Why can't you cut your nails after a funeral?

Asked by: Mitchell Mayert V  |  Last update: February 8, 2026
Score: 5/5 (30 votes)

This stems from the idea that since the deceased was a parent who gave the children their nails and hair, they shouldn't be clipped during the time of mourning and after the burial.

Can I cut my nails after a funeral?

Things To Avoid after A Funeral (Buddhist/ Taoist)

The following are some improvised post-funeral observations for your reference: During the wake period: Refrain from trimming your nails or hair, as these have been given by one's parents. During the initial days of their passing, such acts must be avoided.

What not to do after a funeral?

See our 10 tips for things you shouldn't do after they've died:
  • 1 – DO NOT tell their bank. ...
  • 2 – DO NOT wait to call Social Security. ...
  • 3 – DO NOT wait to call their Pension. ...
  • 4 – DO NOT tell the utility companies. ...
  • 5 – DO NOT give away or promise any items to loved ones. ...
  • 6 – DO NOT sell any of their personal assets.

Why can't you cut your hair after someone dies?

So many different everyday things become precious. After loss, the act of getting a haircut might present a secondary loss - the loss of part of yourself that your person saw or touched, the loss of something that existed at the same time they did.

When should you not cut your nails?

It is generally not advisable to go two months without cutting fingernails. Over time, long nails can accumulate dirt and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. Regular nail trimming is essential for maintaining good hygiene and overall nail health.

TCO - January 12, 2025 - What About Your Funeral? (Part 2)

15 related questions found

What day is it unlucky to cut your nails?

Cut your nails on a Friday, cut them for woe. Cut your nails on a Saturday, a journey to go. Cut your nails on a Sunday, you cut them for evil, For all the next week you'll be ruled by the devil.

Why shouldn't we cut nails after 6pm?

In some cultures, cutting nails in the evening is considered impolite or disrespectful. It is believed that the sound of nail-cutting, especially during the night, can disturb spirits, ancestors, or household deities. Additionally, the sound itself may cause discomfort to others who are trying to relax or sleep.

Why not to wash hair when someone dies?

Ans- In Hindu custom, washing the hair of immediate family members of the deceased is restricted. The roots of this custom lie in ancient folklore, which discusses that when death happens within the family negative energies become negative, and open hairs are home to negative energies.

What is a grief haircut?

This symbolic act is seen as a way of releasing the grief associated with the loss and signifies a transition in the individual's life. Some tribes believe that the hair carries the energy and memories of the deceased, and cutting it helps in the release of this energy and the healing process.

Can you wear your hair down at a funeral?

Funeral hair dos and don'ts

If you have longer hair, brushing it out neatly and then tying it into a ponytail or bun would be appropriate. If you'd like to keep your hair down, try wearing your free-flowing natural hair combed out with the tiniest amount of gel or hair spray!

Can you shower after a funeral?

According to the beliefs of astrology, water is considered to be a purifying agent as it is associated with purity, cleansing, and renewal. You are advised to bathe after a funeral to wash away the impurities, both physical and spiritual, with water.

What not to ask at a funeral?

Do not ask how the person died and avoid using platitudes like “they're in a better place” or “it was their time to go”, as these statements may cause more harm than good. Avoid making the death about yourself or being too dismissive of the situation.

Who pays for dinner after a funeral?

The cost of the repast is usually covered by the loved one's family, though a fraternity or sorority group, Sunday school class, trade union or other group your loved one belonged to might sponsor the repast as a gift to the family. Choose a comfortable venue.

Is it okay to touch a body at a funeral?

Touching the deceased's face or hands is perfectly safe. Because the grief experienced by survivors may include a variety of feelings, survivors may need even more support than survivors of non-AIDS-related deaths. - How much does a funeral cost? Funerals vary by choice of services and merchandise.

Is it illegal to take pictures at a funeral?

The rule of thumb is that taking pictures of the service itself is not allowed. People will be grieving and they will be very vulnerable and will not want to appear in photos in that manner. It does not matter whether the service is in a funeral home, place of worship, or even outdoors at the gravesite.

What to not do after a funeral?

Don't Rush to Leave: After the service, take some time to offer condolences and support to the grieving family before leaving. Rushing to exit can be seen as insensitive. In conclusion, proper funeral etiquette is a mark of respect and empathy for the deceased and their grieving loved ones.

Why can't you cut your hair after a funeral?

Funeral typically stems from the idea that since the deceased was a parent who gave the children their nails and hair, they shouldn't be cut during the period of grief and after the burial.

What is a ghost haircut?

Ghost layers are a hairstyling technique invented by hairstylist Ramon Garcia. It involves cutting your hair at an angle, creating soft layers that are invisible to the eye. The final goal is to add movement and texture without sacrificing or altering the length of your strands.

What is the 40 day rule after death?

The 40th day has great significance in Orthodox religion, considered the period during which soul of deceased wanders on earth. On the 40th day, the ascension of the deceased's soul occurs, and is the most important day in mourning period, when special prayers are held on the grave site of deceased.

Why do nurses open a window when someone dies?

Here's a touching story from one nursing site that says it all and keeps it real: “In nursing school, my instructors said that they would open a window when a person died so that his spirit could leave.

Should I shower before dying?

In general, it's recommended to wash your hair a day or two before your dye session rather than immediately before it. Skipping a day allows for oils to build up on your scalp, which, in turn, helps protect against irritation that can be caused by hair dye.

Which day is not good to cut nails?

For example, in some cultures, Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered inauspicious for cutting nails or hair. Tuesdays are associated with the planet Mars, which is believed to govern aggression and conflict. Cutting your nails or hair on a Tuesday could invite negative energy into your life.

What happens if you don't cut your toenails?

On average, toenails grow about 1.6 millimeters per month, and that means you need to clip them regularly. And while clipping toenails might seem like an insignificant task, there's actually a right way to do it. Poorly trimmed toenails can cause painful broken nails and ingrown toenails.

Why should we not cut hair on Tuesday?

In Hindu tradition, cutting hair on Tuesdays is avoided due to its association with Mars, a planet linked to aggression and war. This belief impacts health, wealth, and spiritual practices, making Tuesday an inauspicious day for grooming activities.