Shaving on Chol Hamoed

Question: Is one allowed to shave on chol hamoed?

Answer: The Mishna teaches that chazal instituted that one must not take a haircut on chol hamoed to ensure that one does so before Yom Tov. Thus, Rambam (Yom Tov 7:17) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 531:2) write that one must not take a haircut on chol hamoed even if one took a haircut beforehand. Only one who was unable to do so due to being imprisoned, etc. would be permitted to do so now.

The Tur (OC 531:1) quotes Rabbeinu Tam who writes that since the Mishna’s reason for the prohibition is to ensure that people will take a haircut before Yom Tov, if one did in fact have a haircut beforehand, they may do so again on chol hamoed. Nonetheless, the Tur explains why other rishonim disagree. Firstly, the Gemara does not make any such exception. Additionally, others will not know that he shaved before Yom Tov.

The Noda Biyehuda (OC 1:13; 2:99-101) wrote that it is permissible to employ a barber on chol hamoed if they were destitute and needed the money to eat. However, the Chasam Sofer (OC 154) strongly disagreed, writing that the Mishna is clear that it is forbidden, and laxity in this will lead to further transgressions.

R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 1:163) wrote that based on the Noda Biyehuda he could allow one who shaves regularly to shave on chol hamoed, too. As nowadays people shave so often, we do not need to be concerned that people will mistakenly think that he had not shaved prior to Yom Tov. As frequent shaving simply was not the norm back then, the Gemara did not mention it. Even those who disagreed with Rabbeinu Tam would agree that nowadays it is permitted to shave. He concludes, however, by saying that this applies specifically if one has a strong need (e.g. it may jeopardize his job) or if it causes one particular discomfort to go unshaven.

However, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 542:2) and R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 66:33) write that one must not shave at all, even if they shaved before Yom Tov and they shave regularly.

In conclusion, one should avoid shaving on chol hamoed unless it will potentially jeopardize their job.