Is It OK to Shave Chest Hair? How to Shave Chest Hair the Right Way

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 17, 2021 References

Whether you want to show off your muscles, look toned and tanned at the beach, or simply maintain a polished appearance, you might be thinking about shaving your chest hair. There’s a lot of conflicting info out there about shaving your chest, and some of it can leave you with more questions than answers. That’s why we’ve compiled all the information you’ll need to make the decision about shaving your chest, as well as some handy tips on how to do it.

Question 1

Question 1 of 8:
Is it bad to shave your chest hair?

1
If you want to do it, then no! Your chest hair is your own choice, and whether you want to keep it or not is up to you. Plus, shaving isn’t permanent, so you can always let your hair grow back out if you decide you don’t like the shaved look. Feel free to experiment, and have some fun with your grooming habits.
- Keep in mind that you don’t have to shave your chest hair down to the skin. If you just want to manage it, try using an electric razor to give it a trim.

Question 2

Question 2 of 8:
Does shaving chest hair make it grow back thicker?

1
No, that’s a common myth about shaving. When you shave for the first time, your hair grows back with a blunt tip. This can make it look and feel a little stubbly as it grows back, but it doesn’t change how much hair you have or how thick it grows. You can shave your chest hair as often as you want, and it will still grow back how it normally does!^{[1]
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Mayo Clinic
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Question 3

Question 3 of 8:
What are the side effects of shaving your chest hair?

1
You could get a few ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs look like small, itchy red bumps that can be painful. They’re caused by your hairs curling around and growing back into your skin, usually right after you shave. Fortunately, treating ingrown hairs isn’t hard, and most of the time they go away on their own in less than a week.^{[2]
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National Health Service (UK)
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- If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, shaving might not be the best option for you. Talk to your doctor about other methods of hair removal, like cream or lasers.
2
You might get some skin irritation. Frequent shaving can cause your skin to get itchy and feel a little dry. Thankfully, some simple aftercare can help prevent this: be sure to moisturize well with a lotion after you shave, and use sunscreen if you take your shirt off outside.^{[3]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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Question 4

Question 4 of 8:
Will my partner like chest hair?

1
Some people do, and some people don’t. You probably have preferences about the people you’re attracted to, just like others do. If you’re ever concerned, check in with your partner (if you have one) to get their opinion on your body hair. Just remember that ultimately, it’s your body, so it’s up to you!^{[4]
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Question 5

Question 5 of 8:
How do I shave my chest?

1
Wet your skin and apply some shaving cream. Use warm water to soften your skin and open up your pores to help avoid ingrown hairs. Then, grab a big glob of shaving cream and rub it onto your chest hairs, making sure it foams up.^{[5]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- If you have long, thick chest hair, you may want to trim your hair with an electric razor before you start shaving. That way, you’ll get a smoother shave without as much work.
- It’s a good idea to shave during or right after a shower, simply because you’ll have been standing in warm water for a few minutes beforehand.
2
Shave in the direction that your hair grows. Grab your razor and start going in short, gentle strokes. Normally, chest hair grows downward toward your feet, so start by bringing your razor in a downward motion. Rinse your razor off after each stroke to avoid clogging it with hair, and keep going until all your chest hair is gone.^{[6]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- You’ll want to use a razor made specifically for body hair (you can find these at most drug stores). Usually, they have multiple blades on them for a smoother, closer shave.
- Use extra caution around your nipples, and try to avoid shaving those directly. You can go around them, but not right on top of them.
3
Rinse the area with cool water to reduce inflammation. Once you’re done shaving, turn the water temperature down until it’s a little colder than room temp. Rinse your chest completely, making sure you rinse off all the shaving cream. Then, gently pat your skin dry with a towel once you’re done.^{[7]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- Follow up by using a moisturizer on your chest while your skin is still damp. This will help prevent dryness and irritation, especially if it’s your first time shaving this area.

Question 6

Question 6 of 8:
How often should I shave my chest?

1
You might want to shave every 3 days or so. Unfortunately, shaving usually only gets rid of the hair for a few days, especially if your hair grows fast. If you like the shaved-chest look and you want to maintain it, be prepared to bust the razor out every 3 days or so.^{[8]
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Question 7

Question 7 of 8:
How else can I get rid of my chest hair?

1
You could wax it. Waxing is a popular option for chest hair because it lasts a little longer than shaving (usually around 3 to 6 weeks). You can either make an appointment with an esthetician to see a professional, or you can buy wax or wax strips and use them at home to do a little DIY. To wax at home, warm up the wax by following the instructions and then apply the wax to your chest hair. Smooth the paper or cloth over the wax, then let it dry for about 1 minute. Pull the paper or cloth quickly in an upward motion to remove the wax and the hair at the same time.^{[9]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Waxing yourself at home can be difficult to do for your first time. If you’re nervous about it, consider making an appointment with a professional.
2
You could try hair removal cream. These products dissolve hair at the root, making it grow back much slower. When you buy a hair removal cream, read the instructions carefully, and stop using it if your skin feels itchy or irritated. To use the product, simply apply it to your chest hair, wait the amount of time specified on the bottle, and then rinse it off.^{[10]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- The one complaint that a lot of people have about these products is that they smell pretty terrible. However, you only have to deal with it for a few minutes, so you can try it out if you’d like to.
3
You might try trimming it. If you don’t want the completely smooth look but you’d still like to groom your chest, grab an electric razor and put a #1 guard on it. Stand in front of the mirror and go over your chest hair in short strokes, shaking off the razor to clear it out. Once you’re finished, you’ll have short hair on your chest that’s a little more manageable than what you started with.^{[11]
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- Just like shaving with a razor, you’ll want to shave in the direction that your hair grows to avoid any irritation.

Question 8

Question 8 of 8:
Is it possible to remove chest hair permanently?

1
Laser hair removal can give you semi-permanent results. If you get tired of shaving every few days but you really don’t want to have chest hair, talk to a dermatologist about laser hair removal. This quick, easy process uses lasers to zap the hair follicles and kill them, making it tough for the hair to grow back. Laser hair removal can get rid of the hair for years, and it usually only takes 5 or so sessions to get rid of all the hair in one area. Keep in mind, though, that laser hair removal usually isn’t covered by insurance, so you’ll probably have to pay out of pocket for each session.^{[12]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- The average cost of laser hair removal is around $390.^{[13]
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