When I was growing up, my parents insisted I shampoo daily — otherwise, my hair and scalp would be “dirty,” and there was always a concern about lice or something equally unwelcome. For years, though, I had long, thick hair that could basically hoard oil like a squirrel stores nuts, letting me get away with washing it as infrequently as twice a week (sometimes longer, if I’m being honest). 

That all changed a few months ago, when I donated a foot of hair and entered my bob era. Suddenly, I was washing my hair every two days (not to mention, reaching for dry shampoo in between washes). Now that I had less length to absorb and distribute oil, it turns out that shorter cuts can be surprisingly high-maintenance. At first, I’ll admit, the adjustment period was real. Washing my hair more often than I was used to felt excessive, maybe even a little wrong. Why, exactly, I wasn’t even sure I could say.

But if social media is anything to go by, the list is long: a tight, irritated scalp, dry ends, and oily roots — often attributed to the scalp producing more sebum to compensate. 

It’s also worth noting somewhere here that not washing your hair has become a major trend on TikTok. Often framed as “hair training,” it’s sparked plenty of debate — from people being criticized for how often they wash their hair to others saying they’re now hesitant to shampoo because they’ve noticed shedding. The result is a broader anti-shampoo sentiment. But here’s the problem: dermatologists and trichologists report seeing a rise in patients with scalp concerns. The risks of underwashing are real: itchiness, dandruff, irritation, and, of course, the general unpleasantness of greasy hair.

But once I got over my own hesitation, I realized I’m far from alone in being a little wary of overwashing. So, I decided to put my questions (and shampoo anxiety) to a certified trichologist and get some real answers on how often we actually need to wash our hair. The results? Hair-raising. 

How often should you wash your hair? 

The answer depends on a few factors, including your personal tolerance for an oily scalp. Can you deal, like me, or do you run at the first sign of grease? In general, shorter styles tend to need more frequent washing than long, Rapunzel-level lengths, since there’s less hair to absorb and distribute oil. Texture also plays a role: On the spectrum from fine to coarse (referring to the strand itself, not how much hair you have), finer hair tends to get oily faster. 

If your hair falls in the straight-to-wavy camp, you’ll likely need to shampoo every two to three days, according to Dallas-based trichologist and Colour Collective founder Kerry E. Yates. Curly and coily textures, on the other hand, can usually stretch wash day a bit longer — but should still aim for at least once a week. 

Certain lifestyle factors play a role, too: If you’re working out and sweating regularly or using styling products daily, you may notice buildup faster and need to wash more often. As Yates puts it: “Would you wait five days to wash your face after wearing makeup every day?” Message received, loud and clear. 

Does washing hair cause shedding?

If your FYP is also flooded with post-shower hair clumps stuck to the walls and tub edges, you’re not alone in fearing that washing more often will result in more shedding. However, we’re here to settle this once and for all: Washing your hair does not make it fall out faster. “Shampooing loosens strands that are already ready to shed but are being held in place by buildup, product residue, and everyday grime,” explains Yates. In other words, if you’re not brushing or washing regularly, you’re just delaying the already-released strands from leaving your head.

“On average, we shed about 100 to 150 hairs per day,” Yates adds. “Multiply that by five, six, or even seven days between washes, and you’re looking at hundreds of strands that are ready to come out all at once.” It sounds like a lot (and it is!) but when you consider that the average human head has between 90,000 and 150,000 strands of hair, it’s not cause for immediate concern.

And here’s the part that often gets lost in fearmongering TikToks: That fallout is completely normal. It’s just healthy, everyday shedding — a natural part of the hair growth cycle. Anecdotally, I found that I could relate; the more often I’ve been washing my hair, the smaller those tufts became, since I was releasing strands gradually instead of all at once in one slightly horrifying, bird’s-nest situation. (Which my husband used to affectionately call “our new pet.”) 

Is there a correct way to wash hair? 

Yes — but trust us, it’s easier than you think (and honestly, kind of satisfying once you get into it). As Yates explains, start by dispensing shampoo into your hands and emulsifying it with water before applying. Most people go straight from bottle to scalp, but skipping this step can lead to uneven distribution and a less thorough cleanse overall. 

Using your fingertips (not your nails, since that can scratch or irritate), gently work the emulsion in, massaging from the hairline to the crown and all the way down to the nape of your neck, making sure you’re covering the entire head. Think of it less like a quick lather to get through and more like a mini scalp massage — it should feel good and release tension, which is enough encouragement for me. 

Once you’ve worked everything in, rinse thoroughly — and when we say “thoroughly,” we mean it. Yates even recommends rinsing “one minute longer” than you think you need, since most of us tend to rush this step. After that, follow with conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends only. Your scalp likely won’t need the extra moisture since it’s already producing its own oils. 

How can people find the right shampoo/conditioner for their hair type/needs? 

Understandably, the right shampoo will differ depending on your hair type, length, and texture. (And contrary to popular opinion, surfactants and preservatives like sulfates and parabens aren’t the villains people make them out to be. Sulfates, for instance, are effective at lifting away oil and buildup, helping to keep the scalp clean and balanced.) 

I have fine, wavy, color-treated hair and have been loving Milbon’s Illuminating Glow range, which was recommended to me by my stylist, Anh Co Tran. (The hero ingredient, marula oil, works wonders to repair the cuticle and reduce frizz, and also lends a healthy dose of shine to my highlighted brunette hair.) 

For fine or damaged hair, Yates recommends formulas that skip heavy emollients and instead use balanced surfactants that cleanse effectively without weighing hair down or compromising volume, while still keeping strands soft and manageable. Yates recommends Sisley Paris’ Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo, which has an alphabet soup of vitamins B5, B6, and E (in addition to reparative camellia oil) to prevent hair thinning and nourish the scalp.

If your hair is dry or damaged, reach for more moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and treatments packed with nourishing ingredients like oils and proteins. These can help improve overall hair health, restore hydration, and boost shine over time. One of Yates’ go-tos is Prive’s Moisture Rich Shampoo, which features jojoba proteins, kukui oil, and green tea to strengthen the hair fiber and replenish moisture. 

For oily hair, look for formulas with ingredients like salicylic acid (that’s right, it’s not just for treating acne) to help regulate excess oil production. (We’re also fans of Dove’s Derma Scalp Dandruff Relief Shampoo, which pairs salicylic acid with niacinamide to eliminate greasiness and flakes.) “Regular washing and avoiding overly harsh products can also help reduce oiliness,” Yates adds. Another favorite: Oribe’s Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo, which cleanses thoroughly without stripping, thanks to ingredients like biomimetic amino acid and a sugar-derived prebiotic to balance your scalp’s flora. (Another plus: It doesn’t have that overly medicinal scent common with many scalp-focused formulas.) 

For curly and coily hair, Yates recommends Pattern Beauty’s Hydration Shampoo for its gentle cleansing and nourishing properties thanks to aloe, honey, and coconut oil. “There’s one word that matters [for curly and coily hair]: moisture,” Yates says, name-checking coconut, argan, and jojoba oils — along with aloe vera and shea butter — as key ingredients to look for. “Because curly and coily hair produces less natural sebum, oils help balance the scalp and prevent dryness,” she explains.

Final Thoughts

As it turns out, shampooing more often didn’t make my hair drier or less soft, as I’d initially feared. In fact, my hair and scalp have never looked (nor felt) better now that I’ve found formulas that don’t just clean, but actually nourish and hydrate my scalp and hair. I now genuinely look forward to wash day, which has become the metaphorical — and literal, in the case of my hair — reset that I didn’t know I needed. 

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Your Horoscope This Week: April 12 To 18

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Podiatrist Dina Gohil has earned herself the rather wince-inducing name ‘the foot-scraper,‘ but her credentials go so much further than simply filing away calluses. Her hundreds of loyal clients come from faraway places with one goal in mind: to transform their tired feet.

