Plucking Hair from the Sides of the Head
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Is it permitted to pluck hair from the sides of the head with tweezers?
Answer
Hello,
It is forbidden to intentionally pluck the hair from the sides of the head.
However, combing is permitted, even though it may pull out hair.
Source
From Azmera Leshema 163:
In the Tosefta (Makkot, chapter 4, mishnah 4), it states that plucking two hairs violates four prohibitions, including the prohibition of rounding the corners of the head. Mentioned in Beit Yosef, siman 181.
In Minchat Chinuch, mitzvah 253, it is written that it is evident from the words of the Tosefta that it is forbidden to pluck the hair of the sides by hand due to the prohibition of rounding the head. Rabbi Akiva Eiger (in the notes on Shevuot 2b) also writes that since the Tosafot there state that rounding the head is prohibited even with scissors, it is certainly forbidden with tweezers, and therefore it is forbidden to comb the sides of the head.
However, in Shut Chatam Sofer (Yoreh De'ah, siman 139), it is written that it is permitted to pluck the hair from the sides by hand. What is written in the Tosefta is not necessarily precise and refers to a case of shaving two hairs.
In Darkei Teshuva (siman 181, sk. 4), a dispute among the authorities on this matter is brought.
And as the foundation of the words of Chatam Sofer, it is also written in Aruch LaNer (Makkot, page 20, d.h. or with tweezers) regarding plucking hair from the head with its root by hand, and it is written that this depends on the two opinions in Shulchan Aruch, siman 181, s. 3, regarding scissors like a razor on the sides of the head, and according to the second opinion (opinion of the Rosh), it is forbidden.