Today’s busy man probably doesn’t have time to make a weekly trip to the barber shop. For this reason, beard trimmers are the perfect solution to the need for regular beard shaving, since unfortunately it doesn’t groom itself. If you wear a goatee or moustache, a beard shaver will do a perfect job every time, and in a lot less time than it would take you to do it by hand.

What features should you look for in a men’s beard trimmer? These can be summed up in three words: convenience, cleanliness, and value.

First, convenience. The best beard clipper should be easy to use in all possible ways. It should be comfortable to grip, since you’ll be doing some close work with it. It should have sharp blades that make a clean cut. It should be compact and fit easily in a drawer in your bathroom. In other words, it should be so easy to use that it becomes as much a part of your grooming regimen as brushing your teeth.

A cordless beard trimmer is really the standard in convenience nowadays, so there’s no need to put up with messy cords as a trade-off for saving a few dollars. A low-priced battery powered beard trimmer can be found in online stores for as little as $15. These basic models don’t require a lot of juice, so they’re usually powered by two AA batteries, which are very easy to replace. If you’re inclined to go green, you can even buy four rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and always keep two in a battery charger ready to swap out when the other two run down.

Which brings us to the next required feature in beard shavers: cleanliness. A basic AA-battery powered clipper will do the job nicely, but it will also leave a mess all over your bathroom. Technology has recently come to the rescue of men with facial hair in the form of the vacuum beard trimmer. These devices contain a tiny but powerful vacuum motor that sucks up nearly all of the trimmings as you work and deposits them in a chamber that you can empty later. How well does a vac beard trimmer work? A survey of online stores shows a lot of happy bearded customers using these units. Although the suction doesn’t pick up 100 percent of the trimmings, the consensus seems to be that 95 percent is a pretty good average, and a whole lot better than cleaning them up afterward. Prices online for a turbo vac trimmer start at around $40, which is very reasonable considering all the time you’ll save.

If you opt for a vacuum model, then a pair of AA batteries aren’t going to cut it, so to speak. That’s because the vacuum motor is a power hog, particularly the turbo vacuum models,. For this reason, you’re looking at a rechargeable beard trimmer if you go the vacuum route. This really is the ultimate when it comes to convenience. The beard trimmer battery is built in and sits in the beard trimmer charger when you aren’t using it. When you’re ready to clip, simply take it out of the charging dock and use it. Users report that these models will run for up to 30 minutes without recharging, which is a probably a lot longer than you’ll be spending in the bathroom grooming your face.

Although you can buy a waterproof beard trimmer if you prefer to do your trimming in the shower, most of these models are made for close shaving of the body and face, rather than shaping and grooming facial hair. That’s because all hair looks longer when it’s wet, and trimming in the shower won’t give you an accurate sense of what your face will look like when it dries. Therefore, a wet dry beard trimmer is better used for back hair or other patches of unwanted hair that you want to take right down to clean-shaven skin.

The final piece of the puzzle is value. Although these units aren’t expensive, some models will give you more features than others for approximately the same price. So let’s take a look at some specific models.

The Philips Norelco beard trimmer comes in several models. Norelco trimmers feature rechargeable batteries and self-sharpening steel blades. The Philips Norelco T780 has a built-in vacuum unit for picking up all the trimmings, while the Philips Norelco T980 has one too, but with a turbo feature that provides even more suction, for about $15 more than the T780. The Philips T980 is probably the most popular trimmer model available on the market and has a lot of happy customers.

If you want a professional beard trimmer, look for the Andis trimmer, which comes in several different models. These units cost a bit more, but they’re built to last. Andis makes a beard trimmer set with multipurpose attachments for haircuts that’s a popular item with online shopping customers. The Wahl beard trimmer has even more models available than the Andis, including the popular Wahl 9906-717 Chrome Pro. This unit is actually two Wahl beard trimmers: a larger corded unit for cutting the hair on your head, and a hand-held battery operated unit for facial hair. This set has gorgeous chrome trim and streamlined design that looks sharp sitting on the bathroom countertop as well as feeling great in your hand. However, it doesn’t include a built-in vacuum like the Norelco trimmer.

