Back Hair Removal for Men: All You Need to Know

If having back hair is uncomfortable for you, your only option would be to remove them. This article covers everything you need to know about back hair removal. From methods used to tips on how to maintain a smooth back. But first, what causes back hair in men? Let’s find out.

What are the causes of back hair in men?

Having back hair in men boils down to genetics. Your genetics can cause you to be sensitive to changes in your testosterone. As such, it can make you have thicker and darker hair on your back.

While a rare occurrence, hypertrichosis (a disorder causing excessive hair growth) can lead to excess back hair. However, you should get a diagnosis from your doctor, if you think this is the cause.

Which are the best back hair removal methods?

Well, there are many methods to choose from if you are planning to remove back hair. Some of the most common include shaving and waxing. Let’s look at each in detail.

• Shaving

This is arguably the most basic and cost-effective. While rightly so, it can be daunting and makes you susceptible to irritation and itchy skin. This means you’ll need a helping hand to avoid bodily injuries such as cuts.

If you plan on using a razor, it would be helpful to involve a friend or spouse. If possible, do this in your shower. The warm water will help soften the hair. As with any hair, ensure to shave in the direction of the hair growth. Otherwise, you risk skin irritation and ingrown hair.

While a quick, easy, and cheap option, it does not give long-lasting results. As such, you’ll be required to shave often to maintain a smooth back. There are better methods such as waxing; let’s look at it.

• Waxing

Waxing is an option if you are looking for long-term results. Like using creams, waxing requires you to apply wax on your back. Like shaving, you’ll require a helping hand. Your spouse or friend can apply the wax on your back.

Waxing involves using hot wax to remove hair from the root. This means the hair will grow slowly compared to shaving. The best part? Most wax products come with a DIY kit, making it an easy task even for beginners.

To avoid injuries, ensure to choose your wax properly. Basically, there are two wax types: soft and hard. Hard wax removes thick and more coarse hair while soft wax removes fine hair. However, soft wax tends to be more painful as it removes part of your skin.

While waxing mitigates fast hair regrowth, it is more painful and not an ideal option for everyone. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin and prone to ingrown hairs.

• Creams

The use of depilatory creams is yet another popular method that offers nearly painless hair removal. The chemicals in the cream break down the hair from the root, making it easy to wipe away. Like waxing and shaving, you’ll need someone to apply the cream on your back.

You should then leave it for a few minutes before wiping it away. The downside of the method is that you’ll have to apply the cream once every few days. While you are not susceptible to cuts, the chemicals can have harsh effects, especially on sensitive skin.

• Laser hair removal

As you’d expect, laser hair removal is the most expensive of all methods. That said, it offers a long-lasting solution to back hair removal. The method concentrates light on hair follicles, turning them into heat energy, removing the hair with minimal pain.

Laser hair removal success depends on the skin type and hair color. While rightly so, the hair pigment is the crucial factor in this method. It is less effective on light-colored hair such as blond, white, red, and gray. However, advances are being made to address this.

• IPL hair removal

Finally, you can opt for IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal method. It uses strong light pulses to remove hair from its root. The best part? You get results within a few weeks. And if you opt for this method, you can use the Ulike Sapphire IPL Hair Removal Device .

The device is easy to use, guaranteeing you results within 4 weeks. Besides, it is nearly painless, thanks to the integrated Sapphire Ice-Cooling Tech. with it, you can also remove hair on your arms, armpits, face, and legs.

Tips on how to prepare for back hair removal

Regardless of the method you choose, one needs to prepare their back beforehand. In this section, we will share basic yet practical tips. Note: These are general tips, each method has its way of preparation.

For example, with laser hair removal, you should not wax, use creams, or shave. That said, let’s look at the common tips.

• Exfoliate

Exfoliating your back helps remove dead and unwanted skin that can impact hair removal. Dead skin cells usually clog pores, making it hard for cream or wax to penetrate. With exfoliation, you ensure the pores are open throughout the process.

We recommend exfoliating your skin smoothly to avoid irritation. You should do this a day or two before hair removal.

• Trim long hair

If you have long hair on your back, it would be helpful to trim it. Your partner can use a pair of scissors to accomplish this. Making the hair short ensures the waxing or depilatory creams reach the root of the hair. It also makes shaving a piece of cake. This can be done a day before removing the hair.

• Take a shower

On the actual day, it is advisable to take a warm bath before hair removal. The water softens the hair making it easy to remove. Do not use any lotion or oil after the shower as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the wax or cream.

• Take a painkiller (optional)

If you’ll be using a painful method such as waxing, you can consider taking a painkiller beforehand to ease the pain. However, this is an optional step as the pain goes away within a few minutes.

At-home hair removal vs. professional hair removal

As you’d expect, you can remove your back hair at home or consult a professional. So what are the upsides and downsides of each? Let’s find out.

At-home hair removal

Pros

• A cheap option as you don’t need any equipment
• You can do it at any time: morning or evening
• It is more private compared to consulting a professional

Cons

• Can be difficult to remove hair on your entire back, especially if you are alone
• You have limited access to specialized equipment and resources
• You are more susceptible to bodily injuries

Professional hair removal

Pros

• You are less susceptible to injuries and mistakes
• The professional uses safe ways to remove hair
• Affords you more effective results

Cons

• More expensive
• You can only visit the professional at specific times
• Less privacy

How to maintain a smooth back

Once you remove the back hair, you’ll want to maintain a smooth back to avoid ingrown hairs. Here are tips to help you achieve this.

• Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells that clog your pores, making the skin rough. If your skin is not compatible with chemical exfoliants, you can gently run a rough brush on your back.

• Use a moisturizer

Moisturizing prevents ingrown hairs and irritation. If possible, use a gentle moisturizer to avoid further irritation. Moisturizing also helps keep your skin hydrated.

• Change your lifestyle

If you want to maintain that smooth back, you need to exercise regularly and consume a balanced diet. Also, ensure to stay hydrated and manage your stress levels.

Conclusion

While having and removing back hair can be stressful and uncomfortable, you can use either of the above methods. Consider IPL or laser hair removal if you are looking for long-lasting hair removal. Ensure to stay hydrated and exercise regularly to maintain a smooth back.