Body grooming has gone from taboo to baseline. Over 60% of men now trim or remove body hair regularly, and the stigma around it has essentially evaporated. This guide covers everything: what to trim, what to leave alone, which tools to use, and how to avoid itchy, bumpy aftermath.
The Golden Rule of Manscaping
Trim, don’t shave. Unless you’re a competitive swimmer, completely shaving body hair creates problems: ingrown hairs, razor burn, stubble that itches like sandpaper. Trimming to a short, uniform length looks groomed without looking “done.” The exception: back and shoulder hair, which most men prefer to remove completely.
Body Zone Guide: What to Do Where
Chest & Stomach
Recommended: Trim to 1/4” to 1/2” (6–12mm) with an electric body groomer. Maintains a masculine, natural look while keeping things tidy. Use the same guard length on your stomach for consistency. Frequency: Every 1–2 weeks.
Back & Shoulders
Recommended: Remove completely or trim very short. back hair removal is the one area where full removal is preferred. Options: DIY with an extendable back shaver (BakBlade), partner help with a body groomer, or laser hair removal hair removal for permanent reduction (6–8 sessions, $200–400/session). Frequency: Every 1–2 weeks.
Underarms
Recommended: Trim to about 1/2” (12mm). Completely shaving can increase odor (stubble traps bacteria) and causes painful ingrown hairs. Trimming reduces sweat and odor while avoiding these issues. Frequency: Monthly.
Arms & Legs
Recommended: Most men leave arm and leg hair natural. If very dense, thin it out with a body groomer on the longest guard (3/4” to 1”) rather than shortening noticeably.
Groin Area
Recommended: Trim short (1/4” or shorter). This area benefits most from grooming – hygiene, comfort, and confidence all improve. The skin is sensitive and thin, so technique matters.
How to trim safely:
- Use a dedicated body groomer designed for groin use (NOT your face trimmer)
- Start with the longest guard and work down gradually
- Pull skin taut while trimming – loose skin catches in blades
- Trim with the grain, never against
- Use a mirror for visibility
- Apply unscented moisturizer afterward
Never use: A regular razor, chemical hair removal creams near sensitive areas, or an old/dull trimmer. Frequency: Every 1–2 weeks.
Essential Manscaping Tools
You need exactly one good tool to handle 90% of body grooming – an electric body groomer with adjustable guards. Our top picks:
- Best overall: Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7000 (~$60) – Dual-ended, waterproof, 5 length settings
- Best budget: Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 3500 (~$35) – Same concept, fewer features, excellent value
- Best for groin: Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra (~$90) – SkinSafe technology for sensitive areas
- Best for back: BakBlade 2.0 PLUS (~$30) – Extendable handle, reaches entire back solo
For the complete product breakdown, see our best body groomers for men guide.
Pre-Grooming Prep
- Shower first (warm water) – Opens pores, softens hair, makes cutting easier
- Exfoliate – Removes dead skin cells that clog the trimmer and cause ingrowns
- Dry trim for length, wet trim for closeness
- Good lighting – Essential for sensitive areas
Post-Grooming Care
- Rinse with cool water – Closes pores, reduces irritation
- Apply unscented moisturizer or aloe vera – Soothes skin. Avoid fragrance on freshly trimmed skin.
- Wear loose clothing – For a few hours after grooming to prevent friction irritation
- Don’t apply deodorant immediately after trimming underarms – Wait 30+ minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a head/face razor on your body – Use a dedicated body groomer with skin guards
- Going too short too fast – Start longer, work down. You can’t add hair back.
- Shaving against the grain – Always trim with hair growth direction
- Using the same trimmer on face and body – Hygiene issue. Separate tools.
- Ignoring post-care – Moisturizing isn’t optional for freshly trimmed skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shave or trim my body hair?
Trim for 90% of body areas. Shaving creates stubble, ingrown hairs, and itching. Trimming produces a natural, groomed look with none of those side effects. Back/shoulder hair is the one exception where full removal is common.
Does manscaping make you smell better?
Yes. Body hair traps sweat, bacteria, and odor. Trimming (especially underarms and groin) significantly reduces odor. Combined with good hygiene and a quality deodorant, grooming makes a noticeable difference in freshness.
What about permanent hair removal?
Laser hair removal reduces hair growth by 70–90% permanently after 6–8 sessions. Most effective on men with dark hair and lighter skin. Cost: $200–$400 per session per area. Best for back, shoulders, and any area you want permanently reduced.
Axel is the founder of ReadySleek and has spent over 5 years researching and testing men’s grooming products, skincare routines, and hair loss treatments. His work combines hands-on product testing with insights from dermatologists and trichologists to deliver evidence-based grooming advice.
He specializes in men’s skincare (including ingredient analysis of retinol, niacinamide, and SPF), hair loss science (minoxidil, finasteride, hair transplants), men’s fragrance (with 80+ colognes personally tested), and body grooming techniques.
When he’s not reviewing the latest grooming products, Axel focuses on making complex grooming topics accessible and actionable for everyday guys.