Wahl’s budget model has proven itself popular with economy-minded males. The Wahl 9906-717 Groomsman is a good basic model that retails for $15 and runs on a pair of AA batteries. The Panasonic trimmer is also a basic model that usually retails online for under $15.

Finally, the Remington beard trimmer series comes with titanium coated blades that are “lube for life” and never need oiling. These models start at $30 for the Remington MB-200 and go on up to $50 for the Remington MB-300, which has the additional feature of a pop-up detail trimmer.

Follow these beard trimmer instructions to get the most from the model you choose:

• Wash and dry with a good bodycare product
• Don’t trim while the hair is damp or wet
• Stand close to a good vanity mirror and keep a hand mirror close by for detail work
• Work under strong lighting so you can see what you’re doing
• Keep a sharp pair of hand scissors close by for touching up
• Experiment with the length settings on your trimmer and opt for the longest setting until you know exactly how each one works
• Start in an inconspicuous spot
• Use medium length, sweeping strokes for the bulk of the hair
• Achieve balance when shaping by starting from the ears and working your way down to the chin
• Do the details last

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have facial hair that’s the envy of all the guys who get theirs done professionally.

Removing back hair seems to be a necessity for many males. American society can’t seem to accept that body hair is natural and even healthy. We idolize men with other masculine qualities like big upper body muscles, a deep voice, and the like, but we just can’t seem to deal with mens back hair.

Most types of prejudice are no longer allowed in polite company, but hairy back jokes are told every day by people who consider themselves politically correct in all other ways. Just saying the word “caveman” is a sure way to get a laugh at a party.

The ridiculous thing about all this is that it wasn’t that many years ago that body hair was crucial for survival. Men with smooth, hairless skin were at an evolutionary disadvantage compared to their hairier counterparts.

Of course, the bottom line is attractiveness to women. For totally illogical reasons, most women seem to prefer guys with smooth, hair-free skin. Rightly or wrongly, most girls have a low gross-out threshold. A man can cover his back at the office, at the ballgame, and even at the beach if he has to. But in the bedroom the clothes have to come off.

When all’s said and done, removing back hair with laser treatment is the only satisfying choice for men who suffer from this genetic advantage-turned-disadvantage. It costs money, and it’s not painless, but you’ll like the results.

Not only do you lose your hair in the front, but also in the perianal area, from the labia all the way back to the buttocks. You’ll be completely clean and smooth, front to rear, and free to wear even the most revealing of beachwear and lingerie—or nothing at all. Many women report that Brazilian waxing enhances sexual sensation. And more men are asking for Brazilian wax treatment.

It’s recommended to find a reputable salon and have your Brazilian done professionally, especially if it’s your first. Prices vary, but are in the range of $40 to $100 per treatment, depending on geographic location and the reputation of the salon. It will take about 15- to 30 minutes.

If you’re apprehensive and don’t know what to expect from a Brazilian wax, here’s a play-by-play.

You’ll be shown to a private room and asked to remove all your clothing from the waist down. The aesthetician will spread talcum powder over the entire area to be waxed and then start work.

First she’ll snip the hair down to one-quarter inch in length. She’ll spread heated wax over small areas at a time, press a cloth strip in place, and then rip it off quickly and smoothly, taking the hair with it. Immediately afterward, she’ll apply a soothing gel to take the sting away.

It’s going to take a while to get everything, and you’ll be asked to get into some odd positions so she can reach the hard to find areas with the wax. Occasionally she might ask you to stretch your skin away from the wax while she pulls.

If you’re embarrassed by the idea of another person looking at your most intimate areas, don’t be. Aestheticians do this every day and take a clinical view of their work.

Does it hurt? It can sting a bit, but a good professional will work in a way that causes the least pain. If you’re concerned about it hurting, take a couple of ibuprofen before treatment. Don’t take aspirin, as it’s a blood thinner and can cause bleeding in the treated area.

The average length time for a Brazilian wax to last is three weeks, although if your hair grows slowly, you might be able to wait longer.

