Body hair removal for men is a relatively new development. As hard as this may be to believe, hairy dudes were once ‘it’.
The late and great Burt Reynolds had a chest rug you could practically plait, and what was poking out the top of Tom Selleck’s Tommy Bahama in Magnum PI practically qualified for its own trailer.
For a while there, the pendulum swung the other way to near pre-pubescent levels a la David Beckham.
Now, the trend sits mercifully in the middle.
Trimmed, cultivated but still reflecting the body of a full-grown adult male.
There exists a myriad of ways to tame the fur and it all depends on your budget and level of commitment. If you’re in the market for a body hair removal product, these are our top tips.
Blade shavers
It took a while for the main global players to realise that men were using their products way south of the chin. But when they did, they leapt on the opportunity with extra lubricating strips and rounded heads that were better for sneaking into tight, um, spaces. Exfoliate beforehand though.
Electric shavers
Body groomers have come a long way in recent years in terms of responsiveness and coverage. Many can now be used in the shower for a quick once over and telescopic handles are becoming increasingly common so you can access those hard to reach spots. No more having to call your wife in to do your back. #romance.
We like: Remington Quick Groom Body and Back Groomer
Depilatory cream
Men’s body hair is both thicker and coarser than women’s, so you need a specialist formulation. Especially when using lotions that dissolve follicles at the root. The finish is generally smoother than with shaving and the results last longer. Better still, many do their work in about the time it takes to boil a kettle. For God’s sake don’t try it on your nuts. You’ve been warned.
Home Intense Pulsed Light
Back in the day, if you wanted to nix your body hair using this follicle damaging option, you had to go to a clinic. Not anymore. At least as far IPL is concerned. A range of home-use versions are now available. They are safe, effective and there’s no potential awkwardness of having to show up to a salon. That said, they are not quite as powerful as the ones trusted to professional operators. Bonus, you could probably use it to scare off a burglar. Or at least depilate them into submission. Note: play the long game as it usually takes upwards of half a dozen sessions to see real results.
Laser treatment
Clearly the most effective and permanent solution, lasers work as a result of the light of the beam being converted to heat, which then stunts the hair follicles. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Depending on the thickness and volume of your fur, between six and ten visits will be required. If you’re looking at the chest or back, expect to pay anywhere from $99 to $200 per visit.
