To Shave or Not to Shave: My Take on Body Hair for Men

Let’s talk about body hair. Whether it’s trimming, shaving, or just letting things grow naturally, we’ve all had to make a decision about what to do with it. Over the years, I’ve gone back and forth on this myself. There are so many opinions out there—some say it’s best to shave everything off for a cleaner look, while others argue that keeping it natural is the way to go.

If you’re wondering whether or not you should shave your body hair, you’re definitely not alone. It’s something a lot of guys think about but don’t always talk openly about. So, I figured I’d share my thoughts and experience on the topic, as well as some things to consider when making the decision for yourself.

Why Do Men Shave Their Bodies?

First off, let’s acknowledge that there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer here—it really depends on personal preference. However, there are a few common reasons why some men choose to shave or trim their body hair.

• Appearance: For a lot of guys, shaving body hair is about aesthetics. Whether you’re at the beach, hitting the gym, or just going about your day, a smooth, hairless look can make you feel more confident. Some people prefer the look of a shaved chest or back, especially if they’re trying to show off muscle definition.

• Hygiene: Another reason men shave is for hygiene purposes. Less hair can sometimes mean less sweat and odor, especially in areas like the armpits. In Thailand, where the heat and humidity can make you sweat like crazy, shaving body hair can help keep things feeling fresher.

• Comfort: For some men, body hair—especially if it’s thick—can be uncomfortable. Whether it’s hair on your chest, back, or below the belt, shaving or trimming can help reduce irritation and chafing, especially during workouts or physical activities.

• Athletics: If you’re into sports like cycling, swimming, or bodybuilding, shaving is often part of the routine. For athletes, less hair means less friction, which can be an advantage. Plus, bodybuilders often shave to highlight muscle definition during competitions.

Why Keep It Natural?

On the flip side, there are plenty of reasons to keep your body hair as is. Not every guy feels the need to reach for a razor, and that’s perfectly fine too. Here’s why some men choose to stay natural:

• Convenience: Shaving takes time and effort. It’s not just a one-and-done kind of thing—you have to maintain it regularly. If you’re not someone who wants to deal with the upkeep, keeping things natural might be more appealing. Let’s face it, shaving your chest, legs, or back can be time-consuming.

• Skin Sensitivity: Not everyone’s skin reacts well to shaving. If you’re prone to razor burn, ingrown hairs, or irritation, shaving might cause more problems than it solves. In humid climates like Thailand, where sweating can aggravate skin conditions, shaving can sometimes lead to discomfort.

• Personal Preference: Some men just like the way their body hair looks and feels. And honestly, why not? Body hair is completely natural, and for a lot of guys, it’s part of their identity. There’s no rule that says you have to shave to look good or feel confident—plenty of men embrace their natural look and pull it off just fine.

• Cultural Factors: In some cultures, body hair is seen as a sign of masculinity, and shaving might be less common. While grooming habits vary from person to person, the idea that body hair is “manly” can play a role in why some men choose to keep their hair natural.

What I Learned from Experimenting with Both

Personally, I’ve tried both shaving and going all-natural, and I think there’s something to be said for both approaches. In my younger years, I thought shaving was the only way to look good—especially when hitting the beach or gym. I’d shave my chest and armpits, and while it did make me feel more confident at first, I quickly realized that it came with some downsides.

For one, the upkeep was more than I expected. Shaving your body isn’t like shaving your face—it takes longer, and the hair grows back faster than you think. Not only that, but I dealt with some serious irritation, especially around my chest and shoulders. That’s when I realized that my skin wasn’t a huge fan of being shaved so often, so I backed off.

Now, I take a more balanced approach. I don’t shave everything off, but I do trim certain areas for comfort—like my armpits and sometimes my chest. It’s all about finding what works for me. I keep it natural where I can, but trim when necessary. It’s a happy medium that feels right for my lifestyle.

Tips for Grooming (If You Choose to Shave or Trim)

If you’re thinking about shaving or trimming your body hair, here are a few things I’ve learned that might help:

1. Invest in a Good Trimmer: If you don’t want to go fully smooth but still want to keep things neat, a good body hair trimmer is a game changer. It’s way easier than shaving, and you can control how much hair you leave behind.

2. Exfoliate Before Shaving: If you’re shaving, make sure to exfoliate beforehand. This helps remove dead skin cells and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.

3. Use a Shaving Cream: Don’t skimp on shaving cream or gel—it’ll make a world of difference in preventing irritation. I found that using a cream specifically designed for sensitive skin works best.

4. Moisturize Afterward: Your skin will need some extra TLC after shaving, so be sure to moisturize to prevent dryness and irritation. Aloe vera gel or a lightweight lotion is a good bet, especially in hot climates like Thailand.

5. Don’t Rush: Body shaving takes time, so don’t rush through it. If you’re doing your chest or back, it might even be worth asking for help, especially if you’re not used to reaching certain areas.

The Bottom Line: It’s Your Call

At the end of the day, whether or not you shave your body is a completely personal decision. There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s about what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Some guys love the clean, smooth look of a shaved chest or back, while others embrace their natural hair and keep it as is.

What I’ve learned is that there’s no need to feel pressured to shave just because it’s trendy or because you see other guys doing it. Grooming is all about what works best for you. So whether you decide to go smooth, keep it natural, or find a middle ground, just do what makes you feel good in your own skin.