Women who report good results with epilation tend to be those who have used waxing in the past but got tired of the expense. They aren’t as messy, and an epilator device can be used at home. And unlike shaving, an epilator leaves the skin free of hair for a maximum of three weeks.

The first epilator in history was the Epilady, which went on the market in 1986. This primitive design used a spring that was bent into a half-circle. An electric motor rotated the entire apparatus which made one side of the spring squeeze while the other side released. As the spring tightened, it caught hair and pulled it out. More than one woman has referred to this early epilator as a “torture instrument.”

The Lady Remington Smooth and Silky pioneered the rotating disc style of epilator, which with modifications is still in use today. A modern epilator has a rotating head that brings the tips of a series of metal plates together and then apart. This tweezing action takes place in a continuous cycle, with the hair being gripped, pulled, and discarded as the plates open at the bottom of the rotation cycle. The design is so effective the Epilady discarded the original spring design and now uses rotating plates in its epilators.

Even the best epilator can be painful to use, especially on the first try. Although not a medically proven fact, epilator users claim that hair regrowth comes in thinner after each epilation. Other techniques for dealing with the pain include taking an over-the-counter analgesic like aspirin or ibuprofen before epilating, or a couple of alcoholic drinks. Exfoliation after treatment is a must to avoid ingrown hairs.

There are several brands of epilator on market besides the Epilady. The Braun Silk-epil is the highest priced unit with the most features. It comes with a built-in light and includes shaving and massage attachments. Braun claims the effects of hair removal with its machine last for up to a month.

The Philips Norelco Satinelle Ice features ceramic disks. It comes with a liquid-filled cartridge that you can remove and put in the freezer until you’re ready to epilate. The cooling pack is supposed to chill your skin as you work so the process is less painful. The Satinelle Ice has two speed settings, one for coarse hair and one for sensitive areas.

The Philips Satinelle HP also has two speeds, but lacks the chill pack in the Ice model. At about half the price of the Silk-Epil, many users report that the HP gives great value in an epilator for the money.

Whish Lemongrass Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel

A nice gel skin treatment for men. Comes in great natural scents like pomegranate, lemongrass and almond. Works mainly as a moisturizer, but contains a hair growth inhibitor. The texture is non-greasy and it dries fast. Would make a great massage gel. All-natural, organic product, no animal testing.

This is a specialty product, so you won’t find it in discount stores. About $26.00.

GiGi Mimosa Film Hard Wax

A new hard wax technology that contains vinyl copolymers. Goes on thin and elastic like a honey wax but doesn’t need cloth strips. Has a pleasant scent. The next generation in hard wax products.

Recommended for professional use only, so not available in discount stores. $19.95 for a 14 oz. container. Available online.

Veet Rasera Bladeless Kit

A new hair removal cream with a bladeless “razor” included. Takes about three minutes to work. Comes in pleasant smelling scents like dewberry, fresh sensation, aloe vera, and floral sensation.

As with all chemical hair removal products, do a patch test on a small area of skin first to make sure you can tolerate it.

Cost: about $7.99

Whish Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum

Say goodbye to ingrown hairs with this great-smelling, one of a kind product. Apply after shaving to prevent ingrown hair. For both men and women. Clean, silky texture, doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your skin. All-natural, organic product, no animal testing.

Average price: $22.50

Epicare Facial Hair Remover

Say goodbye to tweezers and get this easy-to-use tool for plucking stray hairs from the chin and other facial areas. Takes a little practice, but the speed and ease of use once you learn is well worth it.

Average Price:$16.99

Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar

For fans of sugaring hair removal, this natural product is sure to please. Contains only sugar, water, chamomile, and lemon juice, plus azulene oil for moisturizing after treatment. No added chemicals or wax. Gentler on the skin than waxing, and you can wash out the strips and reuse them.

You’ll need to heat the gel each time you use it, and a regular wax warmer won’t work; use a microwave. Comes with 5 ounces of the gel, azulene oil, spatulas for applying, and 20 strips.

