Body Grooming 101 for Men: Where Should Men Shave?

Let's be real, body grooming isn't just about looking good, it's about feeling great in your own skin. Whether you're new to manscaping or you've been trimming and shaving for years, knowing the exact spots to tidy and how to do it safely makes a big difference.

From smooth chests to clean armpits, picking the right spots to shave and the ones to skip improves your grooming game and keeps your skin happy.

Simple Body Grooming Tips for Guys

Shaving or trimming body hair can get tricky if you rush or use the wrong tools. Follow these tips for a smooth, irritation-free experience:

• Consider trimming if you don't want the upkeep of a full shave

• Start with a warm shower to soften hair and open pores.

• Choose a tool for a specific body part, like a head shaver for head shaving or a body groomer for your body, beard trimmer for beard, you get the point

• Always shave with the grain first to avoid irritation

• Trim long hair before shaving

• Apply light pressure and let the shaver do its job

• Rinse with cool water to soothe skin

• Moisturize to keep skin happy and avoid razor burn, bumps, and irritation

• Clean your grooming tools to avoid bacteria buildup and infection

• Waxing is an option to shaving but its painful

• Depilatory creams are another option but can irritate sensitive areas

But First: Where Should Guys NOT Shave?

Before we tackle where should men shave, here are some spots that don't need a razor's attention:

• Eyebrows are a no-brainer. Shape them if you want. But shaving? You wouldn't want a look that you'll regret for weeks.

• Inside your nose and ears, there are dedicated trimmers for that.

• You also shouldn't shave the inner part of your butt crack and your anus, unless you want severe irritation, itching, and infection.

How to Shave or Trim Your Head

Your head deserves just as much care as the rest of your body. Whether you buzz it or shave smooth, the proper routine makes all the difference.

Take a warm shower to soften hair and open pores. Use a head shaver like the Freebird FlexSeries Pro or safety razor with clean blades. For rotary shaver users, shave in a circular motion, usually going with the grain first. Rinse often and take your time. After shaving, rinse your scalp with cool water and apply a lightweight moisturizer or aftershave balm to soothe skin. Read our ultimate guide to head shaving for more tips.

How to Tidy Up Your Face and Beard

Your face is where most grooming routines start. Whether you shave or trim facial hair, Freebird's BeardSeries can help nail the look. Choose the best beard styles to match your chrome dome.

When shaving facial hair, wash your face, then use a beard and body hair trimmer to trim long hair to your desired beard length. If you're going for a clean shave, use your rotary shaver to shave downward with short, gentle strokes. Moisturize afterward to keep skin fresh and avoid dryness.

How to Clean Up Your Neck

Cleaning up your neckline sharpens your overall look, especially with a beard.

Trim neck hair below your Adam's apple to create a clean line for your beard or jaw. Use an electric shaver or a razor, moving from the bottom to your chin. Be extra gentle on your throat area; the skin is thin and sensitive there.

Don't forget the back of your neck, you'll need help from a partner for this one.

How to Manage Chest Hair

A smooth chest or just tamed chest hair, it's your call.

The best method to tidy up chest hair is to trim it to your desired length with a short guard. If you shave your chest smooth, be ready to shave every couple of days to prevent that rough, prickly stubble. You wouldn't want your partner to hug sandpaper when cuddling.

How to Clean Up Stomach Hair

A little hair on your stomach can look great, but too much can be thinned out. Trim or shave to match your chest hair. Keeping the lengths consistent makes things neat.

How to Tidy Up Arms

Some guys like clean-shaven arms to show off muscle definition; others prefer a simple trim. Either way works.

Use a trimmer to thin the hair without going bare. If you want a smooth, athletic look, you'll need to trim the hair first, then use a razor or electric shaver to shave against the grain for the closest cut.

For more tips, read our guide on arm shaving for men.

How to Manage Armpit Hair

Shaving armpits feels crisp and keeps you fresh. It's less about looks and more about cutting down on body odor.

Use a trimmer with a short guard to thin out armpit hair, or shave it smooth to reduce pit smell. Hair holds onto sweat and bacteria, so clean shaven pits helps your deodorant work way better.

How to Clean Up a Hairy Back

Back hair is one of the hardest areas for a guy to handle on his own, but a smooth back is a game-changer.

When shaving a hairy back, use a long-handled groomer, or if using a rotary shaver, ask a partner for help, unless you're Reed Richards. Clear hair from your back, including the top of your shoulders, for a blended, uniform look.

How to Groom Your Shoulders

Shoulder hair is groomed just like your back, but it's easier to reach. No need to turn into Mr. Fantastic. Trim or shave, depending on what you want. Pay attention to hair growth direction to avoid irritation.

How to Tidy Up Pubes/Groin

This is the most delicate area you'll groom, so you have to be slow, gentle, and safe.

Always use a body trimmer with a guard to shorten the hair first, because trying to shave long hair can pull and snag. Remember to stretch the skin flat and move slowly; trimmers can cut wrinkly skin. Trimming the hair short is often enough to create a neat look and feel for you and your partner. For a clean-shaven finish, follow up with your rotary shaver after trimming.

How to Shave Your Legs

Most guys who shave leg hair do it for fitness reasons or to show off their muscle tone better.

Trim leg hair if it's long to avoid pulling and snagging. Start shaving with gentle pressure, and don't forget to moisturize afterward to prevent dryness.

