Buying guide for Best back hair shavers for men
Whether it’s called manscaping or whole-body grooming, many men do not stop at facial hair when it comes to their daily or weekly shaving regimen. Other regions of the body become fair targets for a razor and shaving cream, including the chest, back, legs, and lower torso. While some areas are relatively easy to trim or shave with a standard razor, areas like the back can be very challenging to maintain, especially without assistance.
One popular solution is a back hair shaver, which can be manual or electric. These back shavers combine an extension wand with an extra-wide blade or trimmer head to reach everywhere on the user’s back without the need for assistance.
Key considerations
Why use a back hair shaver?
There are several common reasons why men choose to shave or trim their back hair. Some men prefer a clean-shaven appearance on their chests, shoulders, and backs. Others find that removing hair from the back and chest helps with muscular definition. Back hair can also attract and trap sweat, which in turn leads to unpleasant body odor and staining.
Manual vs. electric
As with facial hair maintenance, the choice between manual and electric back hair shavers often comes down to personal preference. Many manual back shavers include a wider blade that removes more hair per stroke than standard razors or electric trimmers. When used with moisturizing shaving balms, manual back shavers also provide a closer shave than many electric models.
However, electric back shavers can be used for wet or dry shaving, and there is a lower risk of nicking or cutting the skin. We recommend an ergonomic manual shaver with a wide blade for close shaving, but an electric model should work well for light maintenance or thicker hair removal.
Ergonomic design
The process of do-it-yourself back shaving is very challenging since few men possess the flexibility required to reach remote sections of the back easily. The hair removal must also be performed blind, with minimal visual cues provided by a mirror. It is important to find a model that is ergonomically designed for maximum control. Users may have to make several passes over the same area to get the desired level of hair removal, both with and against the grain of hair growth.
Maintenance
A back hair shaver consists primarily of an extension wand and a blade holder. The onboard blade on most manual models needs to be protected between uses and replaced when the quality of the shave begins to decrease. Electric shavers should either have rechargeable motors or provide easy access for battery replacement. Any telescoping or folding handles should lock into place securely. Some entry-level back shavers are disposable, but higher-end models should provide years of service.
Did you know?
Shaving back hair will not cause it to grow back coarser or darker.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
There are a number of differences between manual and electric back hair shavers, but shoppers should look for a few common features as well.
Extension handles
Some back hair shavers are noticeably shorter in length than others, but they should all be able to reach most areas of the back comfortably. The ability to extend reach is a positive feature. The extension wand may fold or unfold with a locking hinge or possibly telescope to reach lengths of up to two feet.
Standard and custom blade holders
Many back shavers include proprietary blades that are much wider than standard commercial razors. This feature is definitely a plus when it comes to efficiency. However, a good back hair shaver should also provide a method for attaching double-edge razor blades or standard multi-blade razors.
Shock absorption
One advantage electric shavers have over most manual versions is the ability to absorb shock during use. This means the blade will remain in contact with the skin regardless of body contour, leading to a more efficient shave.
Back hair shaver prices
Surprisingly, there is often little difference in price between electric and manual back hair shavers.
Inexpensive
At the entry-level price point, $5 to $15, most models are simple manual extension wands, capable of holding standard double-edge razor blades or disposable multi-blade razors. A few offer their own wide blades specifically for back shaving, but replacement blades can be expensive or challenging to find. There are some electric models available in this price range, mostly with battery-powered trimmer blades.
Mid-range
For $15 to $25, you’ll find back hair shavers with telescoping or foldable extension wands, which allow users to reach different areas of the back with ease. The manual models tend to feature wider blades, which means fewer strokes are required for total hair removal. The electric models are often rechargeable and offer different speeds for different thicknesses of back hair.
Expensive
Back hair shavers over $25 tend to be elite or advanced versions of mid-range models. The design of the extension wand is often more ergonomic, which allows for optimal control over the shaving process. The quality of the onboard razor blade will be noticeably higher as well, using Japanese stainless steel, for example. At the highest end of the price scale, you’ll find actual hair depilatory systems that remove body hairs at the root. This is not the same process as back hair shaving, however, and is usually not a do-it-yourself project.
Tips
Find an appropriate workspace. The best location would be a bathroom tub with a shower for rinsing. A non-skid surface is also a good idea.
Use at least one mirror, if not two. A full-length mirror with an adjustable angle should provide some assistance while lathering and shaving. Using a second handheld mirror is even better since it can be positioned to view the image in the full-length mirror.
Shave slowly and carefully. Back hair shaving takes time and patience. Take long, slow strokes, and rinse the blade frequently. Shaving at the wrong angle or too quickly can lead to serious skin injuries.
Use multi-blade razors. Some men may prefer single or twin blades for facial shaving, but using razors with four or five blades is recommended for improved safety and efficiency when back shaving.
Re-apply shaving balm or lotion to avoid skin irritation. The first pass may not remove all the unwanted hair, so re-apply any shaving products before making a second pass in any direction.
Use shaving products with exfoliating ingredients. Less expensive shaving creams may not contain exfoliants, so it pays to read the list of ingredients before using shaving balms or lotions for back shaving.
FAQ
Q. Why should I consider shaving my back hair? I can’t see it under my clothing.
A. Many men shave their back hair as part of an overall body hair grooming practice. A hair-free back helps show off muscle tone while shirtless. And some people find thick, coarse back hair unappealing, especially when other areas of the body are shaved or groomed.
Q. Isn’t shaving my back by myself dangerous? Shouldn’t I ask someone else to do it?
A. There is definitely a learning curve where DIY back shaving is concerned, but when performed slowly and carefully, it is no more dangerous than other hair removal techniques.
Q. Which is better: a manual or electric back shaver?
A. Both options have their pros and cons. A manual back shaver is generally less expensive, and you have a choice of preferred razors. Many electric back shavers use shock absorbers to provide a less painful experience, but they may not shave as closely as manual razors.
Q. What kind of shaving product should I use when shaving my back? Is regular foamy shaving cream acceptable?
A. While traditional shaving creams will help reduce irritation, they will also reduce visibility. Because back shaving requires several passes over the same area, many experts suggest using a clear shaving balm or lotion. Shaving products containing exfoliating ingredients can be especially helpful. It may be possible to perform light maintenance shaving on wet skin without shaving lotion, but avoid going completely dry.
