What is Manscaping?

Manscaping is the practice of grooming or removing body hair specifically for men - but don't worry, it's not a one-size fits all situation. Efforts range from "take it all off" to "let it grow, let it grow, let it grow!" And somewhere in between all of that, you'll find varying degrees of maintenance, from trimming for a refined natural look to precision shaping for a more sculpted appearance. It's a matter of preference, and it's all fair game.

When Did Manscaping Become a Thing?

While manscaping may seem like a modern trend, men's hair removal has ancient roots. In prehistoric times, men lacked the tools for close shaves, but they still practiced primitive hair removal using sharp flint or shells. The Bronze Age introduced metal tools, making grooming more precise. Even historical figures like Alexander the Great encouraged shaving, whether for hygiene or to avoid the risks of beards in battle. In Ancient Egypt, pubic hair removal was a sign of status, often carried out with ornate, jewel-encrusted tools. During the Middle Ages, fuller body hair came back into fashion, but shaving never disappeared entirely, especially as a method to combat lice. The invention of the safety razor in the early 1900s made personal grooming easier, but modern manscaping didn't take off until the 1980s and 90s, thanks to shifting fashion trends and pop culture influences. Today, it's a common and widely accepted practice, with a full range of products designed specifically for male intimate grooming.

Should Men Remove Body Hair?

Body hair removal is entirely up to you. Some men take pride in their natural growth, while others prefer a clean, smooth look, or enjoy how it feels during close encounters. Grooming can be about personal style, from sculpted beards to perfectly arched brows, or simply about staying tidy (looking at you, nose and ear hair). For athletes, body hair removal also has practical benefits. Cyclists, swimmers, bodybuilders, and runners often groom to reduce drag, prevent chafing, or highlight their physiques. While hair removal was once seen as mostly for women, that mindset has changed. In the 21st century, grooming is for everyone. Whether you embrace your hair in all its natural glory or prefer a polished, trimmed-down version, it's your call, and there are plenty of tools to help you do it your way.

Body Hair Removal for Men: Tools of the Trade

If you want to tame or remove hair, there are several ways to get the job done.
  • Tweezers are designed to target individual stray hairs by plucking them from the root. It can sting a little and be time consuming, so it's best left for small areas and precision shaping.
  • Scissors are great for shaping, trimming and reducing length. When shaping beards and mustaches, you'll need a little free-hand skill to keep things symmetrical. Scissors can also help get the process going before shaving or waxing by removing excess length quickly. Be sure to use scissors with a specially rounded end and proceed with caution when working in delicate or sensitive areas like the nose, ears and genitals.
  • Nair™ hair removal cream offers safe, convenient hair removal without the need for a razor. These hair removal creams and lotions weaken and remove hair just below the skin's surface for an extremely smooth, long-lasting result. They work well on large areas and provide several options for at-home convenience with professional-quality results. Although Nair™offers Men's Nair™ Body Cream, designed specifically for men, the full Nair™ product suite is designed for everyone. Hair removal isn't just for the ladies!
  • Waxing is a quick, but not altogether painless hair removal option. It does, however, provide the longest lasting hair removal results - up to 4 weeks.* That's a long time that you don't have to worry about hair removal. Nair™ makes at-home waxing easy with several options, including the new Nair Lux Wax™.
  • Shaving provides a quick and cost-effective way to remove hair from larger areas of the body. But stubble can show up quickly, making frequent shaves necessary to maintain smoothness. Because razor burn and ingrown hairs are also possible, shaving is not the best solution for removing chest and back hair. It's better suited to legs and underarms. For a successful shave keep the following in mind:
    • Take your time. Rushing often leads to nicks and cuts.
    • Moisturize skin before shaving and use shaving cream during the shave to help the razor glide safely over the skin and avoid irritation.
    • To avoid cuts and spreading germs, never use a razor on your face that was previously used elsewhere on the body. You can go from face to body, but never the other way around.
    • Ditch old, dull blades. Nothing good has ever come from a shave with a dull razor.
  • Electric trimmers are quick and easy to use and allow you to maintain hair without removing it all. Guards of different sizes can be attached to get a well-groomed look at a desired length. Trimmers are good for both larger and smaller areas.
Whatever you decide concerning body hair removal, Nair™ is here to support you in being the bold, confident, best version of yourself - whether that's bare and smooth, trimmed and manicured or as you are naturally. *Individual results may vary.