In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

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In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Long nails for wedding?
March 20, 2007

Question

I am a kallah and would like to know if I definitely need to cut my nails before my first time using a mikvah. I would like to grow out my nails a little bit for the wedding, which is why I am asking the question.

Answer

Mazal tov on your upcoming wedding!

The halacha states that immersion is valid if nails are clean (no dirt underneath) and without hangnails. There is a longstanding custom to shorten them in order to make cleaning easier. Specifically, the nails should not be longer than the top of the finger, in other words the nails would not be visible when looking at your hands from the side of your palm. However, you may immerse with long nails on condition that are filed smooth, with no hangnails, and they can be perfectly cleaned despite their length.

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