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Unfortunately, the hairy days of the 1970s are long gone, today, many see their back hair as unappealing (or at least unfashionable). Luckily, it's never been easier to get rid of unsightly back hair for a smooth, elegant backside. Options range from the cheap, painless, and temporary to the pricy, painful, and permanent. Learn about your choices today to decide which is best for you.
Things You Should Know
- The easiest way to get rid of back hair is to have someone trim and shave your back for you.
- For a faster solution, use hair removal cream and take a shower to get the hair off of your back. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- You can purchase a DIY waxing kit or go to a waxing studio to have your back hair removed.
- There are handheld back shavers you can purchase to shave your back alone if you plan on doing this regularly.
Steps
This method is easy and painless — good for quick fixes. You'll need a friend or partner to ensure you can reach your whole back. If you're on your own, try one of the other methods in this article.
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Trim thick or long patches. If you have thick, dense back hair growth, this can clog the razor. Trim it down first to ensure the best results with shaving.
- There are several ways to do this. For example, you can have your assistant cut it with a pair of scissors and a comb or use a heavy-duty set of electric clippers.
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Exfoliate. Have your assistant scrub your back with warm water and a mild abrasive. You can use a shower brush, a mild body scrub, or a pumice stone — whatever you're comfortable with. This will exfoliate your skin, getting rid of dead skin cells before you shave.
- The main benefit of this is that it reduces the chance of ingrown hairs. [2] X Research source However, it's not strictly necessary, so you can skip this step if you're in a hurry.
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If you have an electric shaver, use this first. Electric clippers aren't as good as razors for getting a close, smooth shave, but they are good at getting through a lot of hair fast. If you have a set, have your assistant go over your entire back once, giving it a rough shave.
- You don't need to shave all the way down to the skin — just cut down on most of the "bulk." When you shave with a razor in a few steps, your work will go quicker and there will be less hair to clog the razor.
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Apply the shaving cream or gel. Have your assistant apply your preferred shaving lubricant all over your back in a single layer. Whatever you normally use for your face should be fine.
- Keep in mind that this will use a lot more lubricant than your typical face-shaving session. Make sure you have plenty before you start or you may need to make a trip to the store mid-shave.
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Shave. Tell your assistant to start shaving. You'll probably want to be near a sink for this so your assistant can rinse the razor. Have your assistant apply more gel or cream as needed until your entire back is shaved.
- To get a smooth shave without discomfort, shave your entire back once with the grain , then shave again against the grain . [3] X Research source Shaving against the grain first can cause minor pain and irritation.
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Optionally, shower. You don't need to, but this is a great way to rinse off stray hairs that can become uncomfortable when you put on your shirt. Plus, it feels great — especially if you haven't had a smooth back in a long time.
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Dry off. Pat the skin dry lightly with a clean towel. Be sure to use a patting motion, not a rubbing one. Rubbing can irritate the newly-exposed, delicate skin. [4] X Research source
- To keep the skin smooth and supple, you may want to apply unscented lotion all over the back. Avoid scented lotions — the chemicals in these can irritate post-shave skin (especially if your assistant accidentally gave you tiny cuts or nicks).
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Depilatory products (e.g., Nair, etc.) keep you hair-free a little longer than shaving, but can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. Cream must be applied roughly once a week. This method can be done with or without an assistant.
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Apply some of the product to your hands or a long-handled brush. Make sure you have a way of reaching your entire back. If you're using your hands, you may want to get the help of an assistant. [5] X Research source
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Evenly distribute the cream over your back. Make sure all of the hair is covered. Have an assistant help you if you're even a little worried about not being able to reach the middle of your back — you don't want to miss any spots. You don't need to vigorously rub the cream into your skin. Just apply it gently over all of your hair.
- Wash your hands after your have applied the cream. The cream can irritate your skin if it's allowed to dry (not to mention that it will remove any hair on the backs of your hands it is allowed to work on).
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Let the cream sit for as long as directed. The cream's packaging will tell you how long to let it sit. Usually, this will be somewhere in the neighborhood of about three to six minutes.
- After waiting, use a damp cloth or towel to wipe a small area of your back. If the hair does not come off easily, wait another couple of minutes.
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Remove the hair. When the hair comes off easily, use the damp cloth to gently wipe it off. Again, if you can't reach the center of your back, get an assistant to help.
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Rinse off with warm water in the shower. This is a quick, convenient way to rinse all of the cream (and the dissolved hair) off. You can rinse your back with water from a towel, but it's much easier to miss spots and allow the cream to sit for too long this way.
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This technique is notorious for being somewhat painful, but it tends to have long-lasting results (about four to six weeks). [6] X Research source It works best on hair that is at least 1/4 inch long . Find a friend or loved one to help you — you simply can’t wax your own back.
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Purchase a waxing kit from the store. You can find these at most department and cosmetic supply stores.
- There will probably be many different varieties of available. All other things being equal, hot waxing kits work tend to work best for the back because they can cover a larger area. [7] X Research source
- Note: Waxing will leave your back red and sensitive, so start this method at least 24 hours before you want to show it off.
