Washing hands after cutting one’s nails:[1]

One who cuts his nails is to wash his hands one[2] time [immediately] afterwards.[3] [This applies whether one cut his hand or toenails[4], and applies whether one cut his nails with a nail cutter or with his teeth.[5]  It applies even if he only cut one nail.[6]]

The danger involved in not washing after cutting nails: If one does not wash his hands after cutting his nails, then he will have inner fear for one day.[7] In addition, if he is a Torah scholar, he will forget his learning. If he is a layman, he will lose his mind.[8]

*For a thorough detail of laws related to cutting nails see “The laws and Customs of Erev Shabbos” Chapter 1 Halacha 17”

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^[1] Admur Kama 4:18; Michaber 4:18; Beis Yosef 4:18; Kol Bo 23; Abudarham p. 369 [end of Sefer] in name of Tashbatz; See also Mordechai Brachos Remez 194; Orchos Chaim Hilchos Netilas Yadayim 10

[2] Admur ibid; Elya Raba 4:12; Soles Belula 4:14; Machazik Bracha 4:6 in name of Makor Chaim [student of Rav Chaim Vital]; Seder Hayom; Nimukeiy Orach Chaim 4:2

Other Opinions: Olas Tamid writes that possibly one is required to pour three times on his hand just like is required upon awakening in the morning. So rules also: Shlah Shaar Haosiyos 9; Lev Chaim 1:63; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 7:26; Ruach Chaim 4:3; Chesed Lealafim brought in Kaf Hachaim 4:61. Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 17-wash inconsecutively; Kaf Hachaim 4:61-is holy act.

[3] The reason: This is due to that impurity resides upon the hands after cutting the nails. This applies according to all opinions as explained in Halacha 2. Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 17 writes the main impurity resides upon cutting nails that have grown past the end of the finger.

[4] Migdal Oz [Yaavetz]; Perisha 241; Ketzos Hashulchan 2:11 footnote 27; Supplements p. 82

Washing the feet: Some have the custom of washing the feet after cutting the toe nails. [Ashel Avraham Butchach 551] This however is not the widespread practice. [Likkutei Mahrich Seder Erev Shabbos]

^[5] Ketzos Hashulchan 2:11; Thus one is to avoid biting his nails out of habit due to the fact it causes the evil spirit to reside. [See Piskeiy Teshuvos 4 footnote 209]

[6] Kaf Hachaim 4:68 in name of Poskim; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 8:27; Tehila Ledavid 4:17

^[7] Kama 4:19

^[8] This means to say that he will come to sin, as one does not sin unless a spirit of insanity enters him. [Kaf Hachaim 4:89]

[9] Admur ibid; Elya Raba 4:12; Soles Belula 4:14; Machazik Bracha 4:6 in name of Makor Chaim [student of Rav Chaim Vital]; Seder Hayom; Nimukeiy Orach Chaim 4:2

Other Opinions: Some Poskim rule that one is required to pour three times on his hand just like is required upon awakening in the morning. [Olas Tamid; Shlah Shaar Haosiyos 9; Lev Chaim 1:63; Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] 7:26; Ruach Chaim 4:3; Chesed Lealafim brought in Kaf Hachaim 4:61; Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 17-wash inconsecutively; Kaf Hachaim 4:61 concludes that one who is stringent to wash three times after all the above actions is holy]

[10] Ben Ish Chaiy ibid

[11] All Poskim in other opinion in pervious footnote

[12] Piskeiy Teshuvos 4:21; however see Kaf Hachaim 4:86 regarding uncovered areas. [see F Q&A]

[13] Mahrsham 4:148 brought in Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 2:5

[14] Ashel Avraham Butchach Mahadurah Tinyana 4:18; Kaf Hachaim 4:92

[15] So is also implied from Admur 4:18 “Cutting his nails” and not plainly “cutting nails”. Now although the person cutting the nails touches the cut nails in the process, nevertheless this does not require washing of the hands, as the nails are not considered dirty and do not reside a spirit of impurity on the hands of another. [Kaf Hachaim ibid]

[16] Ashel Avraham Butchach Mahadurah Tinyana 4:18; Kaf Hachaim 4:68 and 4:92