May a child get a haircut during Chol Hamoed?[1]

It is permitted for a child to get a haircut on Chol Hamoed [if he is pained by his hair].[2] This applies even if the child was born before the festival [and could have gotten a haircut beforehand].[3] It is permitted to do so even in public [unless the child looks already like he is above Bar Mitzvah, in which case it may only be done in private[4]].[5] [Some Poskim[6] rule that this allowance only applies if the hair of the child is disturbing him. Other Poskim[7] rule it applies in all cases.]

What age is considered a child? Some Poskim[8] rule that all children under the age of Bar Mitzvah are included in this allowance. Other Poskim[9] however rule that only children below the age of Chinuch are included in this allowance.

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[1] Michaber 531:6

[2] Michaber ibid

The reason: As there is no obligation to give a child a haircut prior to the Moed, as he is not Bar mItzvah. [Taz 531:6]

[3] Michaber ibid

[4] M”A 531:9; Levushei Serud 531

[5] Rama ibid; Implication of Mordechai

The reason: As everyone sees that he is child, and there is thus no Maaras Ayin involved. [M”A 531:9]

[6] M”A 531:8; Elya Raba 531:6; M”B 531:15

[7] Shulchan Gavoa brought in Kaf Hachaim 531:26

[8] Taz 531:6; Levushei Serud 531; P”M 531 M”Z 3; M”B 531:16; Kaf Hachaim 531:25; Peulas Tzaddik 3:248

[9] Mor Uketzia 531