Haircut Day (Heakatto no Hi)

What Is Haircut Day?

Every year on April 5th, Japan marks "Haircut Day" (Heakatto no Hi). The date commemorates a historical event from April 5, 1872 (Meiji 5), when the Tokyo prefectural government issued an order banning women from cutting their hair short. The previous year, an edict had granted men the freedom to cut their hair and stop wearing swords, sparking a trend toward short hairstyles among women too — but the government of the time decreed that "women should maintain the traditional Japanese hairstyle." This day looks back on the long road women traveled toward the freedom to choose their own hairstyles, and celebrates the freedom of self-expression through appearance.

A Historical Look at Freedom of Appearance During the Meiji Restoration

Changing one's hairstyle was once a powerful statement of stepping into a new era.

• The Background of the Ban: In the early Meiji period, more women began wearing short hair, partly for convenience and partly out of fascination with Western culture. The government's ban was rooted in conservative anxiety that it would become "hard to distinguish men from women." Eventually, though, the tide of the times prevailed, and short hair for women became officially accepted.
• The "Zangiri" Haircut Craze: After the edict allowing men to cut their hair, a popular saying went, "If you tap a zangiri (cropped) head, you'll hear the sound of civilization opening up." Cutting off the chonmage — the topknot that symbolized the old feudal era — was a very literal, visible marker of Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern one.

The Science Behind How a Haircut Affects Your Brain and Mood

Cutting your hair affects more than your appearance — it has a measurable impact on mental well-being.

• Refreshing Your Self-Image: Seeing a new version of yourself in the mirror instantly updates your brain's "self-image." This works as a kind of psychological reset, often boosting motivation for new challenges and shifting a stagnant mood.
• The Relaxing Power of Touch: The scalp stimulation from a haircut and shampoo at a salon activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Research suggests that a professional touch from a hairstylist can lower stress hormones and produce a deeply relaxing effect.

Fascinating Facts About Hair and Haircuts

• How Fast Does Hair Grow?: On average, hair grows about 0.3–0.4 mm per day, or roughly 1–1.2 cm per month — about 15 cm a year. Regular trims aren't just about looking neat; they're a scientifically sound way to keep hair healthy and prevent split ends.
• The Psychology of "Cutting Your Hair After a Breakup": Hair carries a symbolic weight tied to memory and emotion. Across cultures, cutting off long hair has long served as a ritual act — a way of breaking from the past and being reborn as a new self.
• The Evolution of Salon Scissors: The shears used by professional stylists are honed to an extremely fine edge to avoid damaging the hair. Some handcrafted scissors cost the equivalent of thousands of dollars, and their precision cutting edge directly affects the shine and texture of the finished cut.
• Hairstyle Drives First Impressions: Psychological studies show that hairstyle plays an outsized role in first impressions. A clean, well-groomed hairstyle can instantly boost perceptions of trustworthiness and sociability.
• April as a "New Self" Birthday: In Japan, April marks the start of the school and fiscal year, so many people get a haircut around this time to mark a fresh start. Adjusting your appearance to match a new environment is a natural, almost instinctive way of preparing to fit into a new community.

Ideas for Haircut Day

• Book an appointment at a salon or barbershop around April 5th and let a professional give you a fresh look — a small ritual to inject some "renewal energy" into the start of a new season.
• Try a hairstyle or color you've never attempted before. A small change can be the spark that helps you discover a new side of yourself and breaks up the monotony of daily life.
• Think of it this way: cutting off just an inch of hair can lighten your mood far more than you'd expect. After your cut, take a walk and enjoy the feeling of a lighter head and a lighter heart.
• At home, give yourself some extra hair care — a deep conditioning treatment or a scalp massage — as a small act of self-care for a part of your body you often take for granted.

Shed the Old You Along with That Lock of Hair, and Step Into a Brighter New Season

April 5th is a "transformation day" — a chance to redefine how you present yourself to the world. Just as Meiji-era women cut their hair in pursuit of freedom, you too can let go of others' expectations and your own past, and express the person you most want to be right now. The moment your reflection in the mirror feels new, the way you see the world often shifts too. A lighter hairstyle can brighten your smile and send positive energy to everyone you meet. Taking care of your hair is, in its own way, taking care of your mind. Walk confidently into this new chapter as the protagonist of your own story.