The Practical Guide to Manscaping: Trimming Body Hair Without Irritation

What is manscaping, and why bother?

Manscaping is the general term for grooming, trimming or shaving body hair: chest, legs, underarms, back and groin. Keeping body hair under control isn't just about looks. It also means better hygiene, more comfort and a tidier appearance overall. Most men start manscaping for one or more of these reasons: less sweat and odour, fewer itchy or irritated patches, more defined body contours, and simply feeling more confident in their own skin.

Which problems come up most often?

Manscaping pays off, but it isn't always plain sailing. The complaints we hear most: skin irritation from dry shaving or the wrong equipment, nicks and cuts (especially around the groin or underarms), ingrown hairs that leave redness and small bumps, itching from skipped aftercare, and patchy, uneven results from tools that just aren't made for the job.

Which products do you actually need?

Skip the standard razor and reach for tools made specifically for body hair: a body groomer or trimmer with skin-safe blades, guide combs in a few lengths for different areas, a pre-shave scrub to lift away dead skin cells, shaving gel or foam if you're shaving wet, a well-lit mirror for the harder-to-reach spots, and an alcohol-free aftershave balm or soothing lotion to finish properly.

REVAHS Body Groomer

A firm favourite for manscaping: self-sharpening ceramic blades and SkinSafe technology that lower the risk of nicks and irritation in sensitive areas, plus two guide combs for trimming from 0.1 to 3 mm.

View the Body Groomer

Step by step: how to trim body hair the right way

1. Prep first. Take a warm shower to soften your skin and hair, then gently scrub to clear away dead skin cells and head off ingrown hairs.
2. Trim it short. Fit a guide comb to your body groomer, start at the longest length and work in the direction of growth. For sensitive areas like the groin, take extra care. The REVAHS Body Groomer is a popular pick for exactly this, thanks to its skin-friendly SkinSafe technology and guide combs that let you choose the right length for each area.
3. Shave smooth (optional). If you're shaving wet, apply gel or foam first, keep your skin taut and move the groomer slowly without pressing down. Rinse the head regularly as you go.
4. Look after your skin afterwards. Rinse with cold water to close the pores, pat dry and apply an alcohol-free aftershave or soothing lotion to keep redness and itching away.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Rushing it: the quickest route to nicks and a patchy result.
• Dry shaving sensitive areas: makes irritation far more likely.
• Skipping aftercare: a missed step that shows up as redness and itching.
• Using the wrong tool: a face razor has no business anywhere near your groin.
• Going against the grain: increases the chance of ingrown hairs.

Extra tips by area

Groin: use a guide comb and keep your skin pulled taut. Start cautiously on the longest setting.

Underarms: shave or trim straight after a shower and follow up with an alcohol-free deodorant.

Chest and stomach: work in small sections, and use a comb if you want a more even, blended result.

Buttocks: a mirror helps you see what you're doing. Trim rather than shave here to avoid nicks.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I manscape?

Most men find once or twice a week works well, although it really depends on how fast your hair grows and what you prefer.

What's the difference between manscaping and using a body groomer?

Manscaping is the umbrella term for grooming body hair in general; a body groomer is simply the tool most people use to do it.

Does manscaping hurt?

Not if you prep properly and use a sharp body groomer with skin-safe blades. Nicks and irritation almost always come from rushing or shaving dry.

Can I use the same body groomer all over my body?

Yes. With the right guide combs, one body groomer covers your chest, underarms, legs and groin.