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Wash your back with soap and water. This is usually easiest in the shower. This is an important step — the wax has a much easier time grabbing your hair if it is free of sweat and oil.
- After showering, be sure to dry your back thoroughly.
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Prepare the wax according to the product’s instructions. For most hot waxes, you'll need to heat the wax up (usually in the microwave). The temperature of the wax should be warm, but not painfully hot. Different products will have slightly different sets of instructions.
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Coat a small area of the back with the wax. Use the included waxing stick (or a clean spatula) to spread the wax in the direction of hair growth. Work in small patches of no more than a few inches around at once.
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Press a waxing strip into the wax. While the wax is still hot, firmly press the paper or fabric strips into the wax. Let the strip sit for a few moments to allow it to stick.
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Jerk the hair out quickly. Pull the strip in the against the direction of hair growth. This is the opposite of the direction you applied the wax. Use a quick, fluid motion. Don't go slowly — this will hurt.
- To reduce pain, do not pull straight up or up at an angle. Keep the strip close to the body as you pull in a direction parallel to the skin and pull as quickly as possible.
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Repeat the process of applying and removing the wax and strips. Continue until all of the hair on the back has been removed. This will take many applications. Don't be afraid to take breaks if the pain becomes too much. Future waxings tend to hurt less than the first.
- If the pain is ever unbearable, stop — burning or injuring yourself isn't worth worrying about uneven back hair.
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Wash with an antibacterial soap when you're done. After you finish your waxing, your back is likely to be a little red and irritated. In this state, it's more vulnerable to infections than normal. To reduce this risk, wash it with soap. An easy way to do this is to simply take a shower. [8] X Research source
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To get rid of back hair without an assistant or a professional, try a back shaver. These shavers (which come in standard razor or electric varieties) are built like back-scratchers with long extendable arms so that you can reach your entire back.
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Prep your back. Everything you need to do to shave with a back shaver is the same as if you were working with a normal razor and an assistant. In other words:
- Exfoliate with water and a gentle abrasive or brush to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Clean and dry your back if you are using an electric razor.
- Wet your back and apply shaving cream/gel if you are using a standard razor.
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Find an appropriate workplace. While a back shaver will allow you to reach your whole back, you'll still probably miss spots if you can't see what you're doing. Find a bathroom that has a large mirror. Grab a smaller mirror and face away from it.
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Use the smaller mirror to see your work. With one hand, hold the shaver. With the other hand, angle a smaller mirror in front of you. Adjust it so that you can see your back in mirror behind you with the reflection from the small mirror in your hand.
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Shave your upper back. Fully extend the arm of the back shaver. Lift your arm up over your head with your elbow bent and position the shaver in the center of your back. Use gentle, controlled motions to shave the hair on your back in rows from your mid-back up to your shoulders.
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Shave your lower back. Bend the shaver at an angle (if your shaver has this option). Angle your arm to reach your lower back hair from the side. You'll probably need to adjust the mirror so you can see what you're doing.
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Double-check to ensure you haven't missed any spots. Since it's hard to look at your entire back at once with the two-mirror setup, take a few minutes to look at each spot individually. If you see any leftover hair, shave it as normal.
- After you're done, take a quick shower to wash off stray hair. Pat dry with a towel and, if desired, apply a gentle unscented lotion to keep the skin soft and smooth.
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An epilator is a small device that rapidly plucks groups of hairs out — a little like an electric set of tweezers. This method has similar effects to waxing (leaving you hair-free for about four to six weeks). It tends to work best on longer hairs (an inch or more is best). You will probably need an assistant's help. [9] X Research source
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Wash your skin with warm water. Taking a quick bath or shower softens you back hairs and relaxes your skin. This can make it a lot easier to remove the hair, so while it's not essential, it's usually a wise idea.
- You don't need to wash with soap yet — this will come later.
- Note: As with waxing, it's best to do this method the day before you need to show off your back so any redness and irritation will have a chance to subside.
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Dry the skin with a clean towel if you wash. Most epilators work better on dry skin. [10] X Research source Some, however, are designed to be used in wet environments — check the packaging if you are unsure.
- Optionally, you can apply some talc or baby powder after drying off with a towel. This will further dry the hair in addition to getting it to stand up, making epilation easier. [11] X Research source ptionally, you can apply some talc or baby powder after drying off with a towel. This will further dry the hair in addition to getting it to stand up, making epilation easier.
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Epilate the back. Turn the epilator on. Get an assistant to drag it slowly across the patches of hair on your back. The teeth of the epilator will pull the hairs out (similar to how a waxing strip would). This is generally described as being painful, though there is some debate about whether waxing or epilating hurts more. As when waxing, don't hesitate to take breaks.
- If the pain is too intense, dragging the epilator across the skin more quickly can reduce the amount of time you have to endure the pain. However, you may need to go back over the same patch multiple times if you miss hairs.
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Wash your back with soap. When you're done, your back will likely be red and irritated. To help prevent infection, wash gently with soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel when done.
