Keep your bush, wax your back & never use Nair: Gays share their best manscaping tips

The evolution of manscaping among gay men serves as a cultural chronicle. Through the 1970s and early 80s, body hair and mustaches ruled, with “Castro Clones” sporting their stashes and all-natural looks.

But as the AIDS crisis claimed the lives of gay men and gym culture became mainstream, gay people began to present more cleanly. Smooth bodybuilders hulking in their speedos were viewed as new beauty ideals, without a single strand of body hair in sight. As the new millennium began, the “metrosexual” emerged, with even straight guys coiffing their bangs and cleaning up their nether regions.

To represent a contrast, bears and their subtypes–cubs and otters–began to embrace a rugged and unkempt look. Amid the 2010s bearded homo revolution, the differences were stark, just like thick patches of chest hair!

How about we take this to the next level?

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Now in 2025, the lines between archetypes are more fluid. Just as greater education and PrEP brought back the jockstrap, hairier bods are no longer niche.

But for some, there’s still no better feeling than a smooooth bottom (literally and figuratively, we suppose).

Given the divergence of opinions–and return of Speedo Season–we asked Queerty readers to share their best manscaping tips. Let’s grab a razor and get buzzin’.

What is your best manscaping advice?

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“Don’t. Just don’t.” — Steven in Seattle

“My best advice is… don’t!” — Bradley in British Columbia

We start with two men who hold extreme views on the far end of the hairy spectrum: don’t shave at all! It’s apparent that Steven and Bradley prefer guys to look their most natural. It’s not lost on us that both respondents also live in cooler, outdoorsy climates. Seattle is the home of grunge, after all!

“Just wax. Don’t be afraid of the male Brazilian. Once your waxed and smooth, the feeling is glorious.” — Edward in North Carolina

On the contrary, we have Edward, who prefers his men be silky smooth. But if one is gonna go all the way, it’s crucial to wax properly and use lots of lotion. Speaking of which…

“Start young, never Nair, and always aftercare.” — Montgomery in Canada

We love a rhyme! As Montgomery mentions, Nair can damage the skin, leaving behind scars and chemical burns. Read up, go slow and don’t be afraid to seek help. Just as importantly, don’t forget to moisturize! Freshly smooth features can easily become irritated and very, very red.

“Shave it all off in the summer, but trim or let it grow in the winter. Nair and veet works really well if you don’t prefer to shave every other day, but follow the instructions!” — Ronaldo in Staten Island

Ronaldo, meanwhile, advocates for versatility. A “summer cut” doesn’t only refer to one’s hairstyle! With skimpy swimwear and 5-inch inseams in regular rotation this time of year, it makes sense to let the body breathe. Conversely, in the winter, it’s sensible to cover up. They call it hibernating for a reason!

“Keep your chest, crotch and armpit hair in check, but enough to twirl with your fingers. Shave your balls, it makes them way more sensitive. Back and shoulder hair are a no no. Wax or laser.” — Andrew in San Diego

When it comes to manscaping, Andrew, with all of his specifics, reminds us that one approach doesn’t fit all body parts. Chest hair may signify debonair masculinity, whereas unruly back hair, well… doesn’t.

“Never shave against the grain ANYWHERE!!” — Todd in Dallas, Texas

Todd mentions a general best practice we should all follow. Always shave in the direction of hair growth, regardless of where. Otherwise, razor burn is inevitable.

“STOP overly manscaping! Razor bumps, 1 centimeter growth, and ingrown hairs are not sexy.” — Matthew in Nashville

Along similar lines, sometimes less is more…

“Keep your junk hair trimmed. Basic hygiene. Nobody wants hair in their teeth!” — Jason is South Africa

Anyone need some floss? (We kid, we kid.)

“Razor and shave cream; plus, after drying off, moisturize the areas you shaved. BTW this procedure can also be thought of as an incentive to continue exercise for health and fitness: the smoother the skin, the more visible the results of your weight-lifting routines!” — Roger in Palm Spring

We appreciate Roger’s specifics. It can get very hot in Palm Springs, making smoother skin a possible climate necessity. As far as the relationship between manscaping and visible muscle mass, there is truth to the notion that body hair obscures definition. Just ask the bodybuilders at your local gym… but not only between sets.

“When shaving the sack, use the freshest blade with the least amount of pressure, and in as many directions as possible. And ffs slow down.” — Rob in SoCal

“Keep the pleasure trail.” — Roger in Central Cali

“Don’t. It’s not 2005 anymore. Manscaping is over.” — Garrett in D.C.

“I make sure it’s not unruly, but I keep a full bush all around.” — John in Palm Springs

“Please, don’t ever shave it all.  If you have to trim it, trim it, but body hair is extremely sexy.” — Jay in New York

Body hair is in this summer, which seems ironic, considering the media has warned of an incoming “speedo summer” as well. But that rigid thinking fails to consider the zeitgeist. The super tight, super manicured look is giving a**hole, darling. Embrace your inner-Bushwick, and let that bush hang out.

“The Bible – 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: ‘Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long crotch hair, it is a disgrace to him.’” — John in Chicago

Sorry John, but we don’t think Jesus was so judgy! Also, considering he was alive between 6 BC and 33 AD, we’re pretty sure manscaping wasn’t top of mind. But hey, if that’s your religion, we’re in full support. Gotta keep the faith.

Related

What is your best manscaping advice?
With the media warning of an incoming “speedo summer,” we may be privy to plenty of glorious glutes and thicc thighs over the coming months. Hopefully there isn’t too much, or too little, hair covering them up! When it comes to manscaping, gays and theys are like Goldilocks: the look has to be just right. […]

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