Removing hair during احرام — whether by shaving, cutting, or plucking — is prohibited until the time of tahalul (exiting احرام) on the Day of Sacrifice. If a حاجی removes hair before this time, they must pay a fidyah as specified in قرآن مجید: 'And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head (must offer) a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice' (2:196). This verse was revealed regarding Ka'b ibn Ujrah, who had lice and needed to shave his head during احرام.
Sheikh Ibn Baz explained the three options for this fidyah, from which the حاجی may choose any one: (1) fasting three days (which do not need to be consecutive); (2) feeding six poor persons, giving each one half a sa' (approximately 1.5 kg) of the staple food of the region (such as rice, wheat, or dates); or (3) sacrificing a sheep and distributing its meat to the poor. The حاجی may choose whichever option is easiest for them.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen clarified important distinctions: if the hair removal was due to genuine necessity (illness, medical treatment, unbearable lice), the fidyah is due but there is no sin. If it was deliberate without necessity, both sin and fidyah apply. If it was accidental (hair falling during washing without pulling), the majority of scholars hold that no fidyah is due, based on the principle that accidental violations during احرام are pardoned. Al-Fawzan added that the fidyah may be performed in the Haram or anywhere else — it is not restricted to مکہ مکرمہ or منیٰ.