Back Hair Removal Guide

First, a disclaimer: body hair is natural and grows absolutely everywhere, so there's no reason to be ashamed about it. However, if you're starting to sprout hair on your back and don't like it, or you have been thinking about trimming or getting rid of it for a while, then there's no reason you shouldn't look into how you can get rid of it. 

Unlike facial hair, or chest hair, or even hair on your shoulders or arms, however, back hair can be tricky, mainly because it's so hard to reach. Heck, most of us aren't flexible enough to touch every part of our backs, let alone run a razor or apply hair removal cream evenly across our backsides.

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Don't worry, though: we're here to help. Read on to learn the best options for removing your back hair by yourself, in the comfort of your own home, as well as to discover which tools you'll need to get the job done right.

How to Remove Your Back Hair

Getting rid of your unwanted back hair can be tricky, and not just because it's hard to reach or see what you're doing. If you want to avoid ingrown hairs or razor burn, and especially if you want to ensure you aren't left with patches of thick back fur next to shaved or waxed areas, you need to follow some specific steps. 

Here are three popular methods of back hair removal, as well as the step-by-step instructions you need to pull them off properly. 

Method #1: Shaving

Shaving is the fastest and, over the long run, cheapest option to deal with your back hair, but it can also be the most frustrating. Most people just aren't flexible enough to shave all the areas of their own back, particularly the hard-to-reach areas around the shoulder blades, and to make things worse, it can be very easy to shave unevenly, leaving patches of unshaved skin. That having been said, with the right preparation and tools, you can get the job done.

Before you begin, we recommend you have the following on hand, to make the process as easy and painless as possible:

• A long-handled razor or razor extender
• An electric razor (optional)
• A mirror
• Shaving cream
• Exfoliating body wash
• Moisturizer

Alright, if you've got your tools on hand, it's time to get down to business. Start with a shower and application of the exfoliating body wash. The goal is to remove excess dirt and dead skin and prime your back hairs for razor removal. Next, it's time to self-assess. Exactly how hairy is your back, and how thick is that hair? If you could pull work as an extra on a Planet of the Apes movie, you will probably want to do a preliminary pass over your back with an electric razor, as shorter hairs will be easier to remove via razor. 

Next, it's time to apply the shaving cream. Be generous, as you want a rich lather for a smoother, closer shave. Once you're all lathered up, grab your extended razor (see below for examples) and position yourself with your back to your mirror, so you can look over your shoulder to see what you're doing. If you're really inflexible, it can help to have two mirrors: one smaller one in front of and above you, angled down, and another larger one behind you, so you won't have to turn your head to see your entire back.

Now it's time to shave. Ensure you have a sharp razor or fresh cartridge and then start using long, even strokes and a steady pace, taking extra care around your shoulder blades, where the bulges of your bones might cause you to nick yourself. You may have to pass over some areas more than once, or even reapply shaving cream to certain areas, but with a little patience and some regular mirror checking, you should be able to reach every part of your back, but you're not done yet.

Once you've finished shaving, it's time to jump in the shower again, to remove all the stuck hairs and excess shaving cream. Once you've dried off, it's essential that you apply a moisturizer across your back, as unlike your face, which regularly gets shaved down, your back skin will be extra-sensitive and prone to irritation. If you're also heading outside, to the beach or pool, now is also the time to apply a sunscreen.  

Method #2: Waxing

Waxing is simultaneously the most effective and the most painful way to clean up your back hair. It's effective because it lasts a long time: a single waxing session can leave you hairless for weeks at a time. But you'll pay for that efficacy with a few seconds of pain, when you peel off the waxing strips. 

Unlike with shaving, you'll also have the option of booking a professional waxing appointment, which is an option worth exploring if the cost doesn't turn you off. However, if you want to wax your own back, the procedure is very simple. 

First, pick your waxing agent (more on that below). As with shaving, you'll want to apply your wax to a clean, exfoliated back. Because you're actively ripping out the hairs by their follicles, you're also creating an opportunity for germs and bacteria, so cleanliness is the name of the game at every stage. Next, unlike with shaving, you'll want to ensure your skin is very dry, as wax doesn't adhere well to wet skin.

Once you're clean and dry, apply your wax of choice over your entire back. Different waxes will offer different instructions on application, but generally you want a broad application and a warm but not scalding-hot wax. You'll also want to apply the wax in the direction of hair growth, and then, when it's time to pull it off again, you'll want to pull in the opposite direction of the hair growth, in one strong, swift motion (trust us here: a little temporary pain is better than the alternative). 

