A No-Fuss Guide To Manscaping, Straight From The Pros

ISN’T IT IRONIC HOW FACIAL FUZZ and a healthy head of hair are a man’s ultimate joy and pride? Considering most men are now spending a lot of time (and money) trying to get rid of the hair everywhere else on their bodies. But then what is the male experience if not generously sprinkled with irony, isn’t it?

They’re shaving off their hair, everywhere—even down there. As if anyone’s looking. (Maybe someone is, for a lucky few.) Or maybe it’s in anticipation? Whatever their inspiration, there’s certainly a lot of perspiration involved—whether they’re trying to keep things in check or get rid of it for good.

Should you be one of those men, or eager to want to become one, here’s your ready reckoner. We spoke to two experts— Dr Gagan Raina, Medical & Clinical Director, Cosmetologist and Aesthetic Medicine Specialist at ARISIA Skin Clinic, Mumbai, and Dr Bindu Sthalekar, Celebrity Dermatologist, Trichologist & Cosmetologist (also Founder & Chief Dermatologist, Skin Smart Solutions) to get you the low-down on all things body hair removal.

EVOLUTION OF MALE BODY GROOMING

It won’t be incorrect to say that the modern Indian man has taken to body grooming like fish to water. Or dumbbell to gym. As Dr Raina puts it, the shift has been rather dramatic. “Men are more open to aesthetic treatments like laser hair reduction, skin rejuvenation and even facials designed specifically for male skin. The stigma around grooming has diminished, replaced by a focus on confidence, hygiene and presentation—especially among urban professionals and fitness enthusiasts,” he says.

Even Dr Sthalekar feels that this shift from amateur to pro has indeed happened, thanks in part to the growing fitness consciousness.

“Men are more conscious about grooming their chest, back, underarms and intimate areas. This is partly due to changing style trends, fitness culture, and greater awareness about hygiene and aesthetics,” she says.

MYTHS & MISTAKES

Remember how a few years ago everyone thought how shaving with a razor ensures that hair grows back thicker? Oh, you didn’t know about it. Alright, not everyone has always been obsessed with grooming rituals. Goes crying in a corner!

But it remains among the many myths around shaving and waxing, when it absolutely isn’t true. As per Dr Sthalekar, “the blunt tip of shaved hair just feels rougher. Another myth is that laser hair removal is only for women, which is absolutely untrue, as more men than ever are choosing it”. Then there’s that whole sham about waxing permanently removing hair after a few sessions, which is far from reality as well.

Now let’s address the common mistakes most men make. There is definitely a thing such as over-shaving, so stop doing it, to begin with. And don’t go lax on after-care —it’s a rookie mistake. Also, if your razor is older than most things in your bathroom, dispose it pronto and get a new one.

SHAVING IN SENSITIVE AREAS

Just like one’s face, shaving isn’t always a pleasant experience. Even more so in certain sensitive areas such as the chest, underarms and groin. Most men complain about things like ingrown hair, razor burns, red bumps and irritation. The trick lies in good after-care, of course, and doing it how the experts suggest. As per Dr Raina, it’s important to “use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Soften the skin with warm water and use a gentle, non-irritating shaving gel. Avoid dry shaving”. A good moisturiser post shaving should help seal the deal and prevent rashes.

As for how often should you be shaving, while it all depends on your hair growth cycle, here’s a good adage to remember—if it’s looking (and feeling) red, it’s time to put that razor to bed (for now).

WAXING ELOQUENT

Those who don’t shave, wax. Or should. It’s meant to ensure your skin stays hair free for much longer, and isn’t that why you’re doing it, anyway?

But waxing your skin comes with a host of troubles too. Your skin reacting to the wax (in a not-so-nice way) being the most prominent one. The chest, underarms and groin are well-known trouble areas. To avoid such issues, Dr Sthalekar suggests avoiding the DIY way, among other things. “Waxing pulls hair from the root, so the skin is left vulnerable. To minimise issues, always go to a trained professional, avoid sweating heavily for 24 hours post-wax, wear loose cotton clothing and keep the area clean.”

As with most things, waxing isn’t for everyone though. As per Dr Raina, men with conditions like eczema, psoriasis or active acne should avoid it as it can trigger flareups. For such men, laser hair removal is a better option, which we’re getting into next.

LASER HAIR TREATMENT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Widely considered one of the most effective options for body hair removal, it’s no surprise that laser hair treatments are what’s got everyone curious. But is it truly that effective? “Laser hair removal works exceptionally well on thicker, darker hair, which absorbs laser energy more effectively. Most men notice significant reduction after just a few sessions, especially in areas like the chest, back and underarms,” says Dr Raina.

It’s not going to happen immediately though. “Because men typically have thicker, coarser body hair, they usually need at least 8–10 sessions spaced a few weeks apart,” says Dr Sthalekar, adding “Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction, not complete removal forever—so some fine regrowth is normal. Most men find a quick maintenance session once or twice a year keeps things under control.”

You’d think that laser won’t have a bias towards skin tone, but who said it’s an ideal world! “Traditionally, lighter skin with dark hair responds best. However, with modern technologies like diode and Nd:YAG lasers, even medium to darker skin tones can be treated safely and effectively, if the contrast between hair and skin exists,” says Dr Raina. And don’t worry about side-effects—as long as you’re being handled by a seasoned professional, it’s all good in the hood. “The main temporary side effects are minor redness or slight swelling in the treated area, but these settle quickly,” adds Dr Sthalekar.

At the end of the day, to wax or not to wax, laser or not to laser doesn’t have to be a Sophie’s Choice. It’s 2025 and men can and should shake it off and shave it off, if they so please. The only thing to remember is go easy and ideally, get a consultation first. After that, go forth and conquer, hirsute.