Grooming

QUESTION: When is the proper time to cut one’s hair and nails L’Kavod Shabbos?

ANSWER: It is best to take a haircut on Friday (Magen Avraham 260:1).

It is also a mitzvah to cut one’s nails on erev Shabbos (ibid.). One should specifically try to cut their nails on Friday to make it clear that it is being done in honor of Shabbos. The Mishnah Berurah (270:6) writes that fingernails should not be cut on Thursday. This is because already on the third day (Shabbos) the nails will begin to grow back, and the person will not be groomed for Shabbos.

The Rama, in the name of the Avudrahom, recommends not cutting one’s nails in order. Rather the following sequence should be followed, starting with the left hand: ring finger, index finger, pinky, middle finger, thumb, followed by the right hand index finger, ring finger, thumb, middle finger, pinky. The Mishnah Berura (260:8) says that it is best to follow the Rama, although other poskim do not require this specific order. It is the opinion of some poskim that fingernails and toenails should not be cut on the same day. Those who follow the rulings of Rav Yehuda Hachassid should not cut their hair or nails on Rosh Chodesh, even when it falls on erev Shabbos.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.