A booking can cover everything from nail repair and stopping infections in their tracks (more common than you might think) to assessing the compatibility of your footwear. Spring is one of Gohil’s busiest times of year, with everyone cramming in appointments ahead of sandal season.

My feet have been stuffed inside chunky boots for the first months of the year, so it’s safe to say that they’re in a bad way. I’m talking cracked heels, hard skin, and potentially ruined toenails (thanks to my polish obsession, they haven’t seen the light of day for years). With spring just around the corner, I had to visit Gohil — and what I learned about caring for my feet is definitely worth sharing. So here’s how to get a podiatrist-worthy pedicure at home, whatever your budget.

Give your toenails a break from polish

Nail polish on fingernails seems to last all of five minutes. On toenails? That stuff could survive anything. But just because it sticks around forever doesn’t mean you don’t need to remove it every once in a while. According to Gohil, it’s important to give your toenails a break, otherwise they could end up looking marked and discolored (like mine).

“If you’re a serial nail-painter, give yourself a break in between,” says Gohil. “Even a couple of hours will do, to give them a chance to replenish themselves. But if you can do a week, that’s fantastic.” After taking off your polish (Gohil isn’t too fussed about opting for something acetone-free, unless that’s your preference), she recommends soaking your feet in a bowl of warm salt water for a few minutes. Once they’re dry, you can apply a fresh coat of polish. “I’d renew polish every two weeks.”

Never skip the base coat

It can be tempting to swipe on polish and go, especially when warm weather sneaks up on you. But Gohil hits home the importance of always starting with a base coat. “You should be using a base coat every time, but a lot of people are guilty of not doing that. There are a lot of chemicals that go into nail polish, and they do affect the nail bed.” Gohil says that applying polish to naked nails can result in a discolored nail plate, where toenails can become white and chalky, even yellow. “If you’re someone who hasn’t noticed a change, you’re just lucky, because polish can weaken the nail and it makes you susceptible to things like fungal infections, dryness, brittleness, and flaking — things you want to avoid.”

Oil can transform your nails

Manicurists always extol the virtues of a slick of cuticle oil, but dedicated toenail oil is a thing, too, and it can breathe new life into feet that are a little worse for wear, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. “After soaking your feet, use an oil to rehydrate your nails,” Gohil says. “My favorite is actually vegetable oil, which works miracles for your toenails. It helps prevent splits, aids hydration and the overall texture of toenails, and it has benefits for the rate at which they grow.” 

Even Gohil’s clients are sold. She advises applying just a little bit of oil onto dry toenails and massaging it in with your fingers. Sometimes Gohil mixes the vegetable oil with a couple of drops of tea tree oil, which is naturally antibacterial. In the clinic, she also swears by Gehwol Protective Nail and Skin Oil.

Use a flat foot file

People ask Gohil if they should be using metal foot files — contraptions that almost resemble a cheese grater (ouch), but she will always advise against them. “You’re not going to know how much skin you need to take off, and you can cause a lot of damage. It’s just not worth it, so don’t use those.” In fact, they have recently been banned from lots of podiatry clinics and nail salons.

Instead, Gohil loves flat foot files, which look like big nail files, over these metal contraptions and pumice stones. “I’m obsessed with these,” says Gohil, “but always remember to file on dry feet. I’m not a fan of using this tool on wet skin, just because you can take off too much, and it can be quite sore.” She has a simple trick: “Do three long strokes, then touch your feet to see how they feel. If they’re still a bit rough, do another three, and then stop.” Gohil suggests using a tool like this several times throughout the week, rather than aiming to get everything off in one hit. “A lot of people leave it and then scrub, scrub, scrub. You don’t want to do that!”

Gohil suggests following with a targeted foot cream (try L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream for Dry Skin) to replenish what you’ve taken away with the file.

Rethink using gel toenail polish

Just like your manicure, when you leave a gel pedicure on toenails for too long, they can end up damaged. “I’ve seen clients who have had gel polish on for six weeks and panic that something has happened to their toenails,” she says, referring to a weak, brittle, and spotted appearance.

Gohil mentions that gels are not a great option if your feet are often exposed to wet conditions, for example, in sweaty socks or work boots. “It’s easy for fungal nail infections to set in,” she says, “and if you’re using gels to mask a fungal infection, you’re going to make it worse.” 

Symptoms of a fungal nail infection include discoloration, which can appear white, yellow, or dark brown; while some people find that their nails feel thicker and are painful, or they notice a prominent smell. It’s not all bad, though. Gohil says that fungal nail infections can be treated easily by a podiatrist. If you keep gels on for a week or two and then have them professionally removed, you give your toenails more of a chance to be hydrated and replenished.

Not all creams are created equal (for feet)

Feet become dry through a combination of different factors, says Gohil. They include exposure to the elements (for example, very hot or cold weather), how hydrated you are (which is why it’s important to up your water intake), and genetics. Gohil also pinpoints skin-drying medication (an example would be Accutane for acne) and hormones, which can cause dry-skin changes. But the biggest contributor to dry skin is simply not moisturizing enough. “A lot of people forget this,” says Gohil, “but when you’re standing in the shower or the bath, you’re exposed to things in the soapy water,” which can be drying. She asks, “Would you wash your face and not put moisturizer on afterwards?”

In other words, foot cream is a must. But it has to be a targeted foot cream. “Not a body cream and not E45, which I often see people using in the clinic. Opt for a foot cream that has skincare ingredient urea in it to really moisturize the skin.” Alongside a foot cream that contains urea, Gohil uses a heel balm on her own feet. “Really massage the cream in and don’t just put it on your heels. Put it on the tops of your feet, too.”

The trick to trimming your toenails

‘Should toenails be cut wet or dry?‘ is a popular Google search, as is which tool is best to trim them with. Gohil says that both come down to personal preference. “Whether you use nail scissors or clippers, it’s up to you — both are fine as long as they’re clean and you feel comfortable using the tools. You also don’t have to cut your toenails after a bath or shower. But if you can, try to do it when your toenails are dry.”

Gohil says it’s always best to leave a small white tip to the toenail, rather than cutting down to the skin. She also advised being mindful of the shape. “It’s not necessarily true that you have to cut your toenail straight across,” says Gohil. “Look at the fleshy aspect of your toenail and see the shape before the nail. Is yours more curved or straight? Follow that as a guide, and make sure there are no sharp corners. You can even enlist a skinny nail file to buff the corners to make sure they’re nice and smooth.”

Exfoliating socks don’t have to be scary

Exfoliating socks all but ruled TikTok just a few years ago, thanks to their gruesomely fascinating effects. In truth, the results of such foot exfoliating peeling masks are not for the fainthearted, as very thick, dry skin tends to peel off in layers. But these socks are great to use, says Gohil. “You might leave bits of skin everywhere, but they’re gentle. If you follow the instructions — 60 minutes on and then wash off the residue — you can’t go wrong, especially if you have very thick skin.” Just don’t be tempted to pull off the skin before it’s ready. “Otherwise, you’re exposing raw skin that isn’t ready to shed away,” which could be painful, says Gohil.

And what about the latest viral hack of using glycolic-acid toner on dry, cracked feet? “Mildly exfoliating acids can help,” says Gohil, “but is it a long-term solution? Probably not. Some cracked-foot creams have lactic acid in them, but make sure it also includes urea, which is a really moisturizing ingredient. TikTok hacks can be a bit of a fad, and while this can be done, you ideally want something that’s clinically-proven, designed for your feet, and that won’t cause you damage with long-term use.”

