1. Question: [Monday, 18^th Tammuz 5781]

May one get a manicure during the three weeks?

Answer:

It is permitted to do so up until the week of Tishe Beav, although some are stringent starting from the nine days.

Explanation: There is no listed restriction against getting a manicure or pedicure during the three weeks, other than the issue with cutting the nails, which is only restricted during the week of Tishe Beav according to most Poskim. Nonetheless, some are accustomed to diminish in makeup and jewelry throughout the nine days, and seemingly those who follow this custom should likewise not get a pedicure and manicure during this time.

Sources: See regarding nail cutting: M”A 551:11; Taz 551:13; Elya Raba 551:7; Kneses Hagedola 551:41; Mateh Yehuda 551:12; Chayeh Adam 133:17; Noda Beyehuda Kama Y.D. 99; Kitzur SHU”A 122:5; Derech Hachaim 4; Ben Ish Chaiy Devarim 13; M”B 551:20; Kaf Hachaim 551:48; See regarding diminishing and jewelry and makeup: Ashel Avraham Butchach 551

2. Question: [Monday, 18^th Tammuz 5781]

May a girl get her ears pierced during the three weeks?

Answer:

From the letter of the law, it is permitted to do so up until the nine days. Nonetheless, some are stringent.

Explanation: There is no listed restriction against getting the ears pierced during the three weeks, although during the nine days this is to be avoided due to that we avoid purchasing jewelry, and even diminish in wearing jewelry, during this time. Some are even stringent against purchasing jewelry throughout the entire three weeks and in such a case they would avoid ear piercing throughout the three weeks. Another reason to avoid ear piercing throughout the three weeks is due to the aspect of danger, as pierced ears are prone to infection.

Sources: See regarding purchasing and wearing new jewelry during the nine days: Michaber 551:2; Ashel Avraham Butchach 551; Igros Moshe 3:80-82; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:11