By Mariela
Updated: December 7, 2023
9 minutes
Men are usually more hairy than women. And, when it comes to men’s chest hair removal, the vote in the room is divided. While some men prefer to keep a hairy chest, others prefer to have a clean, bare chest. The reasons behind these decisions vary from person to person…from personal preferences or hygiene concerns to partner preferences or appeals. In this article, we’ll be showing you the best way to remove chest hair.
Should Men Remove Chest Hair?
Ultimately, the decision to keep your chest clean or spot a clean chest is up to you. However, here are a few things you should know about men’s chest hair.
Trends
Back in the 1970s, spotting a hairy chest was considered a trend. At the time, it was termed fashionable, and various media stars proudly showed off their chest hairs. This trend went on into the 1980s. However, towards the 1990s, the wave began to change, and attention became drawn to a cleaner, more groomed chest look. This continued into the 2000s, and today it’s more or less a spectrum, with each man choosing his own convenient spot between an extremely hairy and completely smooth chest.
Sexual Perception
Sexual perceptions regarding men’s chest hair vary from person to person, with some loving the groomed-cleaner look and others loving the masculine, hairy feel. However, studies show that men with body hair are less attractive to women than men who are clean-shaven.
Partner’s Preference
If you’re in a relationship, when deciding whether or not to get a smooth chest, try to consider your partner’s preference. An open conversation about each other’s preference in physical features is a great way to find out.
Comfort
As a rule of thumb, comfort is a primary consideration in personal grooming. Do what you’re comfortable with. If you’re an athlete, you may also need to consider the grooming requirements for your specific sport.
Men’s Chest Hair Removal Methods
If you have already made your decision and are considering how to get a smooth chest, Here are suitable techniques for chest hair removal.
Laser hair treatment
If you’re looking for a more long-lasting solution, laser hair removal is your best bet. This method uses a concentrated laser beam focused on the hair follicles. As such, it destroys the hair from its root, giving you a smoother chest for longer. The method is both effective and nearly painless, giving you the best of both worlds – results and comfort. Laser treatment results are long-lived. And, the cool part is that you can use an IPL hair removal tool to enjoy the benefits of laser hair treatment from the comfort of your home.
Shaving
Shaving is perhaps the oldest and cheapest go-to method for hair removal in men. All you need is a sharp razor and some time on your hands. The downside to this chest hair removal method, though, is that you’re at risk of shaving burns and ingrown hairs, not to mention the possibility of hurting your skin while at it. So, shaving does remove unwanted hair, but it isn’t the best at the game.
Trimming
Between staying fully hairy-chested and completely clean, there are a lot of in-betweens. If you choose to groom your chest hair instead of going completely clean, then an electric trimmer is a solid tool for you. By trimming your chest hair, you stay groomed without exposing yourself to the risks of ingrown hairs or burns.
Hair Removal/Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams are a more recent and convenient alternative to shaving. They are hair removal creams that work by breaking down the keratin (protein component) in your hair. So, they simply dissolve surface hair, saving you the hassle of cuts. Hair removal creams usually give a smoother feel than shaving because they completely dissolve surface hair. Before applying a depilatory cream across your chest, though, ensure you do a patch test.
Waxing
Talk about no pain, no gain. Waxing is a painful but rewarding hair removal technique. Waxing pulls the hair out from its roots, leaving your skin smooth for longer. This method is, however, not suitable for everyone. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you do not attempt waxing if you have recently experienced a sunburn or have sensitive skin.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is an excellent way to long-lastingly remove your chest hair without adverse side effects. The method uses electric current to attack hair follicles under the skin, causing the surface hair to drop. It is a super effective hair removal technique and is sure to leave your skin feeling smooth for a long time. Note, however, that this procedure is strictly performed by professionals and isn’t a DIY approach to hair removal. So, you can’t simply wing through it.
Sugaring
This method is very similar to waxing, with the major difference being that sugar is used in place of wax. Also, while wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and pulled in the opposite direction, sugar is applied in the opposite direction of hair growth and pulled in the direction of hair growth. As a result, sugaring has a more gentle pull on the skin but may also be less effective.
Best Way to Remove Chest Hair
How you choose to remove your chest hair is dependent on a couple of factors, including your preference, expectations, and skin type. However, the laser hair removal method is the our most recommended option. It is suitable for all skin types and guarantees complete and pain-free hair removal for longer.
Why Do We Recommend Laser Hair Treatment?
Precise
The laser method is accurate and precise. Unlike waxing, where you could skip a strip or find out a hair strand somehow escaped, laser treatment completely destroys the follicle it targets. You get to completely remove unwanted hair and just that.
Quick
Lasers are professional tools designed to get the job done and get it done fast. Lasers zap off hair at a speed that waxing could never. With a professional doing the job, you could pop in and out of a laser treatment appointment on your lunch break.
Pain-free
No matter how long you’ve been waxing for, the pain never really goes away. You just get used to it. Laser hair treatment,however, is pain-free. At worst, you may feel some discomfort at the start of the treatment. But that’s it—no pain. The discomfort disappears almost as quickly as it came. Moreso, the technician usually applies a cooling gel to your skin to soothe you.