How to tell if your feet need more than just cream

There’s an easy way to tell if your dry feet are in need of a little cream or whether the problem goes a bit deeper. “Superficial dry skin might present as white skin with some lines,” says Gohil. “A great way to check is to wet your feet and have a look at the sole. If you can’t see the lines, it’s superficial. When they’re very deep, you’ll still see the cracks,” which means your dry skin is more of a chronic condition. If that’s the case and foot cream isn’t cutting it, it might be time to book in with a podiatrist for a better solution.

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5 Tips That Helped Me Grow Longer, Stronger Nails

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Growing out my nails has never been my strong suit. Until recently, I could barely make it a few weeks before breaking one while doing something as untaxing as zipping up my jeans, let alone facing every nail’s nemesis: the ring pull on a can of Coke. 

To give them a fighting chance, I’d take skin, hair, and nail supplements like they were going out of fashion, wear gloves while carrying out even the smallest of chores, and refrain from using my nails as tools to open my mail (we all do it). Frustratingly, none of those things worked. What I needed was some expert guidance. 

Over the past year, I’ve collected tips and tricks from nail technicians, dermatologists, and even TikTok’s manicure obsessives. But I won’t gatekeep. These are the six simple, and most importantly, affordable pieces of advice I was given for longer, stronger nails that actually worked.  

I chose cuticle oil over nail hardeners

Dr. Dana Stern, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dana, says that the cuticle is the nail’s natural protective seal. When it becomes dry and dehydrated, it’s compromised: “When this happens, water and moisture can enter the nail unit,” she says. “This causes all sorts of problems, including redness and swelling,” and eventually, the nail could grow irregularly: “Think white patches, bumps, thickening, and discoloration,” she says. 

While most nail technicians will trim or remove dead cuticle skin during a manicure for aesthetic reasons, using cuticle oil still offers multiple benefits for the remaining skin surrounding your nails, as I’ve discovered: “Regular application of cuticle oil helps maintain hydration,” says consultant dermatologist Dr. Zainab Laftah. “Hydration benefits both the nail and surrounding skin by reducing brittleness, enhancing nail health, supporting healthy nail growth, and preventing infections,” she adds. 

Unlike nail hardeners, which can make nails a little too hard, session manicurist Ami Streets says that cuticle oil keeps nails flexible, withstanding everyday wear and tear. “Cuticle oil is the best product for growing nails — and my most recommended item to add to your beauty routine,” she says. 

Dr. Dana recommends her Nourishing Cuticle Oil, with jojoba oil and indigo naturalis, a Chinese plant known to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Complete with a handy roller ball for easy, drip-free application, it’s an oil I can vouch for, having used it down to the very last drop. Another of my favorites is Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil, with moisturizing vitamin E and a dream team of nourishing plant oils. Streets also loves L’Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Oil, which is twice as moisturizing as the impressive hand cream in the same collection, and Jessica Phenomenoil, another oil we’ve both used up.    

Besides ingredients, exactly how you use your cuticle oil matters, too. Streets says that a single drop on each cuticle is ample — and it’s best applied at night to give the oil time to absorb. Not only does cuticle oil hydrate deeper than hand creams, but Streets and Dr. Dana say that the massaging motion could help stimulate circulation and promote nail growth, too.  

I switched from traditional gel to builder gel — or BIAB

Not all gel nail polish is created equal. On my brittle nails, most would chip quickly. I’d then pick off the polish and damage my nails even further. It wasn’t until a fellow beauty journalist recommended Builder in a Bottle — also known as BIAB or builder gel — that my nails grew long and strong. I’m almost a year in, and I haven’t had a single chip or break. They’re growing so quickly that I always ask my nail technician to cut them down. 

“Builder in a Bottle is a specific type of gel that lends strength and structure to natural nails,” explains Streets. Thanks to its stronger base, Streets says that it’s a great option for those who want to reinforce their nails while trying to grow them, as they can last up to three weeks. Another great thing about BIAB is that it can be infilled, says Streets. This involves getting the grown-out gap near your cuticles filled in with more gel, rather than having to fully remove the polish each time. “This allows natural nails to maintain growth,” adds Streets, but she recommends a maximum of two to three repeated infills before having a short break to keep your nails healthy and happy.

Thanks to BIAB’s harder, more durable finish, Dr. Dana says that it not only serves as a “protective armor” for nails, but it typically has a forgiving, less damaging removal process by soaking off, so it tends to be more advantageous than other nail enhancements like acrylics. “I’ve seen patients who use BIAB and have very healthy nails in comparison to my patients who wear acrylics and do constant soak-off gels,” she says, adding that BIAB’s durable nature also makes it a good option for nail biters. 

I addressed my vitamin D deficiency

When a blood test revealed that my vitamin D levels were low, I began taking a 2000 IU vitamin D supplement daily alongside my trusty omega-3, 6, and 9. While there are multiple health benefits to both, Dr. Laftah points out that they could have additional advantages for nails: “Addressing a vitamin D deficiency can improve nail health as low levels can result in brittle nails,” she tells me. Interestingly, one small study suggests that hapalonychia — a condition that causes nails to become soft and prone to breakage — has been associated with vitamin D deficiency. As for omega-3? “Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet may also benefit nails by providing essential nutrients that support overall nail strength and integrity,” Dr. Laftah says.

However, Dr. Dana points out that no robust studies prove that vitamins or supplements benefit nail health. But since nails are made of keratin (a type of protein), she suggests that if your diet lacks sufficient protein, it may be worth considering protein supplementation to improve the condition of your nails. Streets also advises incorporating more protein into your diet and drives home the importance of staying hydrated. 

Before adding supplements to your routine, consult your doctor to ensure they’re safe and suitable for you.

I took hand cream very seriously

Previously, I’d only use lotion when my hands were uncomfortably dry and on the verge of cracking. Over the past few months, though, I’ve taken moisturizing very seriously, and I’m convinced that keeping my hands adequately hydrated throughout the day has also benefited my nails. 

I was right. For clients who want longer, stronger nails, Dr. Laftah recommends moisturizing regularly to maintain hydration. “Using a nourishing and hydrating hand cream can help,” adds Streets. “Not only does it keep skin in a supple and soft condition, but it can also act as a protective barrier against environmental stressors,” — like cold weather. Streets says that dry, cracked skin and cuticles can lead to infection or weak nail growth, so consistent daily use of a moisturizing product is essential. 

If you want fast hydration without the sticky feel, I love Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Hand Cream. If your hands are especially dry, my all-time favorite hand lotion is L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. The silky soft feeling sticks around for hours — even post-hand-wash. “On application, make sure you use a massaging motion,” advises Streets. “It can help to boost blood flow to hands and cuticles, which supports new nail growth even further.”

I started using a glass nail file

Dr. Dana believes that many nail files, particularly traditional, rough emery boards, can be too abrasive for natural nails, potentially causing “microscopic tears” that lead to splits and breakage. That’s where glass or crystal nail files come in. On days when I gave my nails a break from BIAB, I’d file away rough edges with a glass file, which I’m certain is kinder on nails. 

“In contrast [to emery boards], glass creates a perfectly smooth, split-free edge to the nail,” says Dr. Dana, who uses the Precision Glass File. Likewise, Streets believes that a glass nail file is a worthwhile investment for at-home manicures: “They provide a finer and more controlled filing experience, and the smooth edges help seal the keratin layers at the nail’s edge, preventing splitting, peeling, and snagging that can occur when using a rougher emery board.” What’s more, Streets points out that glass nail files are non-porous and can be washed or sanitized between uses.

