Halachot and Customs
Is It Permitted to Cut a Child's Hair Before Age Three?
Question
Good morning, I heard that it is forbidden to cut a boy's hair until he reaches age three. I would like to know whether it is permitted to cut the bangs of a two-year-old boy, since they are bothering his eyes. On what basis is it forbidden to cut a child’s hair until age 3?
Thank you.
Answer
Greetings,
There is no prohibition against cutting a child’s hair before age three. However, the custom in most Jewish communities is to refrain from doing so if it is done for the sake of beauty alone. If, however, the length of the hair is bothering the child’s eyes, it may be cut without concern.
Sources: See Nitei Gavriel, Matters of Children’s Haircuts (Chapter 1, section 2, and Chapter 2, sections 2, 3, and 4).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
