How to Get Rid of Bum Hair

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Remove hair on your butt and around your anus with these painless methods
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You don’t have to hit the salon or beauty parlor to remove butt hair—you can do it right from the comfort of your home. This saves you time, energy, and the embarrassment of having a stranger handle your personal areas. We talked to dermatologists Mohiba Tareen, MD, and Dr. Heather Richmond about how to trim, shave, and wax your behind, as well as other more permanent options you might consider.

Removing Butt Hair: Quick Tips

The easiest way to remove hair from your butt is by trimming or shaving it. Use electric clippers to trim the hair short first, then go in with a cartridge razor. Raise one leg and use your free hand to spread your buttocks while shaving with careful strokes along the hair’s grain.

Section 1 of 5:

Trimming or Shaving Butt Hair

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  1. Between us, we prefer to stop at just trimming. It tidies things up, and you can get things pretty smooth with a trimmer alone. Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs or an itchy bum. Regardless, even if you’re shaving, start with a trim to make things easier for the razor. [1]
    • Hitch your leg up onto the edge of the tub, or the toilet, and use one hand to spread your cheeks so that you can have easier access to the more intimate areas.
    • Use a small or rounded trimmer attachment so you can get all the hard to reach places without nicking your sensitive skin.
    • Also, a specialized body hair trimmer works much better than a beard trimmer. A beard trimmer will do, but it’s not as precise or delicate.
  2. Wash away all the longer hairs so they don’t get in the way later. While you’re there, use an exfoliating scrub to slough off dead skin, which will help you get a much closer and smoother shave. Tareen recommends a physical exfoliant , like an oatmeal or sugar scrub. [2] Rinse well, then spread those cheeks and dry off thoroughly with a towel before you get down to business.
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  3. Since the skin on your butt is quite sensitive, you don’t want to begin shaving on dry skin. Rub shaving cream or lotion onto the area that you want to shave, making sure you apply it in an even layer. Choose a shaving cream or lotion that won’t irritate your skin. [3]
    • Shaving cream helps prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs, and other bumps, so it’s definitely essential.
  4. A high-quality cartridge razor is a must. Once you have that in hand, shave in the same direction of hair growth to help prevent your skin from becoming irritated or getting razor burn, which is a common occurrence. When you’re shaving the hair off, be gentle and use light, fast movements. Use a damp towel to wipe off any extra shaving cream once you're finished. [4]
    • Again, hitch your leg up and use your free hand to spread your cheeks for easy access.
    • Place a handheld mirror on the floor directly beneath you so you can see what you’re doing.
    • Rinse the razor off after each swipe to make sure it’s most effective and not clogged by hair.
  5. After you’ve completed your shave, give your booty another rinse. Then, moisturize the area with body lotion to reduce irritation. Apply a thin layer of lotion to your butt, making sure to rub it in well. [5]
    • Keep in mind that shaving is temporary, and the hair will start to grow back after just 1-2 days. That’s part of why we prefer just a trim—less hassle, less razor burn.
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Section 2 of 5:

Waxing Your Butt Hair

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  1. Wax strips will work, but they’re hard to get into the nooks and crannies. [6] Hard wax is best for waxing your butt area—it pulls out fine hairs while not pulling off skin, making it great on sensitive areas. Hard wax kits cost roughly $20-$40 and can be found at beauty stores or online.
    EXPERT TIP

    Mohiba Tareen, MD

    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

    If you already have open sores, pimples, or infection, you should stay away from waxing until that has healed because your bacteria will spread.

  2. If you’re going to do the waxing yourself, make sure you remove any dead skin and clean the area thoroughly. If your butt isn’t clean before waxing, you could risk your pores getting dirt or bacteria in them once they’re opened. Tareen recommends a physical exfoliant , like a sugar scrub or oatmeal. [7] These are more delicate than chemical exfoliators.
  3. Use electric trimmers with a safety guard to trim the hairs to 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). This makes the waxing process go much more smoothly. If your butt hairs are much longer than that, the wax might not be as effective, and shaving beforehand won’t allow the wax to cling to your hairs. [8]
    • Also, trimming beforehand makes waxing much less painful.
    • Reduce potential pain even more by taking over-the-counter pain meds or pressing a cold pack onto your skin 30 minutes before you wax.
  4. Tareen assures us that as long as your temperature is right, waxing is totally safe. [9] Make sure your wax isn’t too cold or too hot—wax that’s cold won’t be able to pull out the hairs, and if the wax is too hot, you could end up with burns or damaged skin. Follow the specific instructions that come with your wax kit, which will be different depending on the specific type of wax. As a rule of thumb, wax should be warm when applied to the inside of your wrist, but not burning. [10]
  5. Again, be sure to follow the directions on the wax’s packaging. Usually, though, you’ll use gloves or an applicator to spread the wax in an even coat on your skin, following the direction of hair growth. [11] This helps the wax to stick to the hairs.
    • Place your leg up on the lip of the tub, or on a toilet, and set a hand mirror on the floor below you so you can reach all the crannies and see what you’re doing.
    • Start in an area with thicker skin, like a butt cheek, and work in patches. That way, you’ll be able to gauge the pain levels and see if you’re down to wax more sensitive areas.
  6. If you’re using strips, press the strip to the wax and hold it for 2-3 seconds. For hard wax, wait until the wax has hardened, which varies by brand, so check the instructions on the packaging. Then, grip the strip or wax firmly in between your fingers, and pull it away quickly and firmly in the opposite direction that you applied it. [12]
    • It helps to stretch your skin tight with your free hand. If you have a partner who you’re totally comfortable with, it’s best to have them help you pull.
  7. After you’ve removed all of the wax, use baby oil or olive oil to clean off your butt and remove any residue. [13] Then, hop into a lukewarm shower ( not hot) and rinse off. Afterward, apply a mild body lotion to the area to reduce irritation and prevent burning or ingrown hairs.
    • For the next couple days, wear loose clothing and keep applying oil-free or non-comedogenic body lotion to make sure there’s airflow down there.
    • Also, use cold presses to manage any pain or discomfort in the hours afterward.
  8. Since the hairs around your butt area are difficult to reach by yourself, it’s best to get them waxed off by a professional. Waxing specialists can recommend several different waxing methods, such as sugaring or hard wax for sensitive skin or wax strips for pulling up all of those fine hairs. [14]
    • Sugaring and hard wax won’t be able to remove those tiny hairs as efficiently as wax strips, but they’ll be less painful than wax strips.
    • A wax specifically for your butt typically costs between $10 and $30.
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Section 3 of 5:

