There is a din mentioned in Maseches Sofrim (14:15) and brought down l’halachah (91:63) that without a head covering it is forbidden to mention the name of Hashem. The question is, if one has a friend called Sholam (which is one of Hashem’s names) is he allowed to call his name if he is not wearing a head covering. The Shulchan Aruch (84) rules that to wish people “sholam” in a bathhouse, in an area where everyone is undressed is forbidden. The Mishnah Berurah explains: The reason one should refrain from doing so is because, Sholam is one of the names of Hashem. However, when it comes to calling a person who is called Sholam by his name in the bathhouse the Mishnah Berurah cites a machlokes haposkim. The Mishnah Berurah concludes by citing the Tevuas Shor, who says that one may be lenient, however, one who has yiras Shomayim should be stringent, and he should swallow the ‘mem’ of Sholam and just say “Shalo”. Based on the above, presumably the same thing should be regarding our shailah, and if one has no head covering, he should avoid calling his friend Sholam and he should call him Shola or try and avoid mentioning his name altogether.
If one is wearing a head covering, however, his friend isn’t, one should refrain from greeting his friend with a “sholam aleichem”, as he will cause his friend to respond with “sholam aleichem”, and he will end up saying “sholam” without a head covering. The above is also very practical when one is sitting in the barbers having a haircut. The barber should refrain from wishing the client “sholam” as this will cause him to answer back, whilst not wearing a head covering. R’ Moshe (Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim 4:40:24) rules accordingly. However, he adds, if one is worried that his friend will be angry etc. then one doesn’t need to be stringent, however, he should start the conversation by saying “what’s news with you etc.” and should try and avoid saying “sholam” (see also Sdei Chemed, Vol. 1, Ma’areches 1:13 d.h. u’linyan).