Lastly, I exfoliated my nails

With its ability to exfoliate the skin, leaving it smoother and brighter, glycolic acid is a staple in many skincare routines, but it can benefit your natural nails, too. In between BIAB appointments, I’ve often applied a glycolic acid toner to my nails and cuticles using a cotton swab, then followed with a glug of cuticle oil. The result? Fewer flakes and a stronger, smoother canvas for nail polish. If you’d rather not DIY, try the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, a once-weekly, 3-step nail system that boasts glycolic acid, a nail primer, and a hydrating gel-oil to reveal healthy, hydrated, and shiny nails, fast. “It’s perfect for brittle, peeling, weak nails, post-gel damage, or if you simply want a gorgeous, healthy-looking shine without having to go to the salon,” says Dr. Dana.

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R29 babes, this week feels like the moment things click back into place. On April 14th, Mercury finally leaves Pisces after what has felt like a long, foggy stretch of reflection, emotional processing, and at times, mental confusion, and enters Aries, where everything becomes sharper, faster, and more direct. With Mercury now joining the sun, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Chiron in Aries, the energy is undeniably bold: thoughts turn into action more quickly, conversations become more honest, and there’s less patience for sitting on ideas. You might feel more decisive, more vocal, more ready to move. But with this much fire in the sky, it’s important to remember that not every impulse needs to be acted on immediately. Clarity is back, yes… but intention still matters.

Before we get to the ignition point, though, we move through the dark of the moon… those few days leading up to the Aries New Moon on the 17th where everything quiets down in a very real, very human way. The dark of the moon isn’t glamorous. It’s the part of the cycle where you’re not performing, not pushing, not trying to be your most confident self. It’s where you meet yourself without the filter… the messy, uncertain, imperfect version that doesn’t make the highlight reel. And in a week filled with Aries energy, which can sometimes lean toward bravado or overconfidence, this phase is actually what keeps us grounded. It reminds us that courage doesn’t come from pretending we have it all together, but rather from being honest about where we don’t. Let yourself feel that. There’s power in seeing yourself fully.

Then comes the Aries New Moon on April 17th, and everything begins again. This is the first new moon of the astrological year, and you can feel the shift… like the engine finally turning over after a long pause. The fire is real now, but it’s different when it’s coming from a place of self-awareness instead of ego. This is your opportunity to take everything you’ve learned about yourself, especially in the quieter, more reflective moments, and channel it into action that feels aligned. The collective is going to feel more energized, more motivated, more ready to move forward, especially with all planets now direct and Mercury out of its post-shadow. And just as this momentum builds, the sun enters Taurus on the 19th, reminding us to create a solid foundation for what we’ve started so it can actually last.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, you’re totally the main character, but the kind that actually has depth, not just vibes. If your life were a movie right now, you’ve already got a full cast in your sign: the sun spotlighting you, Mars hyping you up to move, Saturn side-eyeing you like “okay but what’s the plan,” Neptune blurring the lines between dream and reality, and Chiron quietly poking at the parts of you that still need healing.

Mercury enters the chat on the 14th, like that fast-talking, slightly chaotic character who speeds everything up: your thoughts, your words, your decisions. Suddenly, everything is louder, clearer, more urgent. And then boom, your annual new moon on the 17th brings a major evolution of your identity. This is where you decide who you actually are moving forward, not just who you’ve been reacting as. The power here is undeniable, but so is the responsibility. You don’t need to prove anything. You need to choose something… and move with intention, not just adrenaline.

As the week unfolds, think of this as your final full sprint of Aries Season… not to burn yourself out, but to direct your energy toward what actually matters. You’re being asked to use this fire wisely, to start what you’re ready to commit to, to say what needs to be said, to take up space in a way that feels aligned instead of reactive. And then, as the sun shifts into Taurus on Sunday, everything begins to slow down in a way that might feel unfamiliar, but necessary. Your focus turns toward security — not just money, but what actually makes you feel stable, supported, and sustained long-term. Let that grounding energy meet you halfway.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, this week feels like something shifting quietly behind the scenes… like you’re outgrowing a version of yourself before anyone else can see it. The Aries energy building in your inner world isn’t loud, but it’s persistent. The sun’s illuminating what’s been hidden, Mars is stirring your instincts, Saturn’s asking you to get honest about your patterns, Neptune’s blurring what’s real versus what’s familiar, and Chiron’s bringing up old emotional loops you’re ready to break.

On the 14th, Mercury enters Aries and your thoughts get sharper, meaning it becomes harder to ignore what you already know deep down. The new moon on the 17th is your reset. Not the kind you announce, but the kind where you decide, privately, that something ends with you.

As the week unfolds, think of this as your cocoon phase before your season begins. You don’t need to be outside proving anything right now, you need to be honest with yourself about what you’re carrying and what you’re ready to release. Rest is productive this week, and solitude is clarity. And the more you allow yourself to slow down and process, the more grounded you’ll feel when the sun enters your sign Sunday. That’s when things truly begin to move for you. But in the days before, you’re clearing space so that when your season begins, you’re not dragging old energy into it. You’ll step in lighter, clearer, and actually ready for what you’ve been calling in.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, this week feels like the moment where the group chat finally turns into real plans, and suddenly, you’re in motion. The Aries energy building in your social and community sector is pulling you out of observation mode and into participation. The sun’s bringing visibility to your connections, Mars is nudging you to take initiative, Saturn’s asking you to think about what’s actually sustainable long-term, Neptune’s expanding the vision of what you could build with others, and Chiron’s reminding you of past moments where you felt overlooked or out of place.

Mercury enters Aries the 14th, and everything speeds up and you’re less interested in waiting for the “perfect” moment. The new moon on the 17th is your chance to choose who you’re building with and how you want to show up moving forward.

As the week unfolds, think of this as your chance to be intentional about where your energy goes socially. Not every invite is aligned, not every opportunity is yours to take, and not every connection deserves access to you just because it’s available. Use this fire wisely: follow up on the ideas that excite you, say yes to spaces where you feel expanded, and quietly step back from what feels draining or performative. As Taurus Season begins Sunday, everything softens and turns inward. You’ll feel the need to rest, process, and recharge mentally, especially after all this stimulation. Let yourself unplug a little. Not everything needs to be figured out in real time… some of your best clarity will come when you slow down enough to hear yourself think.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, if you were to zoom out and watch your life this week, it’d feel like a moment where things are quietly leveling up… even if it feels a little intense while you’re in it. The Aries energy building in your career and public sector is asking you to step forward in a more visible, decisive way. The sun’s highlighting your path, Mars is pushing you to act, Saturn’s asking you to take yourself seriously, Neptune’s blurring what success even means to you, and Chiron’s touching the part of you that still wonders if you’re ready for this level of exposure.

Mid-week, Mercury enters Aries and life speeds up. You may find yourself being called to speak, lead, or move in ways that require trust in yourself. The new moon on the 17th inspires you to fully step into the grandest version of who you’ve been becoming.

As the week unfolds, think of this as your moment to take yourself seriously, but not at the expense of your well-being. You don’t have to prove your worth through overworking or overextending. You’re being asked to choose what actually matters and move with intention there, instead of saying yes to everything out of obligation. And then, as Taurus Season begins at the end of the week, the energy softens and shifts
toward your community and support system. You’re reminded that you don’t have to do this alone. Let people show up for you. Let yourself be supported. The more grounded your connections feel, the easier it becomes to sustain the level you’re stepping into.

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, if this week had a rhythm, it’d be the part of the song where the beat drops and suddenly everything feels possible again. The Aries energy lighting up your expansion sector is building fast… the sun’s widening your perspective, Mars is pushing you to act on what excites you, Saturn’s asking you to commit to a bigger vision, Neptune’s making you dream beyond your current reality, and Chiron’s reminding you of the moments you doubted yourself when stepping into the unknown.

Then on the 14th, Mercury enters Aries and everything sharpens… ideas want movement, plans want execution, and you’re less interested in “what if” and more focused on “why not.” The new moon on the 17th is your reset in this expansion zone: a chance to choose a path that stretches you, not just one that feels safe or familiar.

