Shaving the head, or **halq**, is not obligatory for Umrah, but it is one of the recommended acts for men upon completing the pilgrimage rituals. Men have the option to either shave their heads completely (halq) or to cut their hair short (taqsir). Women, on the other hand, are only required to trim a small portion of their hair, typically a fingertip’s length.

Both halq and taqsir are acts of devotion and a symbolic gesture of renewal and humility before Allah. While shaving the head is considered more virtuous, cutting the hair short is also acceptable and fulfills the requirement for completing the Umrah rituals.