13. Washing hands after cutting the hair:[1]

In general, one who cuts his hair, or cuts someone else’s hair[2], or has his hair cut by another person[3], is required to wash his hands one time immediately afterwards.[4] This applies even if he only cut a small amount of hair[5], and applies whether the hair was cut with a scissor or razor.[6] If one does not wash his hands after cutting his hair, he will have inner fear for three days.[7] Nonetheless, regarding whether one must wash his hands after being honored to cut some of the child’s hair by an Upshernish, we find a dispute recorded in this matter. Some[8] write it is not necessary to wash hands afterwards. Others[9] write one is to wash the hands. However, the child himself must have his hands washed after the haircut.[10] Likewise, the barber who cuts the rest of his hair after the ceremony is also to wash his hands afterwards.[11]

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[1] See Nitei Gavriel 15

[2] Kaf Hachaim 4:92; Yifei Laleiv 1:18 [Kuntrus Achron] that so is the custom of the world.

[3] Kaf Hachaim 4:92

[4] See Admur Kama 4:19; Ketzos Hashulchan 2:11

The reason: This is due to the impure spirit which resides on the hand after a haircut. This applies according to all Poskim. Vetzaruch Iyun why this was not listed in 4:18.

[5] Kaf Hachaim 4:68 in name of Poskim; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 8:27

[6] Kaf Hachaim 4:93

[7] Admur Kama 4:19

[8] Halichos Shlomo 2:10; Koveitz Mibeis Levi; Yalkut Hatispores p. 77 by Rav Y.Y. Sarabranski; Nitei Gavriel 15:2 footnote 2; There he explains that perhaps the cutting of a few locks of hair does not cause the evil spirit to reside.

[9] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 4:28 footnote 265; Rav Avraham Pariz would wash his hands three times inconsecutively after cutting a curl of hair from the three year old boy. [Keitzad Nechaneich Yiladeinu p. 172]; Nitei Gavriel 15:2 footnote 2

[10] Nitei Gavriel 15:3

[11] Nitei Gavriel 15:1