As the week unfolds, think of this as your green light to take yourself seriously when it comes to your growth. Say yes to the opportunity that feels a little out of reach. Apply, pitch, go, move. You don’t need to have every detail figured out to begin. And then, as Taurus Season begins Sunday, the energy shifts toward your career and long-term goals, asking you to ground all this inspiration into something tangible. Let the fire inspire you, and let the earth help you sustain it.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, this week feels like the moment where things get real… not in a chaotic way, but in a “let’s stop skimming the surface” kind of way. The Aries energy building in your depth and intimacy sector is asking you to engage more honestly with what you share, what you hold back, and what you’re actually ready to confront. The sun’s illuminating your blind spots, Mars is pushing you to take action around trust and boundaries, Saturn’s asking you to be accountable for your patterns, Neptune’s softening the edges of what you thought was fixed, and Chiron’s bringing up old wounds around vulnerability and control.

Your ruler Mercury shifts into Aries on the 14th and the conversations you’ve been avoiding… or overanalyzing… start to move. The new moon on the 17th helps you choose depth with intention, instead of defaulting to what feels safe but stagnant.

As the week unfolds, think of this as an opportunity to simplify what’s been feeling emotionally or energetically complicated. You don’t have to untangle everything at once… you just have to be honest about what’s yours to carry and what isn’t. And then, as Taurus Season begins Sunday, the energy opens up and gives you breathing room. Your focus shifts toward expansion, learning, and seeing the bigger picture, reminding you that life isn’t just about managing details… it’s also about experiencing something new. Let that shift ground you. The more you release what’s heavy, the more space you create for what actually moves you forward.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, this week feels like a mirror you can’t really look away from… but instead of overthinking it, you’re finally ready to respond differently. The Aries energy building in your relationship sector is making everything more direct, more honest, more… undeniable. The sun’s spotlighting your one-on-one dynamics, Mars is pushing you to address what’s been lingering, Saturn’s asking you to take your commitments seriously, Neptune’s blurring fantasy versus reality, and Chiron’s bringing up old wounds around rejection or imbalance.

The 14th, Mercury enters Aries and conversations speed up, things get said, truths land, and avoidance becomes a lot harder to maintain. The new moon on the 17th is your chance to choose relationships that feel mutual, not performative, and to show up as yourself instead of who you think you need to be to keep the peace.

As the week unfolds, think of this as a turning point in how you relate — not just to others, but to yourself within those connections. You don’t have to over-explain, over-accommodate, or over-give to be loved. Let your actions match your values, even if it shifts certain dynamics. And then, as Taurus Season begins at the end of the week, the energy deepens and grounds you, especially around trust, intimacy, and what you’re building with others long-term. Things slow down in a way that helps you feel what’s real. Let that be your anchor.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, this week feels like getting your rhythm back… not in a loud, dramatic way, but in the quiet return of your focus. The Aries energy building in your work and wellness sector is pulling your attention toward your habits, your energy, your routines, the things that either support you or slowly drain you. The sun’s illuminating what needs adjustment, Mars is pushing you to take action, Saturn’s asking for discipline, Neptune’s blurring the line between avoidance and rest, and Chiron’s bringing up old frustrations around feeling overwhelmed or not “doing enough.”

Mid-week, Mercury enters Aries and everything sharpens. It becomes clearer what needs to be done, what needs to be said, and what you’ve been putting off. The Aries new moon on the 17th is an invitation to rebuild your routines in a way that actually supports the version of you you’re becoming.

As the week unfolds, think of this as a recalibration of your energy rather than a pressure to be perfect. You don’t need a complete life overhaul… you need consistency in the things that matter. Small shifts will carry you further than bursts of intensity. And then, as Taurus Season begins Sunday, your focus turns toward your relationships, bringing a softer, more grounded energy into your connections. You may find yourself craving stability, presence, and reciprocity more than anything else. Let that guide you. The more balanced your inner world feels, the easier it becomes to choose connections that reflect it.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag this week feels like your spark coming back… not the chaotic kind, but the kind that actually knows where it wants to go. The Aries energy building in your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector is pulling you back into what feels alive: your joy, your desires, your ability to just be without overthinking it. The sun’s spotlighting what excites you, Mars is pushing you to act on it, Saturn’s asking you to take your passions seriously, Neptune’s blurring fantasy and reality in love and creativity, and Chiron’s bringing up old fears around being fully seen.

Mercury enters Aries the 14th, and everything speeds up: feelings get expressed, ideas want to be shared, and you’re less interested in holding yourself back. The new moon on the 17th is asking you to choose joy on purpose, not just when it’s convenient.

As the week unfolds, think of this as permission to follow what lights you up… without needing it to make perfect sense right away. Not everything needs to be productive to be meaningful. Let yourself create, flirt, explore, play. That’s where your alignment is right now. And then, as Taurus Season begins at the end of the week, the energy grounds into your routines, your work, and your daily structure, asking you to support your joy with consistency. It’s not about choosing one or the other but about building a life where both can exist.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, this week feels like something shifting at your core… not loud, but undeniable. The Aries energy building in your home, roots, and emotional foundation sector is pulling your attention inward, to your space, your family dynamics, and the parts of your life that need to feel solid, not just functional. The sun’s illuminating what’s been sitting beneath the surface, Mars is pushing you to take action where you’ve been tolerating too much, Saturn’s asking you to take responsibility for your emotional needs, Neptune’s blurring what feels like comfort versus what’s actually avoidance, and Chiron’s bringing up old wounds around safety and belonging.

Add the fact that Mercury enters Aries and that’s when conversations you’ve been postponing or feelings you’ve been minimizing start to move. The new moon on the 17th helps you redefine what stability means to you, not just what you’ve been used to.

As the week unfolds, think of this as an opportunity to build a foundation that actually supports you, not just one that you’ve learned to carry. You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to be honest about what needs to change and take one step toward that. And then, as Taurus Season begins at the end of the week, the energy softens and opens up your creativity, your joy, and your desire to feel good in your own life. You’re reminded that stability isn’t just about structure… it’s also about allowing yourself to experience what you’ve been working so hard to create. Let yourself enjoy it.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, this week feels like your thoughts catching up to your instincts, and then asking you to actually do something about it. The Aries energy building in your communication and mindset sector is speeding everything up: ideas, conversations, decisions, even the way you process what’s happening around you. The sun’s illuminating what needs to be said, Mars is pushing you to speak and act more directly, Saturn’s asking you to be intentional with your words, Neptune’s blurring clarity with imagination, and Chiron’s bringing up old sensitivities around being misunderstood.

The 14th, Mercury enters Aries and the pace picks up even more. Decisions happen quicker, and you may feel less inclined to filter yourself. The new moon on the 17th is your chance to choose how you use your voice moving forward, not just react with it.

As the week unfolds, think of this as an opportunity to be more precise with your energy. Say what you mean, follow through on what you start, and don’t get lost in mental overload. And then, as Taurus Season begins Sunday, the energy shifts inward toward your home, your space, and your emotional grounding. After all the mental movement, you’ll need somewhere to land. Create that for yourself. The more stable your foundation feels, the clearer your next moves will be.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, this week feels like you coming back into yourself… not the dreamy version, but the one that actually makes decisions. The Aries energy building in your money and self-worth sector is asking you to get real about what you value… your time, your energy, your skills, your standards. The sun is illuminating what needs to shift, Mars is pushing you to take action around your stability, Saturn is asking you to take yourself seriously, Neptune is blurring what’s realistic versus what you’ve been hoping for, and Chiron is bringing up old wounds around worthiness and scarcity.

Mercury enters Aries mid-week and things click: you start seeing more clearly what needs to change and where you’ve been hesitating. The new moon on the 17th is your invitation to choose yourself in a more grounded, tangible way.