Price: $8.60

Laser hair removal treatment consists of directing concentrated laser light at a patch of hair to impair the follicles that produce it. The pigment in the hair, which gives it its color, attracts the laser first. The laser interacts with the pigment right where it enters your skin and heats the pigment up. The heat travels down the hair shaft into the follicle and damages it so it can’t grow back, or grows back less thick than before.

Laser treatment depends on pigment to be effective, so hair with less pigment is much harder to treat. People with white, gray, or blonde hair aren’t good candidates for laser. Very light “peach fuzz” hair (called vellous hair) can’t be removed with laser. Until recently, dark-skinned patients weren’t candidates for laser removal because the heavier pigment in their skin heats up as quickly as the hair pigment does and causes burning. This has changed somewhat as laser technology improves but still remains a significant challenge.

Like laser, electrolysis eliminates unwanted hair by destroying the follicle. Unlike laser, electrolysis kills hair one follicle at a time. The electrologist uses a hand-held electric needle that she inserts into the follicle and zaps it with a mild electric current. The hair is then pulled out of the dead follicle with tweezers.

Unlike laser, electrolysis can be done on any patient, no matter what color their hair or skin. The problem with laser hair removal vs electrolysis is that electrolysis is so slow. Patients with heavy hair growth will spend a lot of time being treated with electrolysis because it removes hair one follicle at a time.

In comparing the results of laser and electrolysis, you’ll find that electrolysis is permanent—once the follicle has been treated, it will never come back. Laser is considered semi-permanent, not permanent, and the results vary widely depending on the individual’s characteristics. Some people achieve great results with only a few laser treatments. Others are able to maintain their results with a few maintenance follow-up treatments per year. In general, what hair that does grow back after laser treatment is thin, fine, and slow-growing. If you had to shave every day before your laser treatment, you may find you only have to shave every one or two months afterward. However, a few people simply don’t respond to laser and end up with the same growth they had before treatment.

Comparing laser hair removal versus electrolysis shows a very different treatment time for the two methods. Electrolysis is not the best choice if you want to remove hair from large areas of your body. Removing one hair at a time from areas like the legs, the back, and the bikini line can take hundreds of hours. Smaller areas where permanent removal is a must, such as facial hair, are better candidates for electrolysis removal.

Laser hair removal treatment can treat multiple follicles at once. Even though it may take four to six treatment sessions to get good results, laser removal was found in a medical study to be 60 times faster than electrolysis to produce the same or better results. Laser is most effective when treating certain areas such as the bikini line and underarms. The upper lip seems to be the most resistant to laser treatment and may be a better candidate for electrolysis. Generally speaking, thinner hair is easier to treat than thicker hair.

You’ll need more than one laser treatment because laser only kills hair in its active growth phase. Some hair is in a resting phase and isn’t growing. These don’t produce any pigment close to the follicle, so a laser pulse won’t affect them in the least. That’s why you need a cycle of laser treatments to get all of the hairs as they cycle through the growth and dormancy phases. This usually adds up to a treatment session every six to eight weeks.

The choice of electrolysis or laser is a clear one as far as pain goes. Neither process is pain-free, but laser is widely known to be less painful than electrolysis. At worst, laser will feel like a rubber band snapping on your skin. Most patients say it’s not as painful as waxing. Electrolysis, on the other hand, delivers a small electric shock that patients say is more painful than laser. Although it doesn’t stop hundreds of thousands of patients each year from seeking hair removal electrolysis, the slow progress of the treatment means that the pain isn’t over with as quickly than if you were treated with laser. The pain has been said to be comparable to getting a tattoo, which is probably correct since both processes use an electric needle. This is the reason that patients with large areas of hair to treat opt for laser, despite the higher cost.

Laser hair removal is expensive. Although a professional association study came up with the average cost of $429 for one treatment, this figure is almost meaningless considering the variations from one part of the country to another and the different costs depending on the area to be treated. Don’t be shocked if you end up paying twice that much for laser treatment of unwanted hair. Normally it takes four to eight treatments for laser to be effective, plus one to two maintenance treatments per year, which adds up to a hefty price tag.

