Religion and Shaving - A Guide – Executive Shaving (2024)

Some faiths require the removal of body and facial hair whilst others do not.

Hair removal may be mandatory in some religions for instance on reaching a certain age or at the death of a relative or spouse, whilst removal of hair is forbidden within others.

Islam

Throughout the Islamic world, hair removal is considered in the context of religious law. Amongst Muslims, hair removal is part of an impulse towards general purity and cleanliness and includes the trimming of nails and the removing of armpit and pubic hair. Both men and women should remove armpit and pubic hair at least every forty days. A beard is desirable for Muslim men and women can remove 'unnatural' facial hair but should not reshape eyebrows for reasons of vanity.

The Hanafi branch of Islam, which includes the Sunni Turks, demands that every part of the body - every part! - be free from hair. Therefore, at each hamam visit, women waxed their body with waxes madeof sugar and various herbs.

Men preferred razor blades and hair-removing ointments.

During the Ottoman period, removing body hair was more important to Moslem men and women than it is in the modern world.

Hinduism and India

In India, head shaving is practised by many Hindus and seems to have more ritual significance than any other kind of hair removal.

Chudakarana Samskara: Head Shaving

Both Hindu boys and girls undergo a ritual at about four years old in which they have their heads shaved. Hair is seen as an adornment so by shaving the head, the child confronts his or her bare ego. It teaches humbleness and devotion. Children with shaved heads are seen as innocent and holy and are treated with great respect.

Shaving the head can also be seen as an act of humility for adults. For example, at the Kumbha Mela the first ritual observed by most pilgrims is the mundana ceremony, the shaving of the head. Hair is considered the symbol of vanity, and in order to receive the full benefits of a pilgrimage to a holy place, one must first give up vanity. Thus, the pilgrims believe that the hair should be shaven from the head in a gesture of surrender and humility.

Hindu men have their heads shaven only when somebody elderly dies in the house and women were shaven headed only when they are widows and not otherwise.

Sikhs

The Sikh religion forbids cutting or shaving any bodily hair. Orthodox Sikhs always carry a dagger with them, lest someone try to force them to do something against their religion. The dagger is considered one of the five "outer badges." The others are wearing hair and beard unshorn; wearing a turban; wearing knee-length pants; and wearing a steel bracelet on the right wrist."

Sikhs seem to have reacted against shaving and depilation, possibly because of its association with the Hindu caste system. This has led to what one writer calls an "anti-depilatory taboo" as a reaction to certain rites of renunciation or sannyasa that were prevalent throughout the Punjab (and indeed the rest of India) at that time. In the initiation rites undertaken by the Hindu sannyasi, he would, having found a Guru or spiritual teacher, have his beard, moustache, and head entirely shaved.

Buddhism

There is a head shaving ritual for boys in Burma, somewhat like the Hindu version.

Thai Buddhists have a head shaving ritual for purification of the newborn.

Head shaving is part of the process of becoming a Buddhist monk. The Head Shaving Ceremony is about renunciation from common mundane life and all its illusory pleasures. By renouncing not only one's old sense-desire based lifestyle but also all attachments, one enters into a monastic lifestyle aimed at the attainment of Buddhahood. The Buddha also renounced his home-life at a young age by leaving his palace and cutting off his long hair.

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Religion and Shaving - A Guide – Executive Shaving (2024)

FAQs

What religion is it where you can't shave? ›

Sikhs. The Sikh religion forbids cutting or shaving any bodily hair. Orthodox Sikhs always carry a dagger with them, lest someone try to force them to do something against their religion.

What is the Islamic ruling on shaving? ›

Muslim men and women are required by the Sunnah to shave their pubic hair and axillae. Also, Muslim men are not supposed to shave their beards, but are encouraged to shave their moustaches, according to the Sunnah.

Can we shave your private parts while fasting? ›

There is nothing wrong with cutting nails or shaving the pubic hair while fasting.

When to remove pubic hair in Islam? ›

The religious etiquettes of Islam specify that removal of pubic hair should be initiated at menarche, and done at least once every 40 days [13, 20].

What christianity is it where you don t cut your hair? ›

A: Apostolic Pentecostals are the strictest of all the Pentecostal groups, according to Synan. Like most Pentecostals, they do not use alcohol or tobacco. They generally don't watch TV or movies either. Women who are Apostolic Pentecostals also wear long dresses, and they don't cut their hair or wear makeup.