As the week unfolds, think of this as your moment to act on what you’ve been feeling for a while. Advocate for yourself, set a boundary, make a decision that supports your future, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. And then, as Taurus Season begins Sunday, the energy softens and supports your voice, your ideas, and your ability to express yourself more clearly. Life begin to flow in a way that feels more natural, more stable. Trust that. You’re not starting from scratch… you’re building on everything you’ve already learned.

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Coachella may be the main event, but this year, some of the most buzzworthy moments happened a few miles away at 818 Outpost, and the proof was literally in the air.

The first thing I noticed stepping into Kendall Jenner’s exclusive 818 Outpost desert party wasn’t the celebrity faces or the DJ booth. It was the scent. Sweet but never cloying, tropical but grounded, the Salt & Stone x 818 Tequila Amber & Agave collection had quietly taken over the space, and honestly, my skin.

I instantly spritzed my body from head to toe with the mist once I caught a whiff of the intoxicating notes. And even while sweating throughout the day, I was stopped by a couple of people asking me what scent was I wearing. Never one to gatekeep, of course, I told them exactly where to find the booth to get it for themselves.

The limited-edition collab, which includes a body wash, mist, and deodorant, is the kind of find that makes you understand why people fight for festival invite lists. Notes of coconut and rose hit first, followed by a warm vanilla finish, while skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter and aloe leaf juice keep it from veering into dessert territory. Guests were sent home with travel-size freebies of the full collection, and the good news for everyone else: It’s available to shop now at Sephora and Salt & Stone’s website. Well, that is until it inevitably sells out.

That kind of discovery is exactly what makes 818 Outpost more than a party. Now in its fourth year, Jenner’s invite-only daytime event has quietly become one of the most talked-about brand moments of Coachella season.

Jenner herself set the tone, moving through the crowd with the ease of someone equally comfortable as both founder and host, stopping for hugs with model Winnie Harlow, who later made her own rounds pulling fans in for selfies. Damon Idris and NFL quarterback Caleb Williams were also spotted soaking in the scene.

Winnie Harlow

The real surprise came when Justine Skye took the stage for an unannounced set, closing with a shoutout to her bestie Jenner before handing the microphone back to headliner Kaytranada.

Justine Skye

Lizzo also briefly jumped on stage to hype the crowd, while Kylie Jenner was spotted sitting under an umbrella.

Lizzo

Beyond the fragrance collab, the brand ecosystem ran deep. Hailey Bieber’s Rhode served up cocktail holders with mini 818 bottles and lip gloss tubes. Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme supplements, Khloé’s Khloud snacks, and Kylie’s newly launched k20 by Sprinter electrolyte drink mixes with collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid rounded out the Kardashian-Jenner brand universe in full force.

Altogether, it was a mini festival with maximum impact.

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These 10 New Perfumes Are Your Next Signature

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Sephora’s Spring Savings Event is officially here, and it’s the perfect chance to snag those pricey, rarely discounted products or try something new without paying full price.

Depending on your Beauty Insider tier, you can score up to 20% off for the duration of the event. Rouge members get first dibs starting today, April 10, with a generous 20% off, while VIBs and Insiders can start shopping on April 14 for 15% and 10% off, respectively, through April 20. And for the entire sale period, you can get 30% off Sephora Collection regardless of tier. In terms of fine print, there are a few brand exclusions to keep in mind: Shoppers are limited to two Dyson items, three Shark Beauty items, and three The Ordinary items per SKU, per transaction.

Since Sephora can sometimes feel like a dazzling maze of beauty treasures, we tapped our savvy R29 editors to share the must-buys they’re adding to their carts. Keep scrolling to shop their picks.

Summer Fridays Sweet Pink Lip Butter Balm Duo, $38

“If I could fill every one of my bags with a Summer Fridays lip balm, I would. Alas, I have far too many bags — but with this duo on sale, I’m getting close. Nothing moisturizes my lips quite like the Lip Butter Balm, thanks to its shea butter base (an ingredient I always look for in a truly effective balm), and the flavors feel like dessert. My current go-to is Hot Cocoa (addictive), but Birthday Cake and Strawberry Soft Serve are firmly on my radar. The pretty pink tubes are super cute, too.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Miu Miu Fleur de Lait Eau de Parfum, $138

“The only way I can describe this perfume is as a freshly laundered, crisp white cotton tee, hung outside to dry in the summer sunshine. Comforting, timeless, and suited to every mood. While the main notes are coconut milk and mango, it’s far from sweet or juvenile, thanks to an earthier note of osmanthus flower, not too dissimilar to the fuzzy skin of an apricot. It’s fresh and airy, and it earned me countless compliments when I wore it just the other day. While it’s perfectly attuned to spring and summer, it’s just as wearable in the colder months, evoking beach days and coconutty sunscreen, which is why I must have another bottle.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

YSL Beauty Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner, $29

“I’ve found my new favorite lip liner in YSL’s Kiss Shaper. While it’s a pencil, trust me when I say it does not budge. In fact, it’s more like a lip liner stain, but you can still control and blend it easily for a blurred, plumping effect — unlike most felt-tip pens doing the rounds. I apply it in the morning, and by late afternoon it’s still going strong — no touch-ups required. I’m also convinced it looks better as the day goes on, subtly blurring and enhancing the lip line. I’ll be stocking up on Burning Mauve this Spring Sale.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Fara Homidi Essential Eyeshadow Refillable Compact, $98

“Fara Homidi Beauty is the kind of brand editors tried to gatekeep — until they couldn’t anymore. Beyond the luxe packaging (you’ll want to whip these compacts out everywhere — on the subway, on the street), the formulas are second to none. You’d expect nothing less from New York–based makeup artist Fara Homidi. This eyeshadow trio pairs two wearable brown tones with the shade of the season: sky blue. I love sweeping it over my lids to instantly brighten my day.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Tatcha The Longevity Memory Cream, $84

“I’m about to run out of this new Tatcha moisturizer, so this is already in my Sephora cart. After I reviewed it earlier this year, I realized that I simply cannot be without it. It’s very rare to create a product that truly is innovative and unlike anything we’ve seen before, but that’s what Tatcha did with The Longevity Memory Cream. The texture is bouncy and gel-like (our beauty director called it the “memory foam of moisturizers”), and absorbs like a dream. After using it religiously for nearly two months, I can genuinely say that my skin feels softer, plumper, and healthier than before. At $84, it’s certainly not cheap, so I’ll take any opportunity to shop it at a discount.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

m.ph Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation, $49

“If you’re in the market for a new foundation, I highly recommend makeup artist Mary Phillips’ sophomore launch for m.ph, Le Skin. This is a truly stunning foundation. As the name suggests, the texture is lightweight and serum-like, and the finish looks truly like your skin, but better. The coverage is on the lighter side of light-to-medium, but buildable (and plays nice with the brand’s Underpainting palette) if you crave extra coverage.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Nécessaire The Body Peel, $62

“I have keratosis pilaris, and have tried pretty much every body exfoliant and serum that exists: The good, the bad, and the stinky. Nécessaire’s Body Peel is easily among the best products I’ve tried for addressing stubborn bumps, and with summer just around the corner, I’m stocking up. It’s a clear, unscented serum that doesn’t tingle or burn, even though it’s packed with a trifecta of exfoliating acids — AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. After one use, I woke up to touchably softer, smoother skin, and now that I’m almost out of my first bottle, my bumps are barely noticeable. I’d buy this in bulk if I could!” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer 