The cost of electrolysis hair removal is approximately $60 for a session which typically lasts 30 minutes. You’ll need between 15 and 30 visits before you start to see results for the area you’ve selected to treat, which will be much smaller in size than an area targeted for laser treatment.

Do your homework before you choose laser hair removal versus electrolysis and make a good decision about what’s right for you. One way to make sure you’re getting the appropriate treatment is to go to a laser electrolysis treatment center where both procedures are performed and the clinic has no vested interest in selling you one over the other. If you have light-colored hair or vellous hair that you want to remove, you’ll have little choice but to use electrolysis. On the other hand, if you’re looking to remove unwanted hair from a large area, laser is probably the way to go. If you’re working with a small area and have light skin and dark hair, then you have a choice,

The decision between electrolysis and laser hair treatment is a personal one. Most doctors, however, will be upfront with you about which treatment is best for your personal situation. If you have light hair or peach fuzz, you will definitely need to use electrolysis to remove unwanted hair. In general, if you want to treat a large area, it is most practical to pursue laser hair removal treatment. If the area is small, it is a matter of the amount of time and money you want to invest.

Unfortunately, waxing can also be painful, especially if it’s done wrong. You can solve this problem by going to a professional a salon. Or you can do your own, starting with a small area and working your way to more difficult jobs like the bikini line as your skills improve.

Waxing can be done nearly anyplace where hair grows, but the most common target areas are the brows, hairline, legs, thighs, and bikini area. Recently, the Brazilian wax and Hollywood wax, which leave little or no hair in the pubic area, have become more popular. Men who have excessive hair on their backs often go for back waxing.

Waxing pulls the hair out from the roots, below the surface of the skin, which is why it lasts about three weeks before needing to be done again. If you’ve never had a wax treatment before, it is recommended that you see a professional at a salon. You’ll have less pain when you have it done by a pro, so you’ll be more likely to do it again, and you’ll get great results.

Here’s what to expect from a salon wax treatment. If the hair is longer than one-quarter inch, it will be snipped to that length with scissors. This is to make sure the wax completely covers the skin and root area of the hair. If you’re planning on getting a treatment don’t shave for four or five days beforehand. The aesthetician will need at least a quarter inch of hair to work with.

There are two kinds of waxing: hot and cold. With hot waxing, the wax is warmed in a container placed in warm water until it’s thin but not so hot as to burn the skin. The aesthetician will use a wooden spatula to spread the warm wax on a small area at a time, always in the direction that the hair grows. Some waxes, called “hard waxes,” are designed to be used without cloth strips. With soft waxes, also called strip waxes, a cloth strip will be pressed over it while it’s still warm. As it cools, it grips the hair so it can be pulled out.

With one hand, the aesthetician will grasp the hard wax or the cloth strip at the end of the direction the hair grows in. With her other hand, she’ll stretch your skin in the opposite direction of the way she intends to pull the strip. With a quick, smooth motion, she’ll tear the wax away in the opposite direction of the hair growth, taking all of the hair with it.

Cold wax technique is basically the same. A strip of cloth is pre-treated with wax or a sugar-wax combination. Cold wax doesn’t have the same grip as hot wax and is best used for thin, fine hair growth, or in areas that burn or irritate easily like the upper lip.

Does waxing hurt? Much depends on how good your aesthetician is. Good technique can keep the pain to a minimum. If you’re worried about pain, take a couple of ibuprofen before you go in for treatment. Aspirin isn’t recommended because it’s a blood thinner.
Does it hurt? Ibuprofen OK; aspirin will thin your blood so don’t. Wax shouldn’t burn your skin.

Some women worry that the treatment will be embarrassing, especially if it involves the bikini line. Unless you’re getting a full Brazilian or Hollywood, you’ll be given a pair of disposable panties to wear for the duration of the treatment. The other thing is, don’t be too concerned about your aesthetician seeing you mostly undressed. They do this every day, and it’s their job to be professional and make their clients feel as comfortable as possible so they’ll keep coming back.

If you have concerns, start with a small inexpensive area like the eyebrows. Once you see how great the results look, you’ll probably want another wax treatment.