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Whether you’ve got an overgrown back, chest, or even nether regions, it’s natural to start wondering about hair removal for men. And, as connoisseurs of all things grooming, you’ve come to the right place. We brought in backup from the pros, chopping it up with two experts: Dr. David Kim, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who’s worked with luxury fashion houses like Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, and Dr. Charles Puza (better known to his millions of social media followers as “Dr. Charles MD”), a dermatologist on a mission to combat skin care misinformation online.
Their verdict? There are more options than ever for managing your man-fur—but not all of them are created equal. If you’re looking to clean things up, you’ve got choices, from quick fixes to more permanent solutions. Here’s what you need to know about each method, from least to most commitment.
The Best Body Hair Removal Options, at a Glance:
Shaving: The Quick Fix
Let’s start with the obvious. “Shaving is an easy option, but it grows back quickly and could be tedious,” says Dr. Kim. If you’re going this route, both docs stress technique: “Always use a shaving cream with foam, never shave on bare skin!” Kim warns. (One GQ contributor absolutely swears by Fur’s Shave Cream.)
Dr. Charles adds that you should “shave in the direction of hair growth” and consider using “a trimmer guard to keep 1-2 mm of hair above the skin surface” to minimize irritation. Using a gently exfoliating wash before and after shaving will help, too.
Depilatory Creams: Proceed with Caution
If you’ve ever seen jars in the drug store boasting about magical hair removal, those are what’s called “depilatory cream.” And while it works, both experts warn about the risk of irritation, as these creams work by chemically dissolving hair at the surface of the skin. Dr. Kim says skip them entirely if you know you have sensitive skin. That said, they do work well for covering larger areas like chest and back—just try a patch test first.
Waxing & Sugaring: The Longer-Lasting Temp Fix
Want something that lasts longer than a shave? “Waxing and sugaring removes hair from the root, providing results that last 3-6 weeks,” says Dr. Charles. The catch? It hurts. Both experts rank these among the most painful options, though sugaring tends to be gentler on sensitive skin as it uses a natural paste to grab onto the hair. Expect to pay between $100-200 per area.
Electrolysis: The Only “Permanent” Solution
If you want truly permanent hair removal, electrolysis is actually your only FDA-approved option. “It destroys hair follicles with an electrical current and works on all hair colors and skin types,” explains Dr. Charles. The catch? It’s time-consuming and best suited for smaller areas. “It’s great for targeted spots, but not practical for large areas like the entire beard or back,” he notes. Cost-wise, it falls somewhere between waxing and laser treatments.
Laser Hair Removal: The Gold Standard
Laser hair removal is what both our experts recommend most enthusiastically as a semi-permanent solution for men. “I’ve never had a patient regret getting laser hair removal,” vouches Dr. Kim. It’s pricier at a few hundred dollars per session, but here’s why it might be your best path to a less hairy future:
The technology behind laser hair removal uses laser energy to target the pigment in your hair follicles, which significantly reduces regrowth. Expect to go into your derm’s office for 6-10 sessions each spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions in the future as needed. And we know what you’re really thinking–lasers? How bad is that gonna hurt? Well, Dr. Charles admits there can be “a slight sting every time the laser fires,” but it’s less painful than waxing on the whole.
Both experts agree that laser works best on darker hair and lighter skin, though newer technology has made it safe and effective for a wider range of skin tones. The one catch? “Once hair goes grey or white, laser hair removal is no longer an option,” since the laser needs pigment to target. Likewise, it won’t be as effective for the blondes and redheads among us.
If you think laser hair removal is just for women, think again. “Men do laser hair removal all the time,” Dr. Kim says, rattling off a list of locations that includes, well, pretty much everything: “face, neck, chest, back, abdomen, arms, legs, private areas.” And while yes, there’s some discomfort involved, both experts insist it’s manageable. “All hair removal procedures are somewhat painful, but they’re 100% worth it,” says Dr. Kim.
A Word About Those At-Home Lasers
Before you impulsively cop that at-home laser device you’ve been seeing on the TikTok Shop, a word to the wise. “I generally caution people against at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal devices,” warns Dr. Charles. Not only are they less effective, but he’s “personally seen several patients burned from those devices.” Yikes. His professional take? “No dermatologist uses IPL to remove hair,” which, we’ve gotta imagine, is for good reason.
The Aftercare Playbook
Whether you’re shaving, waxing, or going the laser route, proper aftercare is essential. Both experts recommend:
- Cleansing with products that include with benzoyl peroxide to prevent ingrown hairs and acne flairs (like PanOxyl’s Acne Foaming Wash)
- Gentle exfoliating body wash for several days after hair removal (Dr. Charles suggests Skinfix’s Glycolic Scrub)
- A lightweight hydrating moisturizer (both docs like CeraVe)
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