Best Body Groomers and Shavers for Men

Freebird FlexSeries Pro - Best Overall Body Hair Shaver

The FlexSeries Pro is the best body groomer you can buy. Grooming from head to legs will only take minutes a day. You'll love the Pro's ergonomic design and ScalpSafe blades that can handle multiple body areas comfortably, including sensitive areas. It's waterproof, easy to clean, and boasts a long battery life for uninterrupted body shaving sessions.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Waterproof (IPX7)
• Wet and dry shaving
• Comes with $60 worth of free attachments
• Long battery life (90 minutes)
• Lifetime warranty
• 30-day trial

Cons:

• No digital display (not a deal breaker)

Who It's For: The FlexSeries Pro is for the guy who wants an easy-to-use, all-in-one body hair shaver. It's ideal for most men who prefer electric shaving over manual razors.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Rotary
• Number of Blades: 4
• Travel Lock: Yes
• Waterproofing: Yes (IPX7)
• Grip Type: Palm
• Motor: Adaptive RPM
• Accessories: Clipper, guards, cleaning brush, ear and nose hair trimmer

Get one now for only $59.95 from the Freebird website or Amazon.

Manscaped Ultra 5.0 Ultra - Best Body Hair Groomer

The Manscaped Lawn Mower Ultra is the top choice for tackling your pubic region and body safely and comfortably. It has Skin-Safe technology, so you'll worry less about nicks on thin, wrinkly skin. A word of caution, though, users say that Manscaped trimmers can nick you if you're not careful, so shave slowly to prevent nicks.

For Manscaped alternatives, we also have recommendations for you. Click on the link to read our guide.

Pros:

• Dual heads (foil and trimmer) for trimming and shaving
• Ceramic trimmer blades (safe for sensitive skin)
• Wet and dry shaving
• Waterproof (IPX7)
• Easy to clean
• LED flashlight
• Travel lock
• Three-level battery indicator
• USB-C and wireless charging

Cons:

• Specifically designed for groin area
• Pricey
• Blades wear out faster (3 to 6 months) vs other trimmers

Who It's For: The Manscaped Lawn Mower Ultra is for men focused on grooming below the waist. Perfect for regular manscaping and fine-tuning hard-to-reach areas.

Specifications:

• Battery Life: 60 minutes
• Waterproof: (IPX7)
• Travel Lock: Yes
• Quick Charging: Yes
• Wireless Charging: Yes
• Adjustable Combs: 2pcs (2 to 12mm)

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

Henson AL13 Mild Safety Razor- Best Traditional Body Shaver

The Henson AL13 Mild Safety Razor combines classic safety razor craftsmanship with modern design for a smooth, comfortable shave. Its mild blade angle lowers the risk of irritation when you groom your body.

Pros:

• Closer shave vs electric shavers
• Made from aerospace-grade aluminum
• No corrosion body
• Lifetime warranty
• Self-cleaning (no rinsing while shaving)
• Cheap blade replacements
• No batteries/power needed

Cons:

• Has a learning curve
• May need extra passes for a close shave
• Wet shaving only
• Longer grooming time vs electric shavers
• Not for coarse or thick hair

Who It's For: The Henson AL13 Mild is perfect for most men who prefer a classic wet shave but want a gentle razor for body grooming.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Safety Razor
• Body Material: Aerospace-grade aluminum

Buy from their website or on Razor Emporium.

The Bottom Line

Where to shave comes down to what makes you feel comfortable and confident. And don't forget, your partner can feel the stubble too!

Some guys shave their chest, armpits, and neck, while others are happy just trimming a few spots and look neat.

We can all agree that shaving our eyebrows, inside our nose, ears, and around the anus is a bad idea. Avoid shaving these spots to prevent irritation and infection.

Experiment with different spots to find what suits you.

Looking for a complete toolkit? Check out Freebird's Full Body Grooming Kit for everything you need in one convenient package.

FAQs

Should I Fully Shave My Groin?

A little trim is usually enough to make the area look tidy and can feel much better than dealing with prickly regrowth.

Do Girls Prefer if Guys Shave Pubic Hair?

Most girls prefer a neatly trimmed groin to a wild bush, but a bare one is a personal choice. To shave or trim pubes isn't just for aesthetic reasons; it's also good for hygiene. If you decide to shave, do it regularly, as we mentioned, your partner can feel the stubble too!

Should I Shave in the Shower?

Shaving in the shower is a great way to handle the mess and take advantage of the warm water. The steam opens up your pores and softens the hair, giving you a better shave and reducing irritation.

Should I Shave Wet or Dry?

Shaving wet with quality shaving gel or cream gives you a closer shave and provides the best protection against nicks and razor burn. Many electric shavers and trimmers, like the Freebird FlexSeries Pro, are designed to give you a quick, irritation-free shave when your skin is dry.

Are Guys Supposed to Shave Up or Down?

You should always start shaving by going in the direction your hair grows to remove the bulk of the length. If you want the closest possible shave, you can carefully re-lather and go against the direction of hair growth on your second pass.

Does Body Grooming Include Pubic Hair?

Yes, body grooming absolutely includes taking care of your pubic hair. "Manscaping" is just a funny word for trimming, neatening, or removing hair from anywhere below the neck.