For centuries, body hair was considered a sign of masculinity, but no longer today. Men shaving their chest hair is becoming very common these days. At first, it was just the bodybuilders, athletes, and actors who would flaunt their clean-shaven chests. But now, it’s becoming more popular among the masses too.
As we further evolve as humans, who knows, we might not even have any hair on our bodies. But till then, we have options to choose from. We can either leave the hair as is, trim it, or entirely remove it. If you are considering getting rid of your chest hair, then you are at the right place. In this article, we will shed light on all the things you need to know about shaving your chest. So, let’s get started.
Should Men Shave Their Chest?
To shave or not to shave is a question that crosses the mind of every first-timer. Like everything else, shaving your chest has its pros and cons. However, this question doesn’t have a straightforward answer and it ultimately boils down to your individual preference.
Body hair helps in preventing dirt and harmful sun rays from coming in direct contact with your skin. It also acts as an insulating layer to keep the body warm. However, if it’s not well-kept and clean, it can lead to other issues. Problems such as body odor, rashes, and parasites dwelling in your hair can be caused by unkempt body hair.
If you choose to shave your chest hair, remember that it requires a lot of maintenance. While the process saves time, the hair grows back fast, so you would have to shave several times a week to remain hair-free. The hair that grows back tends to be sharp and pocky, which can cause skin irritation. Also, if you are not careful with the razors, you can easily cut yourself.
So, if shaving doesn’t appeal to you, you can try out other hair removal techniques like waxing, depilatory creams, or body groomers to trim your hair.
How to Shave your Chest?
If you have made up your mind and decided to shave your chest hair, it’s important to understand the steps involved before you get started. While it might sound like a simple day-to-day task, it’s essential to take the right approach to avoid problems like itchy skin, razor burns, and ingrown hairs.
Trim Long Hair
If your hair is thick and long, you should always trim it before you shave it. Use body hair or beard trimmers to cut them as short as possible. If you plan to keep some hairs, mark the boundaries during this step. That would expedite the shaving process as well as make it less painful. Also, if you have oversensitive skin, it’s better to just use a trimmer as it just cuts the hair without tugging the skin.
Wash Your Chest
After you trim, make sure to take a shower. It would wash away all the excess hair stuck on your chest. The warm water would soften up the hair follicles and help in getting a closer shave. You may also consider exfoliating your skin to remove dead cells and make the skin smooth. But this is not required every time you shave, as over-exfoliating can damage the skin.
Lubricant or Shaving Cream
Before you start shaving, it’s essential to apply a lubricant or shaving cream. You can also use a shower gel for this purpose. Lather it up all over the area where you need to shave. It will allow you to maneuver the razor accordingly and have a more comfortable shave. Reapply the cream or gel if you require to shave any area more than once.
Razor
Prep your razor before you start the process. Make sure the blades are thoroughly cleaned and sharp. If you are shaving for the first time or after a long time, use a fresh one. Using a blunt razor can pull your skin which can cause inflammation around the hair follicles and razor bumps. It would also give you an uneven shave and will take more time to get the work done.
You can either use a regular disposable razor, a cartridge razor, or even a safety razor. A safety razor would be good if you are not too familiar with the technique. It would eliminate the risk of getting nicks and cuts.
Shave Stroke
Now that everything is ready, you can start shaving your chest. Use soft, short, and slow strokes. Running the razor in the opposite direction of your hair growth is not advised, as it is known to cause ingrown hair. But the hair growth in the chest and abdomen area generally don’t grow in one direction, so there are no with the grain or against the grain concerns.
After every few strokes, clean the razor with water or wipe it with a cloth to avoid any clogging. The hair can jam the blade and make it less efficient. Lastly, for a pleasant shaving experience, use your free hand to stretch the skin and cover sensitive parts such as the nipples and the naval to avoid accidents while shaving.
Depending on your hair growth, shave the chest every three to five days to maintain the length of the hair.
Wash and Dry
Wash up with cold water after you shave to close the pores. After that, pat dry with a soft clean towel. Don’t rub the towel against the skin as it is already sensitive, and rubbing can cause it to become more irritable.
