When does the one performing Hajj alone (ifrad) exit the state of ihram?

Question:
I entered the state of ihram for Hajj alone (ifrad). After the tawaf and sa'y, I shaved my head out of ignorance. Then I went to 'Arafah and completed all my rites of Hajj, including performing sa'y a second time after the tawaf of ifadah. What is the ruling on this?

Answer:
There is no blame on him for that. If his sa'y was with the tawaf of arrival, he owes nothing. The fact that he took from his hair while ignorant does not harm him, and he owes nothing for that; because the correct view is that taking some hair or nails out of ignorance or forgetfulness does not require an expiation, according to the correct view. He remains in the state of ifrad. However, it would have been better for him to exit the state of ihram and make it an 'Umrah. That would have been the best, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed his Companions to do. If he had been reminded, performed tawaf, shortened his hair, and exited the state of ihram with the intention of 'Umrah, that would have been the best. But if he continued with the intention of Hajj and did not exit the state of ihram, but took some of his hair thinking it was prescribed, then he owes nothing.
The second sa'y has no basis. But if he did it out of ignorance, it does not harm him; because for the one performing ifrad and the one performing qiran, one sa'y is sufficient. If they performed it with the tawaf of arrival, that is sufficient. If they did not perform it with the tawaf of arrival, but performed it with the tawaf of ifadah, that is what is prescribed. The second sa'y is only for the one performing tamattu' who exited the state of ihram from his 'Umrah, having performed tawaf and sa'y, shortened his hair, and exited the state of ihram. For him, a second sa'y is required with the tawaf of ifadah, according to the majority of scholars and the more correct of their views.