- Halacha
- General Questions
167
Question
What way am I allowed to clean shave facial hair not particular the side of the beard what that I know is not allowed Im asking more on the eyebrows cheeks..?
Razor?
Or what tipe of razor?
Wax ? Lazer? ....... And so on .............
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your question. I’m not sure that I have totally understood it (perhaps you could try writing your questions more clearly in the future). Let me try to answer based on what I understood.
There are two questions when it comes to men removing body hair. The first is the laws of shaving and haircuts – where the law restricts removing the hair that is called “peot” (“corners”) of the head. There are all types of opinions as to how much hair, and exactly where above and next to the ears, is part of this law. Then there are the laws about shaving one’s beard. Again, there are many opinions as to what type of blades may be used when shaving one’s beard. Both these subjects are addressed on this site in different responses.
The second question deals with body hair not in these areas – for example, eyebrows, the chest, armpits etc. Here the question is a different one. It comes under the category of “lo yilbash” – “not cross dressing”. This law forbids more than just men dressing as women (or visa versa). It includes men not grooming in ways that are usually found only with women. Based on this the Shulchan Aruch forbids men from removing pubic hair, and the hair under their armpits.
However, this law is dependent on local practice. I have been told that it is common practice in many places today for men to remove hair, and groom hair, all over their bodies. If this is indeed so, then the practice stops being that of “the way of women” and becomes permitted for men also. (A classic example of this is that the Talmud forbids men from looking at themselves in a mirror, something that was once only the way of women – but today is permitted to all men, as it has become something that is normal for men to do).
If the hair you want to remove is commonly removed or groomed by men in your location, then you may also do so. It makes no difference how it is removed, as long as this is a normative practice for men.
Blessings.

Immersion of Vessels cont.
Rabbi Eliezer S. Weisz | 9 Kislev 5764

Hallel on Yom Haatzmaut & Yom Yerushalaim
Various Rabbis | 29 Nisan 5764

The Meaning of the Abbreviation "Shlita"
Various Rabbis | 25 Tammuz 5765

Yom Haatzmaut Prayers
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 30 Nisan 5765

Egg slicer with grid
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 1, 5785

Blessing for non jew
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Nisan 23, 5785

Is the Shulchan Hatahor (Komarno) acceptable for halacha?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 25, 5785
