UrbanUpdate

There’s no shame in having a hairy back. In fact, more power to you if you rock a sweater’s worth of fuzz without a care in the world; we could all learn something from ya. And you know who else can learn something? The guy who DIYs a hasty solution to get rid of his back hair and ends up with redness, ingrown hairs, or a shoddy half-shorn finish. For this guy, we’re here to first and foremost recommend the best back shaver, trimmer, or manual razor, which makes back hair removal a one-man task. (Later on, we’ve got some best practices on how to put your newly acquired electric back hair shaver to use.)

Let’s get to it.

The Best Back Shavers, At a GlanceBest Overall Back Shaver: Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 5000, $35Best Manual Razor Back Shaver: BakBlade 2.0 Back Shaver, $65Best Body Hair Razor: Gillette Intimate Razor, $19Best Ergonomic Back Shaver: Mangroomer Intellimax Pro Back Shaver, $100Best Manscaping Trimmer + Shaver: Braun All-in-One Series 9 Grooming Device, $110Best Ergonomic Back Trimmer: Panasonic Body Groomer ER-GK80-S, $110Best Shoulder Shaver: Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver XR7000, $58Best Hair Removal Cream for Men: Nair Men Hair Remover Body Cream, $10

Jump To: What to Consider When Buying a Back Shaver | How to Shave Your Back | How We Tested

Best Overall Back Shaver: Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 5000





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Philips Norelco

Bodygroom Series 5000$45 $40

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsExcels at cutting hair all over the bodyYields a super-clean shaveFull charge in one hourConsShort battery life

Key features: Dual-function trimming and foil shaving head; three body-trimming guards (3, 5, and 7mm); detachable and extendable rubber grip; waterproof | Battery: Rechargeable; 1-hour charge; 1-hour runtime

Why we love it: Name one category of body grooming devices that Philips Norelco doesn’t absolutely dominate. This brand has your back—and literally, in this case. Their 5000 series body groomer brings dual-action efficiency to the thickest thatches, with each hair getting chopped down by the trimming teeth, then mowed over by the foil head shaver. It is a great manscaper for your front and back half, but for the back specifically, I love its clip-in extendable handle that bends to whichever degree you need.

I do like this one as a body hair trimmer too—it’s adept for that, but prefer it as an actual shaver, especially on the backside. (I don’t know many guys who “trim” their back hairs to anything but a barely-there 0.1mm.) So just go bare-guarded with this and shear it all off.

If you do want a dual body hair trimmer/shaver from the brand, I suggest upgrading to the dual-ended Bodygroom 7000. But when it comes to straightforward back hair handling—especially for the solo shaver who doesn’t have a helping hand from his +1 or roommate—the less expensive and equally adept 5000 series is unbeatable.

Best Manual Razor Back Shaver: BakBlade 2.0 Back Shaver

BaKblade

2.0 Back Shaver$65 $45

Amazon

Key features: Wide blades designed for wet or dry shaving; rubber-grip foldable handle; detachable exfoliating brush

Why we love it: This one looks all kinds of funny—maybe it could catch a pop fly before it clears the outfield fence, or maybe it’s an ancient torture device. When put to the test of shaving the back, though, this one truly is a home run.

Its nearly two-foot-long handle allows you to hold it high up over your shoulder and down to the lower back. Its wide razors cover enough real estate to do the entire task in a few simple minutes, too. My first time out, I wondered if it would really hit every spot, with no irritation or redness. And yet every time I have used the BakBlade, I get the same smooth results, no matter how long I’ve let my hair grow out. The one trick I have is an odd raised mole on the one side of my back (I have had it looked at, yes); I’m anxious to just glide this one over top that mole, so I do have to deploy some extra strategy in that section of the back—typically, just taking it slow with this same BakBlade is more than enough to get the results I want and need.

I’ve become a BaKblade evangelist—my texts are riddled with friends bragging about no longer having to ask their partner or roommate for help. The BaKblade does go through razors fast, since it uses three (sigh, proprietary) blades at once, and only includes three when you purchase. I suggest bundling in an extra dozen blade replacements, which should get you six months or so of smoothness.