Is there a religion that requires facial hair? ›

Some religions (such as some sects of Islam, and Sikhism) have considered a full beard to be essential and mandate it as part of their observance.

Can my wife shave my pubes in Islam? ›

There is no `awrah (parts of the body to be hidden) between the husband and wife. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Guard your private parts and do not expose them before anyone except your own spouse.” So, there is nothing wrong for husband and wife to shave each other's pubic hair.

Is it a sin for a woman to shave her legs in Islam? ›

In our opinion, the original ruling of shaving leg hair for both men and women is permissible. The reason for this is that there is no commandment to shave it nor is there a prohibition to keep it.

Can you pray if you have pubic hair? ›

However, if one does not remove his/her pubic hair he commits a dislikeable act but his prayer is absolutely correct. Neglecting to remove the hair does not affect one's prayer.

How do Muslims shave their pubic hair? ›

The Sunnah is to remove pubic hair with a razor and to pluck armpit hair with a tweezer (ouch), but most scholars agree that what matters is removing it, so other depilatory substances are permissible.

When should you not shave down there? ›

If there is an infection

Whether is a yeast infection, bacterial vaginitis, or something else, you must avoid shaving down there. Shaving can spread the infection. In fact, you need to notify your doctor about the same.

Can you trim pubic hair in Islam? ›

The Sunnah with regard to the removal of pubic hair is to shave it. In the case of armpit hair , the Sunnah is to pluck it, but if a person simply trims it, there is nothing wrong with that, but it is not what is best. And Allah knows best.

What to do when your wife is on her period in Islam? ›

Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allāh has ordained for you.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair? ›

You're Less Likely To Get Rashes

If you don't shave, those things aren't really a possibility anymore, leaving you and your lady parts in peace. Indeed, Dweck listed infected hair follicles (folliculitis), rashes, and irritation (razor burn) as some of the most common issues she sees from patients who shave.

How often should a woman shave her pubic hair? ›

To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily. Consider if this is worth the trouble; it may become tedious after four or five weeks.

Is it a sin for a woman to shave her hair? ›

In 1 Corinthians 11:3-15, Paul writes that if a woman is to be so immodest as to wear her hair uncovered while praying or prophesying in a Christian assembly she might as well shave her head. Paul instructs the Corinthians that it is “one and the same” for a woman to have her head shaved and for her to unveil her hair.

What religion doesn't cut hair and wear skirts? ›

A: Apostolic Pentecostals are the strictest of all the Pentecostal groups, according to Synan. Like most Pentecostals, they do not use alcohol or tobacco. They generally don't watch TV or movies either. Women who are Apostolic Pentecostals also wear long dresses, and they don't cut their hair or wear makeup.

Does the Bible say uncut hair? ›

Paul's expectation was that women would have uncut hair that grows however long nature has determined, and that men would have cut hair that did not 'cover' their heads and thus is distinctly masculine.”

What religion keeps their hair covered? ›

Among women, wearing a head covering outside the home is a common practice among Muslims (89%), Sikhs (86%) and Hindus (59%). The practice of covering the head outside the home is less widespread among Buddhist (30%) and Christian (21%) women. Nearly two-thirds of Muslim women in India (64%) say they wear a burqa.

What religion is it where you cover your hair? ›

A form of headscarf, known as the hijab, is often seen in Muslim countries and is born out of tradition. It is worn by some Muslim women who consider it to be a religious ordainment, and its style varies by culture.

What religion grows long hair? ›

For example, Buddhist monks shave their heads as part of their order of worship. Similarly, religious men with long hair include Paganism, the Nazarites of the Hebrew Bible (Samson being a well-known example) and the Sikhs.

What does armpit hair do? ›

It reduces friction

Armpit hair prevents skin-to-skin contact when doing certain activities, such as running and walking. The same thing happens with pubic hair, as it reduces friction during sex and other activities.

What's the best way to shave pubic hair for guys? ›

The key to shaving pubes is to use short strokes with gentle pressure. You can shave in any direction that feels comfortable, but shaving “with the grain” will help to avoid excess shaving irritation. Clean the blade in water every 2-3 strokes to keep your hair from blocking the blades.

Is it allowed to wax in Islam? ›

It is haram to remove, and here it applies to the waxing of eyebrows, and it is seen as a great sin. It is also not permitted to do for someone else to do this – as changing someone's appearance is not allowed.

