Is it obligatory to cut hair and nails before entering the state of ihram?

The questioner : Shaykh, this is a woman asking. She says that she went to perform 'Umrah and did not cut any of her hair before entering the state of ihram.

The Shaykh : Yes, that does not harm her in any way.

The questioner : Okay, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : Cutting hair, nails, armpit hair, and pubic hair when entering the state of ihram is not a recommended practice (sunnah) except for one who has long hair and long nails. In that case, he should cut them, whether when entering the state of ihram or at other times. In any case, even according to the opinion of some scholars that it is a recommended practice (sunnah), it is not obligatory. If a person does it, that is good, and if he does not do it, [there is no harm].