No one’s ever poured a stiff drink and said, “This’ll put hair on your back!”
Chest hair was the “in thing” to show off, back in the 70s – not so much these days, but a little chest hair is generally accepted.
Back hair on the other hand is undesirable, being neither attractive nor a symbol (rather, it’s just an unfortunate side effect) of masculinity and the genetic link to our common ancestor – the chimpanzee – to which we share 98% of our DNA.
It also grows where it’s especially hard to reach and shave off.
Unless you’re a long-limbed contortionist, attempting to shave your back with a regular razor or body hair trimmer is a recipe for disaster. Stick with us here – we’ll be looking at the best back shaver to keep yourself looking smooth, from any angle – and with great ease.
Why Not Wax or Epilate Your Back Hair?
There’s no question – waxing and epilating (mechanically plucking) is effective at removing back hair – or any hair.
However, these methods can be painful, messy – and, much like trying to shave one’s back with a short-handled razor, require above-average flexibility and coordination.
A purpose-built electric back shaver or trimmer is quick, economical, easy to use, and can be operated with one hand. Unless you’re accustomed to being told “It’s a jungle back there”, other back hair removal methods are more trouble than they’re worth.
Back Hair Shaver Features to Look For
Read Our Best Back Hair Shaver Review
Not all back shavers are created equal. For best results, ensure a back shaver includes the following features:
An adequately long handle. Next to a conventional razor or electric razor, a long-handled back shaver may look awkward – but put it to use, and you’ll appreciate the design. A handle of sufficient length allows you to reach every part of your back, without straining.
Close-cutting performance. Back hair doesn’t grow in neat rows – it misbehaves, sticking out, lying flat against the skin, and growing in different directions. A good electric back shaver can contend with troublesome hair growth patterns and body contours, making short work of a hairy back.
Easy on skin. The back contains a profusion of sweat glands and is acne-prone. Getting razor burn on such a sensitive area can exacerbate dermatological conditions, and is downright uncomfortable, especially if you perspire heavily, or wear a backpack. Look for a back shaver designed with skin comfort in mind.
Waterproofness. For performance and convenience, nothing beats shaving in the shower – heat opens pores, and water rinses stubble away. Just be certain your back shaver of choice is one hundred per cent waterproof before bringing it into the tub!
Adjustable or removable combs. Comb guards allow you to fine-tune your results, taking hair down to skin level, or leaving a few millimetres.
Versatility. Unwanted hair isn’t confined to the back; it sprouts from neck to toe, and even grows where the sun doesn’t shine! To get the most bang for your buck – the most punch for your pound – look for a back shaver that does double-duty as a full-body groomer.
So, Who Makes the Best Back Trimmer?
There are many brands and products from which to choose, but after extensive research and careful consideration, we’ve settled on the Philips Series 5000 Body Groomer with back shaver. It ticks all the right boxes and is affordable to boot. Let’s take a closer look.
Philips Series 5000 Body Groomer With Back Shaver Handle
Extra-Long, Hinged Handle For Hard-to-Reach Places
Philips electric shavers are known for their excellent ergonomics. The Series 5000 Body Groomer continues that trend, with a nearly double-length hinged handle, whose soft, rubberized side panels and buttons ensure a secure grip – even when wet. The handle features a curved, tapered shape that provides excellent control, and folds in half for easy storage.
Built for Comfort and Performance
With bi-directional trimmers that cut long hairs and an optimized, hypoallergenic foil that captures and cuts close and flat-lying body hair, the Series 5000 Body Groomer leaves skin smooth and stubble-free. Philips’ Skin Comfort System uses rounded tips that glide over skin, preventing irritation.
Completely Waterproof—Use Dry or in the Shower
The Series 5000 Body Groomer can be used dry – perfect if you’re pressed for time. But should you be so inclined, this fully waterproof Philips Body Groomer can be used in the shower, where water and heat soften hair and rinse it straight down the drain.
Whole-Body Grooming Keeps You Smooth and Sleek
Philips’ Series 5000 Body Groomer can be used anywhere on the body. Shaving your back? Simply pop on the clip-on back attachment. Grooming the rest of your body? No problem – use a 3, 5, or 7 millimetre comb guard, or leave the foil bare, for a super-close, long-lasting shave.
Long Runtime Lets You Finish What You Started
A high-power rechargeable NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery provides up to 50 minutes of cordless grooming on a full charge – enough to cover every nook and cranny. And an integrated battery indicator provides real-time battery status, helping you keep your body groomer charged and ready to go. Your face is a small surface area, your back and chest is much larger, therefore it takes more to trim the hair off – and that means a long-lasting battery is needed.
Philips Has Your Back
For a very reasonable price – the Philips Series 5000 Body Groomer is an affordable, high-quality option, whose features and versatility make it not only a great back shaver but an ideal all-in-one grooming tool.
Its average 4.1 out of 5-star rating reflects widespread user satisfaction, with most praising the Series 5000’s comfort and performance. If you’ve been on the fence about trying an electric back shaver, consider the Philips Series 5000 – chances are, you’ll turn your back (ha) on regular razors and trimmers for good.
Mangroomer Ultimate Pro Shaver for Back Hair
Another back trimmer you might have heard of is the mangroomer ultimate pro – it’s designed specially for trimming back hair, and nothing else.
It’s labelled as the “ultimate bro shaver” – do-it-yourself back shaving tool – with a long extendable handle that locks into place, allowing you to reach the upper and lower areas of your back, extra-wide trimming head (1.5 inches), and two shaving head – it’s a great machine.
However, with our research and analysis of some of the best men’s back shaver reviews, it’s noisy and doesn’t beat the Philips series 5000 groomer in terms of performance.