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Siman 531 – Haircuts on Chol Hamoed

וChelek 6

  1. It is a mitzva to take a shave and haircut on erev Yom Tov. This is so you will not come into the Yom Tov looking dishevelled. (ShA – MB )
  1. L’chatchila, start the haircut before mincha ketanna. If the time has already passed, you can do it the whole day. (ShaH 2)
  1. It is forbidden to shave and haircut during the Moed even if you need one. This is to ensure that you will not look dishevelled coming into the Yom Tov, expecting to shave during Chol Hamoed. (ShA – MB )
  1. The prohibition of shaving applies even if you shaved already before Yom Tov started, or even if you couldn’t shave before Yom Tov due to an oness. People who aren’t aware will think that it is permitted to shave and haircut on Chol Hamoed in any case. (ShA , – MB , )
  1. You are allowed to give a haircut to a child under bar mitzva who has a lot of hair that is annoying him. A kotton is not included in this prohibition. However, if the child looks like a gadol, the haircut should be done in private. (ShA – MB , )
  1. There is a mitzvah to schedule a child’s first haircut, specifically on C.H. This will enhance the simcha. It is actually a minhag Eretz Yisroel – the idea is to train the child to have peyos. (ShaT 7)
  1. It is reported that the Ari z”l went to the grave of RaSHB”I on Lag B’omer for his son’s first haircut. There was joy and feasting. (ShaT 7)
  1. Another exception is an ovel. If the calendar comes out that erev Yom Tov is Shabbos, he is not allowed to take a haircut before Yom Tov. Therefore, he is permitted to shave and haircut on Chol Hamoed. (ShA – MB )
  1. Yet another exception is trimming your mustache. This is allowed on Chol Hamoed even if it does not disturb your eating. (ShA – MB )
  1. Shaving and bloodletting for medicinal purposes is also allowed. (MB )
  1. You are allowed to comb your hair, shampoo and bathe as normal on Chol Hamoed. (Rama – MB )
  1. It is forbidden to exit Eretz Yisroel just to tour Chutz La’aretz. You may only leave for a mitzva matter. Even going out for business or to visit a friend is classified as a mitzva matter. (MB ) #