Best Body Hair Razor: Gillette Intimate Razor



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Gillete

Intimate Razor$22 $20

Amazon

Key features: 5 blades; flexible head navigates contours; double lubrication strips to reduce skin irritation

Why we love it: If you’re committed to shaving your back with the same cartridge-style razor as your cheeks (dealer’s choice on which “cheeks” I mean), then I’d happily endorse this manscaping sensation from Gillette. It’s built for your fragile, awkwardly shaped junk, which is why I trust it to navigate the blindspots on my back. (I like to apply the same thinking to my skincare and shaving: When in doubt, buy the product that’s built for the sensitive stuff.) I often ask my partner to shave my back for me, too, especially ahead of a long beach-sprawling week, and that’s when I want to deploy something that allows for this kind of precision and sensitivity, packaged into one.

As for self shaving: While the Gillette doesn’t let me reach every square inch of my back like I can with the electric and expandable options, it’s a terrific solution for battling wooly collar creep: shoulder-level shaves and upper-back cleanups. Be sure to stock up on some extra cartridges, too.

Best Ergonomic Back Shaver: Mangroomer Intellimax Pro Back Shaver



ChevronChevronIntellimax Pro Back Shaver$100

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsIncludes interchangeable headsFolds and lets you get into hard-to-reach placesConsDoesn't give you a clean shave, but is short enough where it feels satisfying

Key features: Two swappable shock-absorbing heads (trimmer and foil shaver); extra-wide shaving head and extendable neck; 135-degree trimming angle for perfect clip; power-burst button for added oomph; foldable handle; waterproof | Battery: 80-minute runtime on 2.5-hour charge

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Why we love it: Long before I employed my partner for my back hair maintenance, Mangroomer was a lifesaver. It’s the best electric manscaping option for any combination of shaving and trimming your backside; its two interchangeable heads allow for whichever task you need to tackle. And above all, this foldable and adjustable trimmer gives you full control over your shaving domain—that is, your backside and its many blindspots.

My preference is to use it as a dry shaver, since it won’t cut quite as riskily close as an actual manual razor. I’ve never had any issues with nicking or razor burn with the Intellimax Pro’s main trimming head, and honestly, I just leave its trimming head attached. It cuts to a 0.5mm stubble—so short it’s not even stubble—which feels as good as a shave for me (especially considering that it eliminates the threat of razor burn and ingrowns).

Best Manscaping Trimmer + Shaver: Braun All-in-One Series 9 Grooming Device





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Braun

All-in-One Series 9 Grooming Device$130 $93

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsHas 20 trimming lengthsIncludes a multitude of accessoriesHas a three-hour battery lifeConsLong charge time

Key features: Easy attachment-free dial with 20 trimmer settings; 13 accessories including a mini foil shaver, body trimmer, T-blade and adjustable beard comb | Battery: 3 hours run on 2.5-hour charge

Why we love it: One of the best beard trimmers in the game is also one of the best head-to-toe manscaping tools. Braun’s Series 9 has 13 functions in total, and with 20 trimming length settings on its dial (in 0.5-mm increments); add to that its various attachment guards, and you can tailor your manscaping to your personal preferences. While it’s not an ergonomic tool in terms of trimming one’s own back, it’s a brilliant choice for anyone who has a helping hand—and who wants to trim his chest hairs to a specific length without overdoing things. (My main gripe with body groomers is how short they think we all want to wear our body hair. I thank the fine folks at Braun for granting us plenty of customization here.)

Best Ergonomic Back Trimmer: Panasonic Body Groomer ER-GK80-S





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Panasonic

Body Groomer ER-GK80-S$110 $85

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsVertical trimming makes it easy to get your backWaterproof, so you can use it in the showerConsShort battery life

Key features: Angled vertical trimming head, swappable guard lengths: 3mm, 6mm, and a sensitive-skin “helmet” guard | Battery: Rechargeable; 50-minute runtime; 1-hour charge

Why we love it: Panasonic’s all-star manscaper won gold in our best body groomers list for a few years running, for two key reasons. First, Panasonic always delivers serious power and performance. Second—and specific to back hair trimming—its vertical trimming head makes snipping hairs—even from behind your back and over your shoulder—ridiculously easy, skating over hairy skin without any friction or agony. (It does require the slightest flexibility to hit the centermost part of your back, but it’s a trick you’ll master after the first few uses.) This design also makes it great for snipping hairs in odd crevices, like at the top of your haunch, and in the armpits.