Aftercare is important with all hair removal methods, but it's especially important with waxing. In the aftermath of your waxing session, shower to remove the wax residue, soap your back thoroughly, and then put on clean, loose-fitting clothes to minimize abrasion. You'll also want to avoid sweating for at least 24 hours after you've waxed, so put off your next gym session for at least a day.

Method #3: Hair Removal Creams

If you don't want to mess with a razor or apply hot wax to your skin, you've got one other good option: hair removal creams. These creams, also known as depilatories, use chemical formulas to break down the protein bonds holding hair together beneath the surface of your skin, resulting in an effective and fast hair removal process that isn't as abrasive as shaving or as time-consuming and painful as waxing. 

The process is usually very simple, though we advise reading your specific cream's instructions for variance. First, clean and dry your back (sound familiar?) to prepare it for the cream. Next, apply the hair removal cream, leaving it on for exactly as long as the instructions indicate (typically anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes). Next, you'll probably have to wipe the cream and hair off with a cloth or towel before rinsing off the excess cream and applying some aftercare cream.

Hair removal creams aren't for everyone, though. The chemical process might irritate some people's skin, or even trigger allergies, so before you apply it over your entire pack, pick a small patch of skin on your wrist and apply a small amount to test your tolerance.

The Tools You Need to Remove Back Hair

Shaving always requires, at minimum, a sharp razor and a good shaving cream, at least if you want to avoid painful nicks and bumps, but shaving your back in particular benefits from a more robust grooming arsenal. Here are some of our favorite gadgets to help you get the job done.

Razorba Razor Extension Handle

If you want to use your existing razor but need a little extra maneuverability, you're in luck. The Razorba Extension Handle adds serious reach to almost all common disposable razor handles. The 14-inch long neck adds real versatility to your shaving game, while the grooved handle with wrist-wrapping string makes it easy to shave even upside-down without worrying about losing your grip.

$16.99 at Amazon.com

baKblade 2.0 Elite

If you have a heavy-duty back hair problem, or just don't want to use the same razor on your back as you use on your face, pick up a dedicated back razor. We recommend the baKblade 2.0 Elite, a two-sided shaving device that works in and out of the shower. With an 18-inch length, an ergonomic handle and three sharp, replaceable blades, the baKblade 2.0 will make shaving your back hair less of a chore and far easier and more enjoyable. 

$69.96 at Amazon.com

Luxo Shaving Mirror

You don't really need a mirror to shave your back. You can more or less guess, if you like. But if you want to do the job right, and with minimal pain and post-shave irritation, you'll want to be able to see what you're doing. We love this suction-cup-based mirror from Luxo. Not only is it easy to set up, it even includes a handy razor hook to keep your shaving implement close at hand when you're lathering or inspecting your back in the mirror.

$25 at Amazon.com

MARLOWE No. 002 Moisturizing Body Lotion

There's a whole lot of skin on your back, and unless you shave it on the regular, it's probably very sensitive. That means that, even if you do an impeccable job shaving, without a single nick or scratch, you can still end up with bumps and skin irritation if you neglect to apply a good moisturizer. We're big fans of the MARLOWE No. 002 body lotion, not only because it's affordable and comes in generous sizing, but because it works. It's free of parabens and phthalates and other common skin-irritating ingredients, and will leave your skin looking, feeling and smelling fresh and clean.

$14.99 at Amazon.com

Nad's for Men Body Waxing Strips

If you want a simple, easy-to-use body wax that's effective and (relatively) painless, we recommend these waxing strips from Nad's for Men. The cold-wax formula is gentler on the skin while also saving you prep time: just peel the strips and you're good to go. The strips themselves are long and flexible, which helps them conform to the contours of your body and ensure maximum hair removal. This kit even comes with two after-care oil wipes, to help calm down your freshly-waxed skin.

$12.99 at Amazon.com

Nair Hair Remover Body Cream

If you want to skip the hassle of shaving and the (temporary) pain of waxing, pick up this hair removal cream from Nair. It's fast-acting and effective, and suitable for men of all skin types, including those with more sensitive skin. Follow the instructions closely and you'll be hair-free in no time.

$13.25 at Amazon.com

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