Haircuts during the Omer - a quirk in this year's calendar

Hi,

As I noted last year:

Taking a haircut is considered to be an act of grooming that increases one's joy, and therefore one does not take a haircut during the mourning period between Pesach and Lag ba'Omer.

In some years - indeed, this year - there is an exception to that rule. If Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of Iyyar) is on Friday, then on that day one honors Rosh Chodesh as well as the Shabbat that comes the next day. In such a case, many authorities rule that one may take a haircut that day, despite its being during the Omer.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 493:2; Mishneh Berurah 493:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai