Best Body Groomers

Buying guide for Best body groomers

Written by michelle

Updated November 2023

Although the height of manly style in the 1970s was a thick tuft of chest hair peeking out from a polyester leisure suit and an equally impressive mustache adorning the upper lip – picture Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit – the ensuing decades have seen excessive body hair fall out of favor. Today, the removal and grooming of body hair is a common procedure for most men. We’re talking about manscaping.

There are lots of ways to remove unwanted body hair, but one of the easiest and least painful is with a body groomer. These handy tools make quick work of transforming even the most hirsute pelt into an enviable stretch of sleek, smooth skin.

While you’ll probably want to shave your back bare, most men prefer to leave some hair on their chest, legs, underarms, and groin. Just give these areas a bit of a cleanup, not a buzz cut.

Body groomer vs. electric shaver

You may be wondering what the difference is between a body groomer and an electric shaver. Both devices are intended to remove hair, and there is indeed some overlap between the two. Here are the differences.

• Electric shavers are specifically designed to glide over the curves of a man’s face, aiming to provide a close shave.

• Body groomers are more general in function. While many include heads or accessories for facial hair, they are geared toward hair on the body, including the back, chest, legs, underarms, upper arms, and groin.

Who needs a body groomer?

Don’t think body groomers are only for extremely hairy guys … or that you have to remove every bit of hair. If you’re a man with a bit more fur than you’d like on any part of your body, a body groomer would be a helpful addition to your morning routine.

You can use the device to remove all the hair from areas normally preferred smooth – for example, your back – and just clean up the other hairy spots a bit, such as your underarms, chest, and groin.

Alternatives to a body groomer
A lot of men prefer using a body groomer over waxing, using depilatories, and laser hair removal. Why? Waxing tends to hurt, depilatories are smelly and time-consuming, and laser hair removal is expensive and requires multiple treatments.

Questions to ask before choosing a body groomer

Before you purchase a particular body groomer, consider how you’re going to use it. For example, do you want to completely remove all hair in a certain area, or do you just want to neaten it up a bit? Ask yourself the following questions before making your purchase. Your answers will help you narrow down your search.

What area(s) is the groomer for?

You’ll find body groomers specifically designed for the back, for removing hairs from inside the nose or ears, and for cleaning up a beard and mustache. However, most body groomers are more general-purpose than that. Look for a full-body groomer if you want to use it all over.

Does the body groomer you’re considering include a variety of specialized heads or trimmers?

If you want to manscape your entire body, you’ll appreciate a selection of trimmer heads in different widths or configurations. For instance, a back shaver should be broader and flatter than the groomer head that cleans up your underarms or groin area.

How is the groomer powered?

Most body groomers have a rechargeable battery. Between uses, you set the device on its charging stand until the battery reaches full power. However, some groomers use disposable batteries. That can be a plus if you want to travel with your groomer.

What’s the battery life like?

You don’t want to be halfway through shaving your back when the battery dies. Choose a body groomer that claims a long battery life so you’ll be able to get the job done without loss of power.

How does the groomer feel in your hand?

The right groomer is comfortable in your hand and easy to angle just where you need it.

Are there length settings?

A good body groomer lets you adjust the hair length setting, either with an actual dial or by switching the trim head. Depending on the hair you’re removing, you may want a longer or shorter length.

Does it include a case?

It’s a lot easier to store your body groomer and its various accessories if it comes with a case. A case is also handy for travel.

Does the device include trim guards that allow you to clean up your beard or haircut without taking off too much hair?

You can save quite a bit of money between haircuts with your body groomer if it includes trim guards.

Is there a long handle for back hair?

Trimming back hair without an assistant is an exercise in frustration unless your body groomer has an extra-long handle specifically designed for the task. These groomers generally fold for easy storage when you’re not using the back-shaving option.

How easy is it to clean the groomer?

A good groomer easily comes apart for cleaning. You should be able to rinse all of the trim heads and guards and wipe down the body of the groomer to remove hair bits, shaving cream, and general grunge. This keeps the device sanitary.

Tips

• Wash up first. Whatever area you plan to de-fuzz, you should first clean that surface with mild soap to remove bacteria.

• Use your groomer after taking a warm shower. This makes it easier to remove hair without scraping or irritating your skin.

• Consider using scissors first. If you’re trimming body hair that’s longer than one inch, you’ll probably find it easier to first shorten it a bit with scissors. If you don’t want to bother with that extra step, start your groomer on the highest length. Then, slowly shorten the blades until you reach your desired level of fuzz.

• Treat the skin beneath your hair carefully. Don’t tug on your skin while you work, but do hold the skin somewhat taut in areas where it’s naturally is loose.

• Shave in the same direction as your hair growth. This helps cut down on ingrown hairs and razor burn.

• Use shaving oil or a clear shave gel if your skin is dry or delicate.

• Keep the grooming head clean. You’ll want to rinse it periodically so hair doesn’t clog the blades.

• Apply a gentle toner or moisturizer when you’re finished. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, use a toner formulated to prevent this problem.

Shortening or removing body hair not only improves your appearance, it also makes you smell better. Longer hair gives bacteria more space to hide, leading to body odor.

FAQ

Q. Do I need to change the blades in my body groomer?

A. Probably not. Most quality electric body groomers have self-sharpening blades, so you won’t need to change them the way you would with a manual razor.

Q.  How much do body groomers cost?

A. You can buy a basic groomer for under $20, but if you’d like a nice assortment of heads and length guards, good battery life, a case, and reasonable motor power, expect to spend between $25 and $35 for your body groomer.

Q. Is it safe to use a body groomer in the shower?

A. Some body groomers are waterproof and intended for use in the shower. Most are not, however, so unless you know yours is waterproof, stay safe and use the device after finishing your shower.

Q. Do I need to use shaving cream with my groomer?

A. No, you do not have to use shaving cream, gel, or oil with your electric groomer. But if your skin is delicate, dry, or you are working in a very sensitive area, you’ll probably be more comfortable and achieve a better trim if you first apply a thin layer of shaving oil or clear shave gel.