Other Temporary Solutions

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  1. Epilators are small electric devices that pull out many different hairs at once as you rub it over your skin. It’s essentially a bunch of mini tweezers removing your hairs, but they’re doing it mechanically. [15] Epilators can be found at bath and beauty stores and big-box stores, as well as online. They typically cost between $20 and $100 and are often rechargeable.
    • Since epilators pluck out many of your hairs at once, it’s not going to feel super pleasant, but also should not cause severe pain.
  2. Depilatory creams are applied to the skin and then get rid of hairs by breaking them down at the surface. They won’t last as long as a wax, but they’re less painful and easy to do at home. You can find a depilatory cream at most drug stores or big-box stores, and they cost $4-$20. [16]
    • Depilatory creams shouldn’t cause pain when you use them. If you apply one to your butt and feel a burning sensation, it could be that your skin is too sensitive for the cream and it should be rinsed off with cold water. Choose a cream according to your skin type.
    • Do not buy these from untrustworthy websites online, as they may not be genuine, or may be harmful.
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Section 4 of 5:

Permanent Hair Removal Solutions

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  1. If you’re looking for a more permanent end to your butt hair problems, Richmond says you have the option of laser hair removal. However, this option is pricey — an average session costs roughly $235 — and it usually takes at least 3 sessions for it to work efficiently. Also, it may not be effective on light-colored hairs, since the lasers need a dark target to work, says Richmond. [17]
    • Lasers have a tricky time removing hair from the butt area, which is why more sessions are needed, and it’s said to be a little bit painful.
    • Go online to find a laser hair removal center near you. Schedule a consultation so that you're able to get all the information you need up-front.
  2. Electrolysis is a specialized procedure that uses electricity to destroy hair follicle roots, ensuring they don’t grow back. It’s usually less painful than laser removal, and takes at least 2 sessions to complete. Sessions can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the concentration of hair, and usually cost about $30-$100 dollars. [18]
    • There are very few risks associated with electrolysis, but not every doctor or beautician will perform the procedure on especially sensitive areas.
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Section 5 of 5:

Risks of Butt Hair Removal

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  1. Butt hair is totally natural, and your body doesn’t always appreciate you trying to remove it. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks involved. Avoid shaving or waxing butt hair if you currently have any open cuts or wounds, as you may risk infection. Other risks include: [19]
    • Cuts
    • Rashes
    • Itching
    • Ingrown hairs
    • Folliculitis, or raised bumps from infected follicles.
    • Chemical burns (more common in waxing)

Expert Q&A

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    Where can I get genuine skincare products?
    Heather Richmond, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.
    Heather Richmond, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    It is not advisable to buy skincare products from unknown sites on the internet because the products may not be genuine. Buy from standard trustworthy companies.
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    Heather Richmond, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.
    Heather Richmond, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    If the price of a product is drastically low compared to its retail price, it may not be worth buying.
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    I have left my hair to grow quite a lot, as I didn't know how to get rid of it. What should I do now?
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    Carefully trim it first with scissors to less than half an inch. You may need a mirror to see what you're doing and so you don't get too close and cut yourself. Then shave. Baby oil after will help soothe the skin of any irritation.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://greatist.com/live/how-to-shave-down-there#how-to-shave-a-vagina
      2. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave
      4. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/style/butt-hair-everything-you-want-know-were-afraid-ask/
      5. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/style/butt-hair-everything-you-want-know-were-afraid-ask/
      6. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/style/butt-hair-everything-you-want-know-were-afraid-ask/
      7. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      9. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      4. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/style/butt-hair-everything-you-want-know-were-afraid-ask/
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      6. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2016/08/epilation-personal-essay-ouch
      7. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a10343/depilatory-creams/
      8. ↑ Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8306-electrolysis
      10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove your butt hair, first purchase a hard wax kit from a beauty store, which usually costs 20 to 40 dollars. Before you start waxing, wash your butt thoroughly so you don't get an infection. Additionally, trim your hair to about 0.2 inches in length with a trimmer, which will make it easier for you to wax. You should also carefully follow the instructions so you don’t use wax that’s too hot or cold, which could either burn your skin or fail to remove your hair. When you apply the wax, do so in the direction that your hair grows. Once you’re ready to pull off the wax strips, pull in the opposite direction of your hair growth for best results. After you’ve finished waxing, use baby oil to remove any residue and apply a moisturizer to soothe your skin. If you don’t feel confident enough to wax your butt at home, remember you can pay for it to be done professionally for between 10 dollars and 30 dollars. For tips on how to shave the hair off your butt, read on!

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