ז׳ שבט ה׳תשפ״ו | January 25, 2026
Trimming the Mustache?
Ask the Rov: Is it permissible to trim the mustache or the hair of the neck? Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin responds.
Is it permissible to trim the mustache or the hair of the neck?
The Mishna teaches that there are five peios (“edges”) of the beard — “two from here, two from here, and one from below” — and the destruction of each one incurs a separate set of malkus.1 The rishonim debate the exact boundaries of these “edges,”2 and Shulchan Aruch therefore rules that a yerei shamayim should not use a razor anywhere on the beard.3
Most rishonim hold that all the “edges” are located on the face and not on the neck or throat, though the Bach understands that the fifth “edge” is in the area of the Adam’s apple.4 The Rama rules that one may not use a razor on the neck area, but one may be lenient to give a razor-like shave with scissors in this area since it isn’t the primary location of the “edges.” The implication of the Rama’s more lenient approach for this area is that this isn’t due to destroying the beard but the separate issur of lo yilbash (beautifying oneself like a woman).5
In his chidushim on Shas, the Tzemach Tzedek discusses the Bach’s prohibition of shaving the throat area, and seems to accept it as binding.6 Moreover, the Tzemach Tzedek prohibits trimming any part of the beard due to lo yilbash.7 The Arizal was likewise careful not to trim any hair on the throat area.8
What about the mustache? Some rishonim identify the sides of the mustache as “edges” of the beard, but the main portion of the mustache above the mouth is definitely not part of the beard. Some even encourage trimming mustache hairs that interfere with the food one eats. Yet, others still avoid it.9 In response to a questioner, the Rebbe refers him to Rabbonei Anash to verify the custom of elder chassidim.10
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COMMENTS
I always appreciate these practical Halacha articles, but why open a practical question without providing a clear answer?
Some say you can cut the mustache, some say (but alsoen courage) only the sides, some still avoid it… I’m more confused now then I was before the article.
I guess this raised awareness that this is a question, but one without a clear answer?
At minimum the “custom of elder Chassidim” could have been conveyed…
Rabbi Ashkenazi’s reply to my query: The answer I [i.e. the author] received to this question from Rav Mordechai Ashkenazi, the Rav of Kfar Chabad, is that one may trim the mustache hairs that are in the way of food. [The question was asked as follows: “Is there any Hiddur involved not to cut the mustache even if it is in the way of food?”]
Rabbi Leibal Groners reply to my query: “The Rebbe never trimmed his mustache, neither did any of the Elder Chassidim or even young ones. there were individuals that did but a very small number.”
https://shulchanaruchharav.com/trimming-mustache/
Do you think the Rebbe didn’t know what the proper custom is?
The Rebbe intentionally left it open. Do what chassidim do. If the eltere chassidim you look up to do it, then fine. If not, don’t be more lax than them.
So it’s not vague – that IS the answer!
Rabbi Braun writes that it’s “well known the instruction to be lenient if it interferes with eating,” but doesn’t provide a source for that.
https://asktherav.com/6907-are-men-allowed-to-trim-their-mustache-when-it-interferes-with-the-food-that-goes-into-their-mouth/