In today’s well-groomed society, hairy chests are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Once considered trendy in the 1970s, the pendulum of male grooming trends has finally swung the other way, with hairless chests now being the preferred look for many guys.
If your hairy chest is a source of embarrassment, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this guide, you’ll know everything there is to know about getting rid of unwanted chest hair.
Before we begin, here are three things you need to know about removing your chest hair:
- There are several benefits to trimming your chest hair instead of going completely clean-shaven.
- Though shaving is by far the cheapest option for removing chest hair, it can cause irritation and redness.
- Moisturizing your skin after chest hair removal can help soothe irritated skin.
Should Guys Remove Their Chest Hair?
While the decision to shave your back is probably a no-brainer, chest hair removal is more of a grey area. On the one hand, shaving your chest hair is an effective way to show off all your hard work in the gym.
On the other hand, it’s yet another thing you need to do on top of your regular grooming regimen. Plus, research has shown that not all women are crazy about hairless chests.
In a 2016 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, women generally preferred the clean-shaven look, with the exception of some hair around the chest area (see claim: “Men with body hair were less attractive than when clean shaven, with the exception of images depicting some hair around the areolae, pectoral region, and the sternum that were significantly more attractive than clean-shaven bodies.”)
While you probably don’t make every decision based on what women find attractive in a man, it’s worth keeping in mind before choosing a particular hair removal method. You may find that trimming your chest hair is preferable to a completely clean-shaven look.
TRY MEN’S SKIN CAREWhat Are the Best Ways to Remove Chest Hair?
If you want to remove your chest hair, you’re in luck: There are now a handful of options for you to consider. Here is a basic overview of the most popular chest hair removal options for men:
Option #1: Shaving
Cheap and easy, shaving your chest is probably one of the first options you’ve considered for removing unwanted body hair. Though a wet razor shave will remove all your chest hair, the downside is that it only lasts for a couple of days.
If you just want to tidy up your chest hair, using an electric trimmer is a solid option. This method will also reduce ingrown hairs, shaving burn and other unpleasant side effects of shaving.
Option #2: Waxing
Anyone who has seen the chest waxing scene in The 40-Year-Old-Virgin knows that waxing is one of the more painful ways to remove chest hair. It’s also an effective hair removal method that will leave your chest smooth for weeks.
However, this hair removal method isn’t for everyone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should never resort to waxing if you have sensitive skin or you’ve recently been sunburned.
Option #3: Depilatory Spray/Cream
If you struggle with ingrown hairs, depilatory creams and sprays may be a better hair removal method for you. These products contain chemicals which attack the keratin protein in your hair, resulting in hair loss.
The same chemicals that make depilatory products so effective can also make them a poor choice for some guys. If you go this route, make sure that you do a test patch on a small area of skin first.
Option #4: Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Quick and relatively painless, laser hair removal treatments for the chest are one of the most effective ways to remove hair. Generally, this method uses a beam of laser light to damage the hair follicles enough to prevent future growth.
It’s a viable option for guys who have been waxing or shaving their chests for years and want a more permanent solution. However, the high price tag—which ranges anywhere from $300-$700—may give you some pause.
Take the skin care quizWhat Else Do I Need to Know About Chest Hair Removal?
You have a good idea about which hair removal method is right for your skin. Before you rock the bare-chested look, here are some hair removal tips to keep in mind.
Tip #1: Hair Texture and Color Matter
If your chest hair is dark and super coarse, you could be fighting an uphill battle. It’s important to recognize when you’re putting your skin through too much and settle for a good trim instead.
Tip #2: Exfoliation Can Help Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Exfoliation should be part of every guy’s grooming regimen, hairy chest or no. This is especially true if you struggle with ingrown hairs after you shave.
Using an exfoliation scrub removes the buildup of dead skin cells and oil from your skin, clearing a path for individual hairs to grow. Use a gentle body scrub on your chest the day before you remove your chest hair for the best results.
Tip #3: Don’t Forget to Moisturize
You probably know from shaving your face that using a men’s daily moisturizer is key to reducing post-shave irritation. If you’re shaving your chest hair, applying an oil-free body lotion to your chest can help soothe irritated skin without causing acne breakouts.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with unwanted body hair can be a huge hassle. If you’re determined to get a clean-shaven chest, you have plenty of ways to achieve your goal.
Regardless of which hair removal method you choose, be sure to take good care of your skin afterwards. If you haven’t already checked out Tiege Hanley’s skin care system for men, give it a try and let us know what you think!
