Chest Hair Removal and Grooming for Men

Trimming

You don't have to remove ​all of your hair. But cutting off some length can make a world of difference. It can make your chest overall look less hairy and show off more of your muscle definition.

• Pros: This will keep it from getting stuck in your clothes and will look more groomed. There's no chance of razor burn and less chance of ingrown hairs.
• Cons: Unfortunately, you have to continue to do this every couple of days to once a week, depending on how attached you are to a certain length to keep up the look.

Men's body groomers like Philips Norelco Bodygroom (read review) and Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 are made especially for this purpose.

Shaving

For those who want it smooth, go bare. If you have the pecks to flaunt, why not?

• Pros: Quick and easy.
• Cons: Well, the stubble can be bothersome and you will have to shave religiously to keep it smooth and bare. There's a risk of getting razor burn and ingrown hairs. It can also be itchy when growing back in.

Hair Removal Cream

If you don't want it pulled out and you swore off shaving, a hair removal cream breaks down the hair so you can wipe it off.

• Pros: Fairly quick, easy and no razor needed.
• Cons: Be careful. The depilatories in hair removal creams are very strong and can give you a chemical burn or irritation, especially if you're prone to an allergic reaction or have sensitive skin.

They make products, especially for the guys, but standard hair removal creams should work fine.

Waxing

It's not as bad as Steve Carell made it seem in The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

• Pros: After waxing, you can be hair, and worry-free, for three to four weeks.
• Cons: There is always the possibility of burns, bruising, and ingrown hair.

Sugaring

Sugaring is an all-natural paste or gel removes the hair from the root, also lasting three to four weeks.

• Pros: This is one of the oldest hair removal methods and tends to be great for sensitive skin. It's also known to hurt less than waxing because the paste used is removed in the same direction in which hair grows.
• Cons: Depending on where you live, you might have some trouble finding someone that does a real sugaring technique. Like waxing, skin irritation and ingrown hair can also play a part in this method.

Laser Hair Removal

While you're not 100% guaranteed that you'll never see your hair again, only seek this option if you're fine with having a bare chest for good. You have the option of going to a professional or using an at-home device.

• Pros: This method is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. Plus, large areas can be treated at once.
• Cons: With many lasers, you need to have dark hair and lighter skin for safety reasons and to achieve the best results. Laser hair removal can be expensive as multiple sessions are usually needed. Risks include scarring, blisters, burns, pigmentation, ​and pain. The treatment may not leave your entire chest completely hairless, and patches of hair could be left.

Electrolysis

This has the best track record of any hair removal method, and it's usually reserved for those really serious about permanently having a smooth chest.

• Pros: This is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal (Laser is permanent hair reduction). Plus, you don't need a certain hair or skin color to get the best results.
• Cons: It takes multiple sessions, and can be quite painful. Plus, hair may only be reduced, which means you could have patches of hair left.

Lead image product provided by Philips.