Shark FlexFusion™ Luxury Air & Ceramic Multi-Styler, $349

“Ever since I first reviewed the Shark FlexFusion, it’s been my ultimate hair tool obsession. It’s astonishingly user-friendly, delivers salon-quality blowouts, and dries hair in single-digit minutes. The brush attachment boosts natural bounce and volume, while the curling barrels effortlessly create soft waves (I sometimes brush through to loosen the curl a bit). There’s no better time than now to invest in one at a discount.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Chunks Medium Box Hair Claw Clip in Olive Check, $22

“If you’re hunting for a hair claw that won’t snap after a few uses, look no further — Chunks clips are elite. The AAPI-founded brand cracked the indestructible code with its FSC-certified cellulose acetate, a plant-based bio-plastic. I’m almost always rocking an updo, and these never hurt my head – this olive checkerboard print is calling my name for spring.” — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist, $30

“The Sephora sale means that it’s beauty restock time at my house. I love having a spray sunscreen to reapply when I am driving around a lot in this LA sun. I saw that this one works on top of makeup, so a sale is a good time to give it a try!” — Dawnie Jefferson, Production & Editorial Coordinator

Canopy The Humidifer for Skin Hydration, $159

“I’ll be honest: My main motivation behind getting a Canopy humidifier was to help my chronic dry nasal passages, but the fact that I feel like my face isn’t screaming for moisturizer in the morning is the added bonus I didn’t expect. I was so skeptical that a humidifer could actually help my skin feel and look better, but this one actually did — in addition to getting a more comfortable night’s sleep. It’s super quiet, and I love adding fragrance oils to the little stone puck to help create a scent mood in my space. I’ve already gifted another to a friend, and am debating getting a second for my living room during the sale.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Dieux Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Firming Moisturizer, $45

 “I use the Sephora sale to replenish my go-tos, and this moisturizer is a holy grail for a reason. I have dry skin and this is moisturizing without being too heavy for summer.” — Taylor Loren, Social Editor 

Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Transforming Skin Perfector, $36

“This is the easiest way to give yourself a tanned glow. You can pick a warmer shade for bronzer or a cooler shade for contour — either way, it’s literally the easiest thing to put on and guaranteed to make you a bit tanner for summer. I’ve already repurchased this three times — it’s that good.” — Taylor Loren, Social Editor

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There are certain pop culture moments from my most formative years that are forever embedded in my brain. The periodic table? Gone. Times tables? Only a few stuck. That time on Laguna Beach when Stephen called Kristin a slut? I can pretty much recite that Cabo episode by heart to this day. For millennials, 20 years later, Laguna Beach isn’t just a reality show from our youth; it’s a sun-drenched time capsule of the early-2000s. It’s a snapshot of teenage intensity that somehow made love triangles feel like life-or-death stakes. So when I get to interview the entire cast for The Reunion: Laguna Beach, a special streaming today on The Roku Channel, it feels like I’m catching up with friends I actually went to high school with. It’s weird to tell that to strangers over Zoom, but stars Kristin Cavallari, Talan Torriero, Jessica Smith Evans, Lauren “Alex” Olsen (grouped in one room with show creator, Liz Gateley) and Lauren Conrad, Stephen Colletti, Trey Phillips, Morgan Smith, Christina Sinclair, and Dieter Schmitz (grouped in another room) take the confession in stride. I’m sure they get it a lot. 

In 2006, the fact that Conrad and Cavallari are in separate junket interviews would have added fuel to the fire of their then feud. Kristin versus Lauren was a personality-defining debate. You chose a team and that determined whether you were a good girl next door with an unrequited crush (like LC) or a rebellious party girl who got all the boys (like Kristin). With the hindsight of adulthood and a culture that better understands the patriarchal biases that permeated everything we consumed back then, we know those archetypes Conrad and Cavallari were forced into weren’t fair. And we know that Colletti should be forgiven for the unfortunate slut-shaming incident that happened in Cabo and did not, in fact, stay in Cabo. With The Reunion: Laguna Beach, the cast gets to take a collective exhale and finally, we revisit the chaos with a little more clarity, and a lot more empathy. Forget any of the beefs from back then, now it’s nothing but love and mutual respect.

In our conversations, the teens who once revolutionized reality TV are all grown up now, and they peel back the layers of what it meant to be young, watched, and wildly misunderstood. And yes, we go there. The Kristin–Lauren–Stephen love triangle is revisited with the kind of honesty only time can afford. The infamous Cabo moment is looked back on as a childhood mistake. Talan’s juvenile womanizing ways are laughed off. While some things have changed, some haven’t: turns out boys don’t like feta cheese. The Reunion: Laguna Beach doesn’t uncover any newsworthy gossip, unearth dormant disputes, or reopen old wounds (Colletti, Cavallari and Conrad are all producers on the special). It’s refreshingly tame. In a reality TV landscape where the drama is dialed up and the shouting matches are loud, it’s soothing to watch a group of mid-life millennials just reconnect and reminisce. Let’s go back, back to the beginning. 

Not only is it unusual that your high school life was documented in this way, watching the reunion it also feels weird that your 20-year high school reunion has now been televised for all of us to see. What was your biggest hesitation about revisiting opening your lives to us in this way? 

Stephen Colletti: I would say I was probably one of the last to be even comfortable with the show. It took me a long time to just kind of process where it was in my life and what the show meant. And I think that doing the podcast and talking through it, and speaking with everyone, having all these guys on [the podcast] was really cathartic and a very positive experience. And so it felt like, to me, the one thing that was missing was to get everyone together and do something to celebrate the show. And so it was an exciting opportunity. It felt like it’d be the perfect bow to this whole thing. But, of course, some people took some convincing. They had to leave their families and come across the country so it was like, okay, hold on, what? What are we trying to accomplish? 

Who took the most convincing? 

SC: I would say Lauren was probably near the top of the list. She was, like, “I did the podcast. Why are you calling?” You shot it down right away. You’re just like, what? Okay, what exactly is happening? 

Lauren Conrad: I just wanted to talk it through. 

SC: A lot of questions! 

LC: In my opinion, I think something was going to happen in one way or another. It was either going to be big or small. But I know different people were getting different offers, so the conversation was, what if we do this together, and if we do this, you can come on as a producer, so you’ll have some say and some control, and we can look out for everyone and make sure everyone is comfortable and happy. It just was the most appealing way to do this. I think really the only way, if I’m being honest, it was the only way I would have done it for sure. And so I’m glad I signed on, because it was a really cool experience, and I’m so happy to be here with everyone today, and that everyone was a part of it.

We had a call with the girls and Lo [Bosworth Natale]. I feel like you guys were a little hesitant.

Christina Sinclair: For me, I was just like, “nobody really cares. What are you talking about? Like, who am I?” [laughs] 

What was the biggest hesitation, if any, for all of you to take part in this special? 

Tallan Torriero: I’m realizing in this moment and all these interviews that we’re doing that this is a lot bigger deal than I thought it was. I just thought I was cool because I hung out with Kristin and Lauren. That was my claim to fame. But I’m realizing this is a big deal, and it’s crazy.

Jessica Smith Evans: I was pretty excited to do it. I have older kids, so I wasn’t sure if I wanted to amplify all this again, now that they have phones and more access. They’re not allowed on social media, but they’re kids, they’ll figure it out. So that would have been my only hesitation. Otherwise, I was thrilled and excited and couldn’t wait to see everybody.

Kristin Cavallari: We really didn’t have any hesitation from anyone, honestly. I mean, we got everyone on board and it was just all guns blazing. We were excited.

That’s not what the other room said! 

TT: [laughs] Oohhh! 

KC: Well, they would. [laughs] 

I want to go back and have a chat with my 18-year-old self and be like, Please don’t talk about women like that.

lauren conrad

Morgan Smith: It’s always incredible and eye opening to see just how into it people still are. I think that that’s like a shocker, 20 years later, it was a reality show, but when we post these [reunion] trailers, the comments are just like “I’m crying. I’m healed. I’m healed.” And it’s wild to just see. I think it’s surreal for us to see people’s reaction to it. 

