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The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
Does your back resemble a forest of fur? Do you have unsightly hairs across your stomach and chest? Have you been hitting the gym hard and want a better way to show off your hard-won flat stomach and visible abs? Historically, men would reach for a razor and shaving cream, but that was always a bit of a nightmare, resulting in nicks, cuts and razor burn in some places and missed patches of hair in others. Thankfully, men's grooming has come a long way over the years, and we now have a better alternative: hair removal cream.
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There's actually a long history of men trying to find better alternatives to sharpened metal to remove body hair. One of the initial hair removal cream formulas back in the 1500s involved a concoction of quicklime and arsenic, but today’s hair removal creams are much safer, not to mention more effective. While methods like waxing can be a pain — literally! — using a hair removal cream is pretty fuss-free and actually lasts a long time. Once you apply the cream to your skin, the chemicals dissolve your hair right below the surface, turning it into a sludge you can wipe right off your body. Afterward, your skin stays hair-free for up to four weeks, depending on the product.
Before you get started, keep these tips in mind.
- Do a Patch Test: Since you’re dealing with chemicals, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test to see if you’ll have a bad reaction to the formula. Some people might be especially sensitive to the ingredients used in the creams, so try it out on a small section of your body — like part of your arm or leg — before using it all over. I
- Pay Special Attention to the Directions: Some creams are specifically made for your chest and back, while others are safe to use on more sensitive areas.
- Get Your Timer Ready: Don’t leave the hair removal cream on your skin any longer than you’re supposed to, as it could result in a chemical burn or skin irritation. The first time you use a product, you might even want to leave it on for a little less than you’re supposed to, just to play it safe. Eventually, you’ll find the timing that works for your skin.
Now that you know the ins and outs of hair removal creams, it’s time to figure out which product is best for your needs. One plus about buying these products in 2024 is that the companies have worked hard over the years to ensure they not only smell much better than the ones you remember seeing years ago, but also make them much easier to apply. And because of the addition of moisturizers and other buffers into the ingredient list, they’re not nearly as harsh as they used to be, making it easy for you to remove your hair worry-free.
When you’re ready to give hair removal cream a try, start with these products. They’re cost-effective, highly rated, and favorites of men everywhere.
Nair Hair Removal Cream
Men who have extremely course and thick hair will love this product. Best for the back, chest, arms, and legs, it couldn’t be easier to use: Just apply to dry skin without rubbing in, wait a minute, then get into the shower. You can go about your typical routine — avoiding the areas you applied the product to — then rinse it all off once the time is up.
$10.61 at Amazon.com
Nad's for Men Hair Removal Cream
This popular cream says it’s not suitable for use on the genital areas, but that just so happens to be why it’s a favorite of men around the world: in just a few minutes, all the hair can simply be wiped away. Like Nair’s product, it’s also great on any other thick and coarse hair too, but with added ingredients like shea butter and sweet almond oil, you’ll get a silky smooth finish no matter where it ends up.
$5.98 at Amazon.com
Veet Professional Hair 2-Minute Remover Cream
This product was initially made for women, but so many men began using it that they updated the packaging and advertising to make it more gender-neutral. Why? Simple: it works great in the pubic region. Since it’s made for sensitive skin, it’s safe to use on a woman’s bikini line — which made men want to try it out in their nether regions as well. And the result? Thanks to a formula enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, it will keep the genital area hair-free for weeks.
$11.97 at Amazon.com
Magic Razorless Cream Shave, Extra Strength
It’s hard to find a hair removal cream suitable for the face, but that’s exactly what this one is aimed at. Magic Razorless Cream Shave — designed for African American men, but useable on any skin tone — is a great alternative to shaving. Men love it for its ability to get the look of a close shave without annoying razor bumps on the face and neck. Plus, the result lasts for up to 4 days.
$7.49 at Amazon.com
Veet Men Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
While the aforementioned Veet for Women product is known for getting rid of hair down under, this is another solid option for other parts of the body — particularly the chest, back, arms, and legs. Just don’t use it anywhere else — especially the groin or nipples — because it doesn’t do well on sensitive skin. If you do use it in sensitive areas, you’ll most likely end up with a burn, redness, and other irritation.
$9.49 at Amazon.com
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