Men Shaving

Question

Are men allowed to shave their body

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Here is a summary of body hair removal for men:

Armpit or the hair of the privates.  Ideally (LeChatchillah), one should be stringent and not trim at all (following the view of the Rashba).
 However, according to the basic halachah, it is permitted to trim with regular scissors, as long as a clearly noticeable amount of hair remains (in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch). 

It is permitted to remove nose hair with scissors even if the hair is completely removed, however, with a blade it is forbidden.

Ear hair may be removed in any way.

Hair between the eyebrows may only be removed if one feels his appearance is embarrassing.

The hair at the back of the neck may be shaved with a razor.

Any facial hair that is not part of the halachic pe’at harosh (sideburn area)— one may  Le'chatchillah remove it with laser or wax. 

 Rest of the body Hair: It is permitted to shave with scissors in a way that gives a razor-like result (i.e., similar to using a kosher-certified electric shaver). However, removing hair with wax or laser is prohibited.  However, in cases of discomfort or embarrassment, one may be lenient and remove the hair even with laser or wax. 


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