Manscaping: definition, tutorial and tips for shaving your body

Manscaping is all about body grooming, and while the term can sometimes feel vague, the concept is simple: keeping your body hair well-groomed and under control. Some assume it means going completely hairless, but modern manscaping is more about maintenance than total removal. Whether you're trimming, shaving, or tidying up certain areas, the goal is to keep your body hair at a neat, manageable length that complements your style.  

Wahl offers the ideal products for a safe, effective and precise body care routine in total safety. 

Summary

  1. What is manscaping
  2. Why manscaping is important?
  3. How do you manscape different areas?
  4. Expert manscaping tips for a safe and effective grooming routine

What is manscaping?

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According to merriam webster manscaping is the trimming or shaving of a man's body hair so as to enhance his appearance

At its core, manscaping refers to the grooming and maintenance of body hair, whether that means trimming, shaving, or shaping hair on areas like the chest, back, underarms, groin, or even legs. The goal is not necessarily to remove all hair but to keep it under control for a clean and polished look. Today’s grooming trends focus on keeping hair neat and well-maintained. Whether it’s trimming your beard, tidying up chest hair, or managing the hair down there, manscaping is all about finding what works best for you.

Why manscaping is important?

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Studies show that a significant percentage of men regularly trim or shave their body hair, including their chest, back, and below-the-belt areas.

However beyond aesthetics, maintaining body hair can enhance hygiene, reduce body odor, and boost confidence. The way men approach manscaping has evolved over the years, shifting from full-body waxing to a more natural, well-groomed look. Instead of aiming for a completely hairless body, most men now prefer a neat and trimmed appearance.

Most of them incorporate manscaping into their shower routine, as warm water softens body hair, making it easier to trim or shave. But before you grab your trimmer or razor, let’s break down manscaping by body area so you can achieve the best results.  

How do you manscape different areas?

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  • Face
    While beard grooming is often considered separate from manscaping, there are still a few key areas to focus on.  
    • Eyebrows: keep them full but tidy by trimming stray hairs. Use blunt-ended scissors for general maintenance and tweezers for precise shaping.  
    • Nose and ears: overgrown hairs in these areas can be distracting. Instead of painful plucking, opt for a nose and ear hair trimmer or small grooming scissors.  
    • Beard and shaving: whether you’re maintaining a sharp beard line or going for a clean shave, a high-quality razor will help you achieve the best results.  
  • Chest grooming
    If you're not aiming for a completely smooth look, an electric body trimmer is your best tool. Adjust the length to suit your preference and natural body shape for a well-groomed yet natural appearance.  
  • Back hair removal
    Back hair can be tricky, as it tends to grow in uneven patches. A close trim is often the best option, but if you're considering full removal, professional waxing may be a safer and more effective choice.  
  • Arms and legs trimming and shaving
    For most, arm and leg hair just needs occasional trimming rather than complete removal. If your hair grows excessively or looks unkempt, use an electric trimmer to neaten things up. The same applies to shoulder hair, which can grow in patches similar to back hair.  
    • Trimming: helps reduce excessive fuzz without going completely bare.  
    • Shaving: ideal for men who want smooth skin, but requires regular upkeep.  
    • Exfoliate and moisturize: prevents ingrown hairs and keeps skin healthy.  

Wahl tip: If shaving, you can go against the grain on the arms and legs for a closer shave since the skin is tougher than on the chest.  

  • Armpits manscaping 
    Armpit hair plays a role in regulating sweat, so shaving it off completely isn’t necessary. Instead, trim it down to a manageable length to maintain a clean, fresh look without irritation.  Take a warm shower to often hair for an easier trim or shave.  
  • Groin area maintenance
    When it comes to manscaping below the belt, safety is key. Avoid sharp razors and waxing, as these can lead to irritation and discomfort.

If you'd like more details on how to perfectly trim each part of your body, we recommend you read our article explaining exactly how to manscape with an expert guide. 

Expert manscaping tips for a safe and effective grooming routine

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  • Keep it hygienic: manscaping involves working with sharp tools in delicate areas, so cleanliness is crucial. Always start with a shower to soften the hair and clean the skin before trimming or shaving. Clean your tools regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. 
  • Apply pre-shave oil: just like shaving your face, using a pre-shave oil before manscaping can help the razor glide effortlessly over the skin. This not only reduces irritation but also makes cutting coarse body hair easier and keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
  • Use the right tools and go slow: when trimming or shaving, selecting the proper tools for your manscaping kit is key. A high-quality manscaping trimmer can prevent nicks, irritation, and razor burn. If you choose a razor, choose one with fewer blades to minimize friction and reduce the risk of cuts. Always take your time rushing increases the chances of injury.
  • Shave with the grain: if you have sensitive skin, shave in the direction your hair grows to reduce irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn.  
  • Expect stubble: hair will grow back, so plan to maintain your manscaping routine regularly.  To prevent discomfort and itchiness, use a moisturizing conditioner in the shower. For those prone to ingrown hairs, regular exfoliation can help keep skin smooth.
  • Take your time: rushing the process increases the risk of nicks and irritation, especially in sensitive areas. Use a mirror for better visibility, pull the skin taut, and shave with short, gentle strokes.
  • Know how to treat cuts and irritation: even with the best techniques, accidents can happen. If you experience a cut, clean the area immediately with soap and water, apply an antiseptic (cover with a bandage if necessary). Avoid shaving over the same spot until the skin has healed completely.

Wahl tip: Never use the same razor for both your face and body, this helps prevent cross-contamination and potential skin infections. 

Mastering manscaping doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, techniques, and maintenance routine, you can keep your body hair looking neat and well-groomed without unnecessary hassle. Whether you're tidying up or going for a smoother look, finding a routine that suits your personal style will help you feel confident and fresh every day.  

Thank you and see you soon!