For back hair mitigation, I prefer to use the bare blade, no guards; I assume the same of you, since leaving short hairs feels against the point. And although I sometimes get a slight red streak due to the proximity of the trim, it never stings and it always disappears within a couple hours.

Best Shoulder Shaver: Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver XR7000

Remington

Balder Pro Head Shaver XR7000$60 $48

Amazon

$60

Walmart

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsEnsures a clean, smooth shavePerfect for getting into rounded areasCatches shaved hairs to prevent messesConsReviewers claim it breaks down after a year or twoNot good for using on long hair

Key features: 5 rotary panels; slip-proof grip; waterproof | Battery: 50 minute runtime on 4-hour charge

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Why we love it: Lots of guys don’t need a back hair shaver, but do require the aid of a good shoulder hair mitigation plan. For that, use the same device that tops our list of the best bald head shavers: This rotary-faced shaver from Remington hugs every curve of your shoulders, and can intake the coarsest or curliest of hairs without requiring a dozen passes. Plus, if you’re bald, you can just do everything together in the shower, in one single stretch.

Best Hair Removal Cream for Men: Nair Men Hair Remover Body Cream

Nair Men

Hair Remover Body Cream$13

Amazon

$16

CVS

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsYields consistent, good resultsAlmost as good as waxingConsSome people might have an allergic reaction to it

Smoothness longevity: 3-6 days

Why we love it: This is one of only a few depilatory creams I trust, and has been perfect whenever I’ve needed it for quick-turnaround results compared to waxing. It really only buys you a few extra days compared to shaving, but aside from allergic reactions (which are inevitable for some guys), this one comes with far fewer risks than shaving. Just be sure you do a patch test with it, and follow its instructions to a T. (Set that timer and rinse promptly.) The generous volume here also allows you to deploy it to other body parts (everything below the neck, essentially), and has yielded consistent, quick results with each attempt I’ve made. And if you like “the little things”, you may also appreciate its refreshingly crisp scent. I always fixate on that while I stand there with the cream soaking in; not much else to do or appreciate in those precious minutes.

What to Consider When Buying a Back Shaver

Choosing the right back shaver for you boils down to that classic debate: Manual razor or electric shaver? You have terrific options for both—including a range of options within each bucket.

Manual (razor) back shavers

Like the best facial razors, back razors shave your hairs slightly below the surface of skin, meaning you get a baby-smooth finish that should last all weekend. You also get all of a blade’s potential downsides: razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. The risk is worth the dolphin-esque reward if you have particularly thick hair that grows fast.

You can choose from broad-based razors (like that of the BakBlade), or standard cartridge razors (like Gillete’s). I’m typically not one to endorse using a safety razor on your own back, given the blind spots and degree of difficulty navigating your shoulders while risking charlie horses—all while you handle a sharp blade at awkward angles.

Remember to stay on top of your razor hygiene and swap the blades out after 2-3 weeks of use or after 6-8 shaves (whichever comes first). If you choose a manual razor for your back, be sure to shave it the day or night ahead of any sun exposure so it gets a moment to heal before getting cooked at the beach.

Electric back shavers

Like the best electric shavers for your face, battery-powered back shavers will cut slightly above the surface of the skin. That means that you might feel the stubble after the first day (though visually, you should look hairless for a few days to a week). If you need an emergency beach day shave, an electric shaver will be faster and prevent double damage to your skin. In my own opinion, it’s worth having an electric back shaver on back-up duty even if you prefer a razor.

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Most electric back shavers resemble body trimmers because of the ergonomics involved; since so many of these trimmers cut your hair to a smooth finish, I oftentimes consider body trimmers and body shavers as one in the same—and when you open your box, you may find attachments in your body shave to help you with hard-to-reach places.

Actual shavers for your back will often have trimming teeth buffering both sides of its foil shaving panel (as used in the Philips Norelco option above). This design allows you to mow through any stray hairs ahead of the shearing blades, and to save time without having to first trim the hairs down with a separate device. Rotary shavers work just fine if you can manage the contortions. (Rotary options are great for the shoulders, in particular, so if that’s the only place you want to shave body hair, don’t bother getting a dedicated back hair trimmer, instead sticking with a rotary shaver.)

Back Shaving Advice from a Dermatologist

Properly shaving your back doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few things you’re going to want to brush up on before you head to Amazon to stock up on the best clipper and do-it-yourself. Look for an adjustable handle that allows you to reach areas of your back that you might not otherwise be able to (note: some electric razors and beard trimmers have these included when you buy them, so if you have one of those tools you may already be set). Make sure your blade is sharp and that you have replacement blades at hand. And then go easy.

