Do ashkenazim cut their hair during the 3 weeks?

Haircuts During the Three Weeks for Ashkenazim

Yes, Ashkenazim generally refrain from cutting hair during the Three Weeks, though the exact parameters depend on which authority you follow.

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The Basic Ashkenazic Practice

Ashkenazic poskim (halachic decisors) hold that the prohibition on haircuts begins on Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (the 17th of Tammuz) and extends through Tisha B'Av.

This is based on the principle of aveilus (mourning) over the destruction of the Temple, during which personal grooming associated with joy and beautification is restricted.

[Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 551:4] and [Rama, ad loc.] — The Rama, who represents the Ashkenazic ruling, rules that the custom is to refrain from haircuts from the 17th of Tammuz onward.

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Summary of Opinions

| Authority | When Haircuts Are Forbidden | |---|---| | Rama (Ashkenazic) | From Shiva Asar B'Tammuz | | Shulchan Aruch (Sephardic) | Only during the Nine Days (from Rosh Chodesh Av) | | Some Ashkenazic communities | Only the week of Tisha B'Av itself |

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Important Nuances

• The prohibition applies to both men and women according to most Ashkenazic authorities.
• Children's haircuts — many permit haircuts for young children during the Three Weeks (outside the Nine Days), though some are stringent.
• A haircut taken for a mitzvah purpose — e.g., a bar mitzvah boy — may have leniencies; consult a rabbi.
• Shaving is included in the same prohibition for Ashkenazim during the Three Weeks.

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Underlying Reason for the Ashkenazic Stringency

The Rama's stricter position reflects the Ashkenazic tradition of extending mourning practices to the entire Three Weeks, viewing the period from the 17th of Tammuz as a continuum of national tragedy, not just the final nine days.

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For personal guidance on specific cases (e.g., a wedding, job interview, or simcha), consult your local rabbi or posek.