Is it haram to cut your nails when you have your period? ›

Praise and salutations to our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his family, companions, and all those who follow his footsteps until the Final day. Thus, in our opinion, cutting hair and clipping nails during menstruation or major hadas is not prohibited.

Is it haram to have a dog? ›

Traditionally, dogs are considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam as they are thought of as dirty. But while conservatives advocate complete avoidance, moderates simply say Muslims should not touch the animal's mucous membranes — such as the nose or mouth — which are considered especially impure.

Are there any benefits to shaving pubic hair? ›

Keeping it clean can help prevent odor. In separate studies, 59% of women and 61% of men stated that they groomed their pubic region for hygienic purposes. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest any health benefits associated with removing pubic hair — other than the removal of pubic lice.

What is the attraction to pubic hair? ›

Trichophilia, also known as a hair fetish, is when someone feels sexually aroused by or attracted to human hair. This can be any type of human hair, such as chest hair, armpit hair, or pubic hair.

How do you get rid of pubic hair without shaving? ›

If you want to avoid the stubbly look you can get from shaving, you can use depilatories or wax. A depilatory is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. Depilatories work quickly, are available at drugstores and grocery stores, and are painless.

Do you have to shave your bum hair in Islam? ›

Is it haram or halal? A: 100% halal and recommended. We have hadiths about removing hair from pits, public and private areas and that is a part of Sunnah for both men and women.

Can a Sikh cut his pubic hair? ›

Yes a sikh can shave pubes, religion is an set of idea that may or may not appeals to one, or partially appeals to someone. This also applies not only to pubes but every hair.

Why do Muslims have to remove pubic hair? ›

Pubic hair removal has been common since the ancient times. In the Middle East, removal of the female pubic hair has been considered as a tradition of hygiene for many centuries, and it is recommended by Islam.

What do doctors say about shaving pubic hair? ›

There's no medical or hygienic reason for removing some or all of your pubic hair. But the removal process can be painful and cause many side effects, including: Genital itching, sometimes severe.

When did females start shaving their pubic hair? ›

The practice of removing female body hair is not new, it can be traced back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Some of the first razors, made of copper, were used in Egypt and India around 3000 BCE. Egyptian women removed their head hair and considered pubic hair uncivilized.

What is the current trend for male pubic hair? ›

Male pubic hair is currently less "full bush" and more "clean-cut," which is the current trend. As a result, not all men should completely shave off their pubic hair because doing so can cause excruciating discomfort and even unpleasant skin conditions like razor burn or ingrown hairs.

Is it OK to cut pubic hair with scissors? ›

Yes. It's perfectly fine to carefully trim your pubic hair with small scissors along your swimsuit or underwear line. Many girls trim their pubic hair, or go to a salon to have a “bikini wax”; others prefer to shave just about every day, and many just leave it alone. Removing pubic hair is a personal preference.

How can I satisfy my husband during menstruation? ›

Have Fun and Be Creative During Period Sex. Penetration is only one of many ways to make love. Oral stimulation can be just as fun, whether or not the person receiving oral is on her period. Many people have no problem with oral sex during a period; in fact, they find the messiness part of the fun.

What do husbands do when wife is on period? ›

5 Ways to Support your Partner During Her Period
  • Show some extra affection. There's no better way to express your love than by showing your affection for her. ...
  • Help her with chores. ...
  • Watch a movie together. ...
  • Be comforting. ...
  • Read a book to her.
Jan 17, 2022

What should a husband do for his wife during periods? ›

Here are some ways to be an awesome boyfriend/husband and make your partner feel better during her periods.
  • 1 / 5. Provide her with physical comfort. ...
  • 2 / 5. Don't act disgusted. ...
  • 3 / 5. Run errands for her. ...
  • 4 / 5. Suggest healthy practices without mansplaining. ...
  • 5 / 5. Make her feel appreciated.
Apr 24, 2022

Why should a woman not shave her pubic hair? ›

Removing pubic hair may therefore make a person more susceptible to common infections, such as UTIs, vaginitis, and yeast infections. Hair removal can also irritate your skin, leading to skin infections such as cellulitis and folliculitis. In other cases, grooming-related injuries, such as cuts, could become infected.

