As for self shaving: While the Gillette doesn’t let me reach every square inch of my back like I can with the electric and expandable options, it’s a terrific solution for battling wooly collar creep: shoulder-level shaves and upper-back cleanups. Be sure to stock up on some extra cartridges, too.
Best Ergonomic Back Shaver: Mangroomer Intellimax Pro Back Shaver
Why we love it: Long before I employed my partner for my back hair maintenance, Mangroomer was a lifesaver. It’s the best electric manscaping option for any combination of shaving and trimming your backside; its two interchangeable heads allow for whichever task you need to tackle. And above all, this foldable and adjustable trimmer gives you full control over your shaving domain—that is, your backside and its many blindspots.
My preference is to use it as a dry shaver, since it won’t cut quite as riskily close as an actual manual razor. I’ve never had any issues with nicking or razor burn with the Intellimax Pro’s main trimming head, and honestly, I just leave its trimming head attached. It cuts to a 0.5mm stubble—so short it’s not even stubble—which feels as good as a shave for me (especially considering that it eliminates the threat of razor burn and ingrowns).
Best Ergonomic Back Trimmer: Panasonic Body Groomer ER-GK80-S
Why we love it: Panasonic’s all-star manscaper won gold in our best body groomers list for a few years running, for two key reasons. First, Panasonic always delivers serious power and performance. Second—and specific to back hair trimming—its vertical trimming head makes snipping hairs—even from behind your back and over your shoulder—ridiculously easy, skating over hairy skin without any friction or agony. (It does require the slightest flexibility to hit the centermost part of your back, but it’s a trick you’ll master after the first few uses.) This design also makes it great for snipping hairs in odd crevices, like at the top of your haunch, and in the armpits.
For back hair mitigation, I prefer to use the bare blade, no guards; I assume the same of you, since leaving short hairs feels against the point. And although I sometimes get a slight red streak due to the proximity of the trim, it never stings and it always disappears within a couple hours.
Best Shoulder Shaver: Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver XR7000
Why we love it: Lots of guys don’t need a back hair shaver, but do require the aid of a good shoulder hair mitigation plan. For that, use the same device that tops our list of the best bald head shavers: This rotary-faced shaver from Remington hugs every curve of your shoulders, and can intake the coarsest or curliest of hairs without requiring a dozen passes. Plus, if you’re bald, you can just do everything together in the shower, in one single stretch.
More Back Shavers We Love
What to Consider When Buying a Back Shaver
Choosing the right back shaver for you boils down to that classic debate: Manual razor or electric shaver? You have terrific options for both—including a range of options within each bucket.
Manual (razor) back shavers: Like the best facial razors, back razors shave your hairs slightly below the surface of skin, meaning you get a baby-smooth finish that should last all weekend. You also get all of a blade’s potential downsides: razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. The risk is worth the dolphin-esque reward if you have particularly thick hair that grows fast. You can choose from broad-based razors (like that of the BakBlade), or standard cartridge razors (like Gillete’s). I’m typically not one to endorse using a safety razor on your own back, given the blind spots and degree of difficulty navigating your shoulders while risking charlie horses—all while you handle a sharp blade at awkward angles. Remember to stay on top of your razor hygiene and swap the blades out after 2-3 weeks of use or after 6-8 shaves (whichever comes first). If you choose a manual razor for your back, be sure to shave it the day or night ahead of any sun exposure so it gets a moment to heal before getting cooked at the beach.
Electric back shavers: Like the best electric shavers for your face, battery-powered back shavers will cut slightly above the surface of the skin. That means that you might feel the stubble after the first day (though visually, you should look hairless for a few days to a week). If you need an emergency beach day shave, an electric shaver will be faster and prevent double damage to your skin. In my own opinion, it’s worth having an electric back shaver on back-up duty even if you prefer a razor. Most electric back shavers resemble body trimmers because of the ergonomics involved; since so many of these trimmers cut your hair to a smooth finish, I oftentimes consider body trimmers and body shavers as one in the same—and when you open your box, you may find attachments in your body shave to help you with hard-to-reach places. Actual shavers for your back will often have trimming teeth buffering both sides of its foil shaving panel (as used in the Philips Norelco option above). This design allows you to mow through any stray hairs ahead of the shearing blades, and to save time without having to first trim the hairs down with a separate device. Rotary shavers work just fine if you can manage the contortions. (Rotary options are great for the shoulders, in particular, so if that’s the only place you want to shave body hair, don’t bother getting a dedicated back hair trimmer, instead sticking with a rotary shaver.)
Back Shaving Advice from a Dermatologist
Properly shaving your back doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few things you’re going to want to brush up on before you head to Amazon to stock up on the best clipper and do-it-yourself. Look for an adjustable handle that allows you to reach areas of your back that you might not otherwise be able to (note: some electric razors and beard trimmers have these included when you buy them, so if you have one of those tools you may already be set). Make sure your blade is sharp and that you have replacement blades at hand. And then go easy.