Cutting Toenails and Fingernails on the Same Day

Can you cut your hair and your nails on the same da

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

It is true that there is a preference not to cut toenails and fingernails on the same day. This is due to some kind of spiritual "danger." Even according to this approach, it is permitted to cut one during the day and one during the night. In other words, one can cut one's fingernails just before sunset and then cut one's toenails just after dark.

On a related note, the Rema, quoting the Abudraham, recommends not cutting one's nails in the order of the fingers. Rather, one should start with the left hand, cutting the nail of the ring finger, index finger, pinky finger, middle finger, and then the thumb. One then cuts the nails of the right hand starting with the index finger, the ring finger, the thumb, the middle finger, and then the pinky. Other authorities are not particular about the order in which one cuts one's nails.

It is taught that cut nails are dangerous for pregnant women and can cause miscarriage. As such, one should be sure to discard one's nails properly after cutting them, such as by throwing them in the sink or toilet.

One should avoid cutting one's fingernails on a Thursday. This is because they begin to grow again after three days, which would make one's fingernails look untidy for Shabbat. It is considered meritorious to cut hair and nails on a Friday in honor of Shabbat. Those who follow the rulings of Rabbi Yehuda Hachassid should not cut their hair or nails on Rosh Chodesh, even when it falls on a Friday.

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