Moisturizer
Moisturizing is the last but the most vital step while grooming your chest hair. Apply a tried and tested moisturizer, an aftershave balm, or aloe vera gel to the whole area.
For super sensitive skin, some suggest using baby rash cream too. It would aid to soothe the skin and reduce the friction between your shirt and the skin. Chafing can cause rashes and itching, as well as ingrown hairs in some cases. Moisturizing will keep these problems at bay.
Related: Best Shaving Kits
The Benefits of Shaving Your Chest
Now that you know how to shave, let’s get into the benefits of shaving your chest.
Attractiveness
A clean-shaven or trimmed chest looks neat and presentable. It makes the body appear toned and highlights the muscle lines. If you have a well-defined chest and abs, you should definitely clean shave and flaunt them. But for people who have a little flab on their chest and tummy area, instead of clean-shaving your chest,just trim it. The hair actually helps in hiding the extra weight.
You could also experiment by trimming the chest and stomach hair in different styles to create an optical illusion of a specific body type. But this would require some practice. With a little effort, you can get a fitter-looking physique without really working out.
When deciding on how much chest hair to shave, also take into account your facial hair. If you have a clean-shaven face, then a fully clean chest would complement the look. On the other hand, If you adorn a bearded look, a lightly trimmed chest would balance your look.
Hygiene
Hygiene is the prime reason why you should give shaving your chest hair a try. We guarantee you that it will make you feel clean and fresh all day long. It would also help you get rid of skin problems, like pimples, or frequent rashes due to clogged pores.
Very dense hair can lock the sweat and the moisture within, making it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. This is why removing your chest hair would result in less sweating and less odor. Also, your chest would no longer accumulate unwanted elements like dead skin, dirt, or any other kind of filth.
Athletic Performance
Sportsmen have been shaving their body hair for a long time now. It’s very common for cyclists, swimmers, boxers, bodybuilders, and runners to sport a hairless body as it helps them perform better. When body hair rubs against the clothes, it creates a lot of friction which can be painful and distracting. It could further lead to problems like inflamed hair follicles and tender skin.
During sports, getting injuries are very common. In case of an open wound, having a clean-shaven body would ensure that body hair doesn’t interfere in the healing process. Even putting and removing the plasters becomes more convenient on a hairless torso.
Confidence
Very hairy men can easily get conscious about their looks. They would involuntarily stand out, especially in a region like Asia, where the menfolk naturally have less body hair. Nowadays, most women prefer men with little to no body hair. If these social stigmas are bothering you, shaving your hair could help you gain confidence and showcase your true personality.
Having a well-groomed body would make you feel more comfortable in your skin and boost your confidence. Shaving your chest hair also makes you look younger and fitter.
Related: Should Men Shave Their Legs?
Frequently Asked Questions for Should Men Shave Their Chest
The ideal length of the body hair depends on the hair growth, the area, and your preference. If you don’t wish to clean-shave, we suggest maintaining the length of your body hair between one and one and a half inches. Trimming very dense hair is highly recommended.
Is shaving body hair a good idea for men?
Men shaving their body hair has become a common phenomenon, and for good reasons. It’s hygienic, it looks tidy, and it boosts confidence. But to each their own. If you think your body hair is perfect the way it is, then it’s okay not to clip them off.
Can guys shave their chests?
Yes, guys can shave their chests, but they should also bear in mind to shave their abdomen area. Otherwise, it would look a little strange. Maintain the same length all over. If you have abs and a well-built muscular body, shaving your chest would give it more definition.
Related: Should Men Shave Their Armpits?
A Final Word From The Trending Man
Undoubtedly, a shaved chest gives a more polished appearance. If executed properly, you would achieve a smooth, hairless chest. But if your technique is not correct, you could end up with uneven hair, left out hair patches, cuts, razor burns, and other unwanted outcomes. Also, these problems can lead to some severe infections if not treated on time.
Also, after-care is equally important. Make sure you regularly moisturize your skin and exfoliate it to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Ultimately, shaving your chest hair is a personal choice, and you should do whatever feels comfortable for you. All that matters is how confident you feel in your skin, regardless of whether you shaved or not.
Hopefully, we have been able to address all your worries and helped you make up your mind. If you are convinced that you need to shave your chest hair, go for it!
