Showering Limb by Limb During the Nine Days

The Kaf HaChaim explains that the Ashkenazi authorities forbid washing the whole body, even in cold water, from Rosh Chodesh. According to the Rambam, the Ramban and the Ran, however, the only restriction is bathing the whole body in hot water, and only in the week of Tisha B’Av. Washing the whole body in cold water is permitted even during that week. He adds that in Salonika people swam in the sea even on Erev Tisha B’Av. Since full-body washing is permitted, there is no need to wash limb by limb.

Peninei Halacha writes that the Sephardic custom restricts only hot-water bathing, and only in the week of Tisha B’Av. Before then, Sephardim may shower even with hot water for pleasure. During that week, anyone who suffers from not washing may shower normally with soap and shampoo, in lukewarm water, for cleanliness.

• Kaf HaChaim, Orach Chaim 551:186 — according to the Rambam and Ramban, only whole-body bathing in hot water during the week of Tisha B’Av is restricted; whole-body washing in cold water is permitted even that week, and the matter follows local custom
• Peninei Halacha, Zemanim 8:21 — Sephardim restrict only hot-water bathing in the week of Tisha B’Av; before that week they may shower normally, even with hot water, and during it one who suffers may shower with soap and shampoo in lukewarm water