A small ritual, a big meaning

Happy Lunar New Year 2026 — the Year of the Horse — and for many that means more than red envelopes and family dinners. One tradition that keeps coming up online is the belief that you shouldn’t wash your hair on New Year’s Day. The idea: washing can “wash away” incoming luck and prosperity just as the new year begins. The tension between an oily scalp and superstition is real — but for those who follow it, skipping wash day is a way to protect good fortune.

What people say about the practice

Experts and creators frame the custom in two ways: as a superstition about fortune, and as a mindful ritual.

• Luck and protection: “The beginning of the Lunar New Year is treated as a sacred energetic reset,” says Dr. Jenelle Kim. Because the first day symbolizes renewal and abundance, washing your hair is traditionally avoided so you don’t metaphorically rinse away blessings.
• Mindfulness and intention: Dr. Kim also notes the ritual invites a pause — a chance to start the year gently and with intention, not rush into routines. From this view, skipping a wash is less about hair and more about creating space for gratitude and presence.

How the tradition shows up today — TikTok and family practices

The custom has gone viral on social platforms, where AAPI creators share personal do’s and don’ts for Lunar New Year. On TikTok, content creator Isa Sung lists avoiding hair washing at the top of her tips — suggesting people wash the night before if needed. Another creator, Kaila, calls it classic advice you’d hear from a “Chinese big sister,” noting that cutting hair is also discouraged because trimming symbolizes “cutting away your fortune.”

Practical ways to honor the custom

If you want to take part without feeling uncomfortable, the suggestions people commonly offer include:

• Shampoo the night before the Lunar New Year.
• Use dry shampoo if you need a quick freshen-up.
• Wait until after the holiday to cut or wash your hair.

These small adjustments let you observe the ritual while still feeling clean and comfortable.

Tradition beyond superstition

Whether you follow it strictly or treat it symbolically, the deeper message is consistent across cultures that celebrate the lunar calendar. The practice reminds people to begin gently, protect their energy, and welcome the year with care. As Dr. Kim puts it, beyond “luck,” the ritual is a meaningful way to align body, mind and spirit with renewal.

The Year of the Horse and seasonal context

This Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Horse, a sign associated with strength, vitality and forward momentum in the chinese zodiac. Across communities, customs vary, but the emphasis on safeguarding good fortune and starting with intention is widespread. If you’re celebrating, plan your wash day accordingly — ideally before February 17 — so you can join in the greetings of “happy lunar new year 2026” and “happy chinese new year 2026” with peace of mind.

Follow TNN for more on the chinese zodiac, Lunar New Year animals, and simple traditions you can try this season. Get latest updates and features on holiday customs, US news today, and Canada news today.

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