Question:
I was told from someone that you’re allowed to shave on Chol Hamoed and on Sefira, not a haircut but shaving only. Is that true, if not when are you allowed to shave please let me know. Thanks.
Answer:
This is incorrect. Shaving is included in the prohibition of getting a haircut during these times. One may trim his mustache, but facial hair in general is prohibited.
Sources:
See Shulchan Aruch O:C 531:5, Tosfos, Moed Katan 14a s”v menuda, Shmiras Shabbos Khilchisa Chapter 66, footnote 108. The various exceptions to the prohibition of shaving are enumerated in Shulchan Aruch O:C 531.
Also see here.
Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik and others are of the opinion that it is permitted for one who regularly shaves to shave, and since it is permitted it is a mitzva to do so, so as not to look disgraceful on chol hamoed (Source).
The Noda Biyehuda (1:13 & 2:99-101) allowed one to shave on Chol Hamoed providing that the barber employed was destitute and needed the money to eat.
R’ Moshe Feinstein (Iggros 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 don’t need to be concerned that people will mistakenly think that he hadn’t shaved prior to Yom Tov. As frequent shaving simply wasn’t the norm back then, the Gemara didn’t mention it. Even those who disagreed with Rabbeinu Tam would agree that nowadays it is permitted to shave.
He ends, 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.
yes, these are various exceptions [and opinions]
the question implied that shaving is not included in the prohibition to begin with, that is what I intended to correct
thank you for your comment and sources
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