Speaking of healing, we have to talk about the love triangle, and all that drama. Kristin and Lauren, when you look back at how you were pitted against each other through a 2026 more feminist lens, does it change your perspective on it? 

KC: I think it’s so typical, right, in a love triangle situation, for the two women to go after each other, which we should not be doing. We should be going after the men! But you live and you learn. We were so young, and I don’t think it helped our situation that we had cameras in our faces. We had producers telling us, hey, Steven, why don’t you go up to Lauren’s house when I’m like, wait, what’s going on? MTV sort of kept the love triangle going. Lauren and I talked about that in the reunion, how silly it was that we hated each other when maybe we should have just sat down the two of us and had a little come to Jesus moment.

LC: Yes, I and in the special we both say this that we regret the names we called each other, the way we spoke about one another, but I think that we’re both adults now, we have perspective. A lot of us are the type of women who want to lift other women up, and when you’re younger, in a position like that, it was just how we felt. I want to go back and have a chat with my 18-year-old self and be like, ‘Please don’t talk about women like that.’ 

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Stephen, you say in the reunion that the Cabo slut shaming episode was the worst moment of your childhood caught on camera. You’ve had to relive it so many times but so has Kristin. What do you want to say about it now? 

SC: We all make mistakes. We were kids. We really have so much to figure out at that point in our life. So look, it happened, and I don’t look back and think, I can’t believe that this exists. To me, it’s just a reminder of the mistakes that kids are making and how mean we can be to each other without understanding why we’re being mean, because we’re insecure, because we don’t know how to process emotions in a mature way at that time. So I look back, back feeling sorry for everybody in that situation, and I think that now, you know the fact that we’re older, and it makes me feel more comfortable about where I’m at now, and I’ve always felt this way. To me, growing older is a beautiful thing, because I don’t for a second want to go back to Laguna Beach High School at 18 years old and do that again. And for bad experiences aside, we had great memories, but to be at this place in life much more knowledgeable and be able to have the emotional bandwidth to process certain things, I much prefer this position.

Kristin, what has it been like to watch a new audience react so differently to the love triangle now? 

KC: I guess I would ask what you mean by that exactly. I don’t go on social media and read what people are saying. I actually don’t even see the headlines. I try to avoid that stuff just for my own sanity, good or bad, so I don’t know what the public’s perception is of me. I knew what it was in 2005 and I didn’t love it. 

I would say that I think you’re getting your redemption now.

KC: I like to hear that. I’ll take it. That makes me happy.

TT:  I think the show made these characters. Like Kristin was the bad girl and Lauren was the good girl, right? The girl next door. And I’m really happy for fans to see Kristin be able to share her side of the story and see that she wasn’t truly the picture that was painted. So I’m excited for them to see that. 

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Talan, I saw you cringing a few times watching back your high school self during the reunion. How hard is it to watch yourself and your high school hookups? If we’re speaking of the archetypes, you were the womanizer or the playboy. 

TT: Stephen and I joke all the time that I just slid under the radar and never got any shi— I can’t say any cuss words —  I didn’t get any flack right from anybody, and Stephen just got pounded. You know, that’s 23-24 years ago, you know what I mean. So some of those things, if anything, it’s kind of cool to watch and think, Oh man, that was cool that I said that. And then there’s other times I said to myself, “Oh, what a goober!” I want to knock on his door and say, “Dude, you got this buddy. Dude, you just need to say, ‘I like you. And can we please hang out?’ Do not beat around the bush.

We talk a lot about female friendship when we talk about this show, but I want to talk about the boys, Dieter, Stephen, and Trey, it was so nice to see the friendship between the three of you, and in the reunion, you talk about how hard it was back then to talk about your emotions and tell each other you love each other. Are you able to do that now?

Trey Phillips: I love you guys. 

SC: I love you too! 

Dieter Schmitz:  Love you, man. We do it a lot, like every time we talk on the phone, I think we do sign off saying, “Love you so very much.” So yes, I think it’s a special bond. And as you grow older, you realize how having friends for 35 years isn’t normal, and that’s what you know with these two guys and with Lauren, they’re very, very special relationships. You learn to value them And frankly, like not a lot of people get that. 

That’s really beautiful. I gotta ask, Do boys like feta cheese?

TP and SC: [laugh]

DS: It’s a hard no for me. Maybe it damaged me but for whatever reason, I haven’t tried it since. I literally avoid it still.

Growing older is a beautiful thing, because I don’t for a second want to go back to Laguna Beach High School at 18 years old and do that again.

stephen colletti

Morgan and Christina, there was so much in the show about your faith, and now we’re seeing whole series dedicated to reality stars and their faith, like Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. There’s so many other examples. Did you consider it groundbreaking or taboo or unusual back then to be talking about your faith so openly?

MS: At the time, I didn’t think twice about it, especially because I was applying to a college that was BYU, you know, a Mormon College, but now, yeah, it’s really latched on and become this phenomenon, which makes sense. The whole Utah culture deserves a show. I don’t think I realized it at the time, but now it is. It’s just been entertaining to watch.

CS: I’m not Mormon, but, yeah, I don’t find it taboo at all to talk about my faith. I think that’s the most important thing in my life, and I think that I’m always happy to talk about it. Actually, in retrospect, I wish I would have spoken about it more. And I’m grateful to Morgan, because I feel like she really kept me on this straight and narrow path during filming. I have certainly acted in ways that maybe don’t reflect my faith, and I’m grateful that Morgan was able to kind of go, “Christina, come this way!” [laughs]

Watching it back as a fan, the nostalgia is so strong, and it takes you right back to 2004. Is there something about that era that you miss the most?

SC: I miss some of the music from back then, you know, just like some good beach rock. I listened to a lot of Foo Fighters back in the day. It was when Blink 182 first came around. I miss that.

DS: I miss the lack of technology. Not to age us, okay, but we had phone where texting took a really long time, and you didn’t have emails. Everything now is in these iPhones. We didn’t have cell phones until we were in high school, right? It’s a lot harder now to disconnect than it was then.

MS: We were on the show before social media, that was a blessing for us, because it’s like our show didn’t have confessionals where we went into rooms and just went after each other. I feel like that made it feel really genuine. And then not having social media where you just can get slaughtered online, I feel like we were really lucky. 

DS: Yeah, there was literally no social media when Laguna was on, and then when they did the trailer for this, I was looking at comments that said, “Dieter has gray hair.” I’m like, I’m not doing this. Get me out of here!

MS: I don’t know if you guys remember, but we actually met with a children’s psychologist. Do you remember it was like a one on one, and they gave us a tutorial. I remember them sitting us down and saying, “You can be the prettiest, skinniest girl, and [they’re going to say you’re]  fat, ugly and you have to be ready for that.” 

Reality TV is more popular than ever. There’s people, as we speak right now, signing up to be on a show. What advice would you all who were on the show give to anyone who wants to have their lives documented in this way?

TT: It’s a tough question to answer, just because as much as you want to be your authentic self, in today’s reality world, it’s all like competition based. And it’s all about trying to make it to the next week or keep your storyline alive. 

KC: That’s true.. The more dramatic you are the more camera time you get. So it is maybe even with yourself, this competition, like I have to bring it, otherwise I won’t be on the show [but] I think being authentic is the most important thing on reality TV, especially now. Today, more than ever, I think people have an agenda. People see what reality TV can do for your own personal brand. And so I think people go on wanting to play a character, wanting to just be famous. And I think when you go on to a show with an agenda, I think it’s pretty apparent. And I think authenticity is really what will set you apart, and what people really connect to. So that would just be my biggest piece of advice.

The Reunion: Laguna Beach is streaming now on The Roku Channel

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