Q. Since when Tisha Beav arrives, as it is on this year (on Thursday), people have not showered since last Shabbos and it is after all Summer, can one use deodorant on Tisha Beav when in shul not to affect others?

A. Piskei Teshuvos (554: 14) permits. On question 3270 regarding if on Tisha Beav a woman can wear perfume or a man spray deodorant, we wrote: ”Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 15) rules that although ‘Sicha’ or anointing is forbidden during Tisha Beav, it is only when done for pleasure. One who has scabs on their head can normally anoints he has no concern.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the use of perfume and similar anointing products should be avoided since it would be included in the prohibition of Sicha. However, when necessary for the removal of bad or molesting odours it is permitted.”

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a