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These options give you the assurance that an expert is handling your back hair. They also generally last for a fair amount of time (some are even semi-permanent). However, they tend to be much more expensive than DIY methods. Pain levels vary from method to method.
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Get a professional waxing. A professional waxing will work more or less the same way as if you were doing it yourself or having a friend help you. The level of pain is likely to be roughly the same. Professionals may be able to work more quickly than amateur assistants and, depending the service you use, you may be in a more comfortable environment than you would be at home.
- Back waxing fees will vary by location. $40-$70 for just the back is typical — costs will be higher if extra areas are waxed. [12] X Research source
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Consider laser treatment. This option uses a precisely-controlled medical laser to burn individual hair roots. Multiple treatments are usually needed over time to get permanent results. Some limited hair regrowth can occur over time, though multiple sessions make this less likely. [13] X Research source
- This procedure tends to cost about $400-$500 per session.
- One advantage of laser treatments is that they allow the option of "thinning out" patches of hair, rather than removing all of it. [14] X Research source
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Consider electrolysis. This option uses a small electrical probe to individually shock each hair follicle. Electrolysis is truly permanent — once each cell is treated, it is very rare that hair will regrow. However, since each hair follicle must be treated individually, it can be very time-consuming.
- This procedure costs about $40 per treatment, but a large area like your back may require many treatments. [15] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do girls permanently remove back hair?Aparna Ghosh is a Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist and the Owner of Synergy Skincare in Folsom, California. She has been running Synergy Skincare since 2017 and has over eight years of industry experience working with various skin types. Aparna specializes in corrective and preventative skincare. She is a Kaiser Permanente Network Provider providing electrolysis hair removal for transgender patients diagnosed with adult gender dysphoria and gender incongruence. In addition to being certified in skin health and herbology, she holds a Master's degree in Zoology with a specialization in Biochemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Synergy Skincare won the Hall of Fame Best in Folsom Award in 2019 and 2022 and the Yelp Recognition Badge in 2017 and 2020.Electrolysis is the only permanent solution. For women, I also recommend waxing, but please avoid shaving, since the hair will grow coarser over time and the constant rubbing against clothes will increase the chances of back acne appearing.
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QuestionHow does a woman get rid of back hair?Community AnswerYou could wax your back. You can find waxing strips at cheap stores like the Dollar Tree, but it's best to go to a professional.
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QuestionCan I use hair removal creams on my back?Community AnswerYes, you can, but remember to do a patch test on a small area first.
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Tips
- Take a pill for the pain about two hours before waxing or epilating if you are sensitive to pain. [16] X Research source You can also have a friend apply a topical painkiller over your back. If you do this, let it dry completely before proceeding.Thanks
- Use a new razor blade for best results when shaving.Thanks
- Try applying a product like Tend Skin Liquid to prevent rashes and ingrown hairsThanks
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Warnings
- Do not use an electric shaver in the shower.Thanks
- Don't keep hair remover cream on for longer than stated on the product’s instructions.Thanks
- For women, excessive back hair can be a symptom of a health issue. Consult a doctor before undergoing any treatment. [17] X Research sourceThanks
- Before using a chemical product to remove hair, test it on a small part of your back or shoulder to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction. [18] X Research sourceThanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about getting rid of back hair, check out our in-depth interview with Aparna Ghosh .
References
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
- ↑ http://www.dermadoctor.com/blog/6-tips-to-avoid-unsightly-ingrown-hairs/
- ↑ http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_300/391_fashion_advice.html
- ↑ http://www.dermadoctor.com/blog/6-tips-to-avoid-unsightly-ingrown-hairs/
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4CGohsHsd0
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/men/features/for-men-only-hair-removal
- ↑ http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/hair-removal/wax-your-legs2.htm
- ↑ http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/hair-removal/wax-your-legs1.htm
- ↑ http://www.braun.com/global/female-grooming/adviser/epilation-newbie/the-dos-and-donts-of-epilation.html
- ↑ https://ca.braun.com/en-ca/female-hair-removal/all-about-beautiful-skin/how-to-epilate
- ↑ ptionally, you can apply some talc or baby powder after drying off with a towel. This will further dry the hair in addition to getting it to stand up, making epilation easier.
- ↑ http://health.costhelper.com/waxing.html
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/features/for-men-only-hair-removal
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/features/for-men-only-hair-removal?page=2
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/features/for-men-only-hair-removal?page=3
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/how-to/ouch-free-wax-hints?click
- ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/get-rid-of-back-hair-clone-test
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/men/features/for-men-only-hair-removal
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To get rid of back hair, start by evenly distributing a hair removal cream over your back. You can either have a friend apply the product or use a long-handled brush, then wait 3-6 minutes before using a damp cloth to wipe the hair off. Alternatively, if you have someone to help you, try assisted shaving, which starts with trimming any long or fuller patches of hair. Then, have your helper use an electric shaver to get a fast and full cut, and finish by shaving with a regular razor for a close and smooth look. To learn how to wax your back, keep reading!
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