3. Harming one’s body:

Scratching oneself and causing oneself to bleed: It is forbidden for one to harm his body in mourning of a deceased. One who does so, and scratches deep into his skin[1] as a sign of mourning, transgresses a Biblical prohibition and is liable for lashes.[2] This applies to both men and women.[3] It is forbidden to do so even not in the presence of the deceased.[4] One is held liable on each and every scratch.[5] Some Poskim[6] rule that only a scratch is forbidden, while it is permitted to hit oneself out of mourning, even if it causes one to bleed. Other Poskim[7], however, rule that this too is forbidden.

Pulling out hair: It is forbidden to pull hair off any area of one’s head due to mourning. One who does so, and pulls hair out of his head as a sign of mourning, transgresses a Biblical prohibition and is liable for lashes.[8] This applies to both men and women.[9] Thus, women are to be warned against pulling their hair after hearing of a tragedy, lest they transgress.[10] It is forbidden to do so whether with one’s hands or with a vessel.[11] One is held liable on each and every area made bald.[12] Some Poskim[13] rule that the Biblical prohibition only applies if one removes the amount of hair to make a bald spot which is a Gris [i.e. dime] circumference in size. Other Poskim[14] rule that the Biblical prohibition applies even if only two hairs are pulled out. Other Poskim[15] rule that a [Biblical[16]] prohibition applies if even a single hair is pulled [even though no lashes are given].

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[1] Seemingly, the scratch must reach into his second layer of skin, similar to the law of a tattoo.

[2] Michaber Y.D. 180:5

[3] Rama 180:12

[4] Michaber 180:6

[5] Michaber 180:8

[6] 1^st opinion in Michaber 180:7; Tur 180 in name of Ramban in Toras Habayis based on story with Rebbe Akiva

[7] 2^nd opinion in Michaber 180:7; Rosh

[8] See Michaber 180:10

[9] Michaber 180:12

[10] Rama 180:12

[11] Michaber 180:9

[12] Michaber 180:10

[13] 1^st opinion in Michaber 180:9; Tur 180 in name of Rambam as rules Rebbe Yochanan

[14] 2^nd opinion in Michaber 180:9; Tur 180 as rules Rosh

[15] 3^rd opinion in Michaber 180:9; Rosh

[16] Gloss of Rav Akiva Eiger ibid