Minimal side effect
Only a small fraction of people experience redness or burning during a laser treatment, which soon disappears after the procedure. On the other hand, with waxing or shaving, your skin may easily get irritated.
No ingrown hair
Unlike shaving, which often leaves you with bumps and ingrown hair, laser hair removal leaves you with a perfectly smooth skin.
Low maintenance
If you’re looking for a long-lasting hair removal solution that wouldn’t stress you, laser treatment is the hit. While you’ll have to return for periodic touch-ups, it is way more infrequent and time-saving than shaving or waxing.
Can I do chest hair removal at home?
Yes, you may choose to DIY.
Once you decided on removing your chest hair, the next is to get it done yourself or by a professional. This usually depends on your hair removal method. If you’re opting for an electrolysis, you’d better have a professional do it. Shaving, on the other hand, can be done yourself from the comfort of your home. Meanwhile, Ulike IPL devices allow you get the laser effect at home. You could even make the laser treatment a bonding session with your significant other.
Hair Removal Tips to Bear in Mind
If you’ve been pondering on how to get a smooth chest, here are a few tips that may be a game changer for you.
Choose a method that suits your goal.
Choosing the right hair removal method is the first step. The right hair removal method is one that matches your goal, preference, lifestyle, and skin sensitivity. For example, while you may like the smoothness that waxing offers, if you have sensitive skin, waxing would be an inappropriate choice. A more gentle but equally effective approach, like the use of an IPL device, is a better alternative.
Prepare your skin for the procedure.
Whether you’re shaving, waxing, or getting an electolysis, preparing your skin is key. Consider exfoliating your chest area to remove dead skin cells and enjoy a smoother hair removal experience.
Trim first
If you’re opting to shave your chest hair or getting a laser treatment using the IPL device, first give the area a trim to cut down longer chest hairs. This will make your shaving or laser treatment process smoother and more effective.
Using creams? Do a patch test.
If you intend to use a hair removal cream on your chest, do a patch test before you carry on. Apply the product to a small area of your skin and test for sensitivity or reactions. This saves you from the hassle of a full-blown skin reaction, irritation, or other adverse effects.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin is always a win, whether it’s before or after hair removal. A dry skin is more prone to damage and irritation. If shaving, apply a pre-shave oil before you shave and a gentle moisturizer after.
Don’t rush it; do it right.
If you’d rather DIY, don’t rush it. Ensure you follow the right technique to avoid hurting yourself or causing yourself more pain than you need to experience. For example, when shaving, shave along the direction of hair growth, not against it. This reduces irritation and the chances of having ingrown hairs.
Take aftercare instructions seriously.
If you chose a professional hair removal method like electrolysis, ensure you follow the technician’s instructions to the letter. You may be given instructions to help your skin recover from the procedure quickly, take them to heart and follow through.
Avoid having a hot shower prior to shaving.
Avoid hot showers before having a razor touch your skin. Hot water may soften your skin, increasing your chances of nicks, cuts, and irritations. Instead, stick to lukewarm baths and keep the hot dips for much later.
Be observant
You’re different from others. So, you’ll need to pay special attention to yourself. If you notice worrying changes in your skin after an hair removal procedure, talk to a professional immediately. Never sit around or make an unfounded assumption about your skin. It may be dangerous.
How do I prevent or manage irritation after chest hair removal?
If you follow our recommended hair removal method, you’re unlikely to develop any irritation. Nonetheless, here are a few tips to manage irritation after chest hair removal.
- Moisturize your skin with a gentle moisturizer. This will soothe your skin and also prevent dryness in the area.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes soon after a chest haircut. Instead go for loose-fitting clothes. They are usually more comfortable and gentle on your skin.
- If your skin is red and itchy after hair removal, give it a cold compress.
- Whatever you do, don’t scratch your skin after hair removal. It never fixes the problem.
- Drink water to keep your body and skin hydrated.
- Pat, not rub. After a hair removal session, the affected skin area may be sensitive. Avoid rubbing your skin harshly and give yourself a gentle pat instead. Give multiple pats if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chest hair removal painful?
It depends. Removing your chest hair may be pain-free or painful, depending on the method you choose. If you choose to wax, you’re likely to have a painful experience. On the other hand, laser hair treatments and depilatory creams are virtually nearly painless options.
Should I shave my chest with a razor?
You probably should not. We do not recommend a traditional razor to shave chest hair. The blade may get stuck in your hair or you could even hurt yourself while at it. Instead, trim your chest hair. Then use an IPL device to target all unwanted hair in your chest area. This way, you’re sure to have a smooth chest with no bumps or cuts.
How to stop chest hair from growing
Looking to spot a clean chest look for longer? We recommend you get laser hair treatments or electrolysis. These methods destroy the hair from its root. So, your skin is left hair-free and smooth for longer.
Final Thoughts
Hairy or smooth-chested, you get to choose. You may even opt for an in-between on the spectrum. However, whatever your choice, gone are the days when chest hair removal has to be accompanied by pain to be effective. Today, it can effective, seamless, pain-free and long-lasting.