“Developing razor burn is very common when shaving the body, especially when shaving areas you can’t see,” adds Dr. Ryan Turner, board-certified NYC dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin, of how to stay pain free when shaving. “Besides using a dull blade, [the act of] dry shaving or shaving too quickly are leading causes of razor burn, and if you can’t see how much shaving cream you’ve applied or fully reach the area, you’re more likely to get razor burn. That lack of visibility can also cause nicks. I’ve seen backs look like the person got in a fight with a cat!”

1. Practice good razor hygiene

Less is more when it comes to repeat uses with any back hair razors—specifically with manual razor blades. “We’re addressing a lot of surface area, which is going to dull the razor blade faster, so you don’t want to start with a blade that’s already begun to dull,” says Turner. “It’s optimal to use a fresh razor blade each time you shave your back. The sharper a razor blade is, the smoother the shave. A dull blade will snag on the hair or the skin, increasing your likelihood of causing nicks, cuts, razor burn, or ingrown hairs.”

2. Build out your regimen

It’s a good idea to turn this whole process into a proper shave regimen, says Turner, similar to the best face shaving routine. So, if you aren’t just doing a quick once-over with an electric trimmer, then you should add in a few more steps in order to prevent razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs.

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“Take a shower, then cleanse and exfoliate,” says Turner. “This gets off dirt, debris, and softens the hairs in preparation for shaving.” If you can manage the application (or have a friend to help, he says to use a shave gel to help improve razor glide across the skin. (Score one for using a close-cutting back hair trimmer instead of a bare razor, if you are handling this task on your own.)

Then: “Use your fresh razor with gentle, light strokes, rinsing off the razor every few strokes to prevent clogging of the razor so that a smoother shave happens,” Turner advises. “Rinse away hair bits and the shaving products with warm water, pat the skin dry or air dry, and then apply moisturizer.”

3. Test your sensitivities

Not all of us have the same sensitivities or reactions to things like shaving, so it’s good to experiment with different trimming and shaving techniques as you decide what works best for you—and never attempt something for the first time if you need a clean backside days later. If you don’t know how your back handles an actual shave (versus a simple trimming), then pre-beach is not the time to try, says Turner.

4. Buffer your buffing by a day

Similar to the tip above, you should just never do a shave (or wax) right before you expect to show it off—even if you know your skin tends to handle it well. “Your skin is exposed to a lot of elements at the beach, like sun, sand, wind, and ocean or lake water,” says Turner. “And thus a lot of potential irritants [factor into play]. Shaving can exfoliate a significant amount of the topmost layer of skin, which can negatively affect the skin barrier, your first line of defense against external irritants.” So, giving skin a night or two to recover will help build back this barrier post-shave. “It also helps to properly moisturizing the skin post-shave,” says Turner. “Removing that first layer of skin also makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen!”

5. Trim before you shave

If your hair is grown out more than a couple weeks’ worth, then you shouldn’t just go in with a manual razor and expect a smooth shave, Turner says. Ditto if you have really coarse body hairs. You have to trim first, then go in with the actual razor. But again, I suggest simply defaulting to a trimmer in the first place, since they can trim your hairs so close to the skin that it looks and feels smooth. Sure, that smoothness lasts a day or three, but it’s easy to go in with the trimmer again (and takes a couple minutes, tops), as soon as you need to show it off again.

How We Tested Back Shavers (And Chose the Best)

I wish I could tell you that I got professional IPL (laser hair removal), or that I never grew back hair in the first place. Alas, I am as fuzzy as the day is long, and I have needed back hair shavers ever since college. That’s a cool two decades of experience, over half of them spent as a professional grooming expert and product tester so—I have tested pretty much every significant product on this planet, and stay atop the trends with the latest new products to market, too. This list reflects all my favorites across a variety of executions, all resulting in smooth, problem-free skin.

More Great Grooming Recommendations from GQ

The Best Beard Trimmers of 2024

The 10 Best Moisturizers for Every Type of Skin

The Best Men's Deodorant for Every Kind of Stink and Sweat

The Absolute Best Face Washes for Men

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Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQBathroom and ShowerBody Hair