Answer: SINGES

Singes (noun): Singes typically refers to the act of burning or scorching something, often hair or fabric, by a brief exposure to flame or heat. It is often done in a controlled manner to remove small amounts of hair or to crisp the outer layer of something, like the skin of a chicken.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Takes a little hair off, perhaps. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.