Why do females shave their pubic hair? ›

About 67% of women said they do it because they feel more feminine, 63% said they like to feel soft, and 62% said their partner liked it. Women who didn't shave said they opt out because of the side effects, like itching and bumps, or because their partner prefers them not to.

Does shaving pubic hair reduce odor? ›

The simple answer is yes, shaving body hair can help reduce body odour!

What percent of females shave their pubic hair? ›

Pubic Hair Trends

According to the researchers, when asked if they removed their pubic hair, 80% of women and 39% of men removed their pubic hair near the time of the survey. Also, 3% of women and 21% of men had never removed their pubic hair.

Is it better to shave or let pubic hair grow? ›

It is more hygienic not to shave it (although depilation does make pubic lice homeless). In removing their pubic hair, most women will get cuts or ingrown hairs, and some will develop inflammation of the hair follicles or hyperpigmentation.

Is it better to shave pubic hair wet or dry? ›

Keep your skin moist if you're planning to shave. You need this lubrication to minimize friction and avoid nicks. Using cream or gel can also allow you to see where you've just shaved so you can avoid going over the area twice and causing irritation.

Why is shaving not allowed in Islam? ›

For others, the hadith is religious law and shaving the beard is seen as haram. According to Sheikh Ibn Taymiyah, those who imitate the kuffar on the outside- even by shaving the beard- will begin to imitate their bad deeds, habits, and beliefs, thus leading them on a slippery slope of non-belief.

Does Judaism allow shaving? ›

Judaism prohibits shaving with a razor on the basis of a rabbinic interpretation of Leviticus 19:27, which states, "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard." The Mishnah interprets this as a prohibition on using a razor on the beard.

Can Buddhists shave? ›

Ridding of your hair serves as a symbol of renunciation of worldly ego and fashion. In Buddhism, shaving your head (and face) is part of Pabbajja. Pabbajja is when a person leaves their home and “goes forth” to live the life of a Buddhist renunciate among ordained monks.

Can you shave in Hinduism? ›

However, within the Hindu religion, ceremonial haircuts/shaves known as MUNDANS are majorly symbolic, occurring during certain life events. The first is a child's first haircut, the second is during worship and pilgrimages to special temples, and the third being the haircut/shave during the mourning of a loved one.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair in Islam? ›

However, if one does not remove his/her pubic hair he commits a dislikeable act but his prayer is absolutely correct. Neglecting to remove the hair does not affect one's prayer.

Can Jews cut pubic hair? ›

Even though it is permitted to remove this hair, the practice is not to destroy it completely. Rather, it may be trimmed so as not to interfere with one's eating and drinking. The Torah does not prohibit a man removing body hair, including armpit hair and pubic hair, but it is prohibited rabbinically.

What does a beard symbolize in the Bible? ›

Donald Krillbill, author, lecturer and educator in Anabaptist faiths tells SBS the reasons Amish men grow beards are two-fold: in reference to the old testament where beards were worn as a sign of wisdom and godliness, and secondly as God's intention during creation to make a distinction between man and women.

Can Hebrews cut their hair? ›

' Here is an explanation: the Jewish rule is that a man must not cut or trim his hair within a special facial region. The boundaries of this prohibited zone are on each side of the face - roughly between the middle of the ear and the eye, below a bone which runs horizontally across there.

Why did nuns shave their heads? ›

Hence, for instance, the shaved head does symbolize celibacy and renunciation for the Buddhist nun, but not castration, as it is freely chosen for a greater liber- ation.

What do monks shave? ›

Tonsure (/ˈtɒnʃər/) is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility.

Are Buddhist nuns celibate? ›

From the Buddha's full-time disciples, the ordained monks and nuns, strict celibacy (called brahmacarya) had always been required.

Should you shave for a funeral? ›

The general rule of thumb here is that if your beard is less than a month old or if it is sparse and patchy, go ahead and shave before attending a wedding, funeral, or another important event. It will only take a few weeks to grow it back out, and you'll avoid potentially looking scruffy.

Is shaving a ritual? ›

Shaving has been an important ritual for thousands of years.

In what religion is hair sacred? ›

IN SIKHISM

[2] The Sikh form of wearing uncut hair with a turban and an unshaven beard is the product of history over the years of social and religious development. In Sikh philosophy, the keeping of uncut hair (Kesh) means that the Sikh lives in and resigns himself to the Will of God.

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