting Their Hair at the Beginning of the Year?

Below are some common reasons why many people refrain from cutting their hair during the early days of the year:

Belief in Loss

In folk culture, hair represents health and prosperity. Cutting hair at the beginning of the year is seen as cutting away luck, wealth, or even health for the entire year.

Avoiding Bad Luck

In the past, people believed that negative actions such as sweeping the house, breaking objects, or cutting hair should be avoided at the beginning of the year. These actions were thought to drive away wealth or bring bad omens.

The New Year Symbolizes a Fresh Start

The beginning of the year represents a complete and meaningful new cycle. Cutting hair—an act of removing or discarding—may be interpreted as starting the year with loss or imperfection.

See more: 10 Delicious Dishes for Tet Holiday

Traditional Habit

The custom of avoiding haircuts at the beginning of the year has been passed down through generations and has become part of daily beliefs and lifestyle. Many people follow this tradition not only for spiritual reasons but also to maintain family harmony and preserve cultural values.

Peace of Mind

Although this custom has no scientific basis, many people observe it to avoid feelings of anxiety. They believe that “better safe than sorry,” and following the tradition brings peace of mind during the New Year. They feel reassured that they are doing the right thing to protect themselves and their families from misfortune.

People believe that following traditional customs helps maintain peace and luck in life. In addition, this tradition creates a respectful and solemn atmosphere within families, especially during the first days of the New Year.

See more: Which Days Should Sexual Relations Be Avoided During Tết?

Impact on Modern Life

Although the custom of avoiding haircuts has existed for a long time, it still affects modern life today. In the days leading up to Tết, hair salons are often crowded as people want to tidy up their appearance before entering the New Year. This creates a lively and festive atmosphere as everyone prepares for a year full of hope.

However, for some people, this tradition can be inconvenient. Those who lack time to prepare may have to endure an unsatisfactory hairstyle during the first days of the year—especially people whose jobs require a neat and professional appearance.

That said, this custom is regional and not mandatory for everyone. In modern society, fewer people strictly observe avoiding haircuts at the beginning of the year, choosing instead more flexible and positive practices.

See more: Men’s Favorite Hairstyles for the Lunar New Year

Aveline Hair Growth Shampoo

If you accidentally cut your hair too short or unevenly during Tết and feel dissatisfied, you can use Aveline Hair Growth Shampoo. This product helps nourish hair and stimulate faster growth thanks to its specialized formula and natural ingredients.

Aveline is a leading brand specializing in high-quality hair care products for the international market. With a commitment to delivering superior hair care performance, Aveline helps your hair become smooth, shiny, soft, and full of vitality.

Aveline shampoo nourishes and restores dry, damaged, and split-end hair. It effectively treats hair problems such as dandruff, scalp fungus, and excessive hair loss thanks to ingredients like collagen and wheat protein.
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It also helps slow premature graying, supports natural hair darkening, and makes hair thicker, stronger, and more voluminous. The shampoo provides rich nutrients that deeply penetrate each strand, improving softness and shine.

Conclusion

Through this article, Aveline has helped answer the question of why people avoid cutting their hair at the beginning of the year. This custom is an integral part of traditional culture in many Asian communities, especially during the Lunar New Year.

Although rooted in folk beliefs and spiritual traditions, it still plays an important role in modern life. Not only does it provide psychological comfort, but it also helps foster unity and mutual respect within families during the New Year.