Unfortunately, the long hair fashion in vogue in the seventies is long gone; many people now find that their unwanted back hair is unattractive or at least not very presentable. Luckily, it has never been easier to get rid of unsightly unwanted back hair and flaunt smooth, sleek skin in this way. There are many solutions, from the cheapest, painless and temporary ones to the most expensive, painful and definitive ones. Read on to learn about the options available to you and choose the one that suits you best.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Get Shaved by Someone
This method is simple and painless, perfect for occasions when you need to be presentable and don't have much time on your hands. You will need a friend or partner to help you get rid of all back hair. If you are alone, try another of the techniques described in the article.
Step 1. Trim areas of long or thick hair
If the hair on your back is thick or thick, the razor may become clogged. First you need to trim the hair to get a perfect shave.
There are many methods for this. For example, you can ask a helper to trim the hair with a pair of scissors and a comb, or use a sturdy electric hair clipper
Step 2. Exfoliate the skin
Ask your assistant to scrub your back with warm water and a mildly abrasive product. You can use a shower brush, a gentle body scrub or pumice stone; basically, any exfoliant you like is fine; in this way you eliminate dead cells before you shave.
This preliminary practice reduces the chance of ingrown hairs forming. However, it's not strictly necessary, so you can skip it if you're really in a hurry
Step 3. If you have a hair clipper, use it first
This tool is not suitable for getting a smooth close-to-skin shave, but it does allow you to remove a lot of hair quickly. If you have one available, ask a friend to use it to roughly shave your back for the first time.
It is not necessary to completely trim the hair down to the level of the skin; it is sufficient to reduce most of the "thick" hair. This way, when you need to use the razor, you will work faster and there will be less hairs blocking the blade
Step 4. Apply shaving cream or gel
Ask your helper to spread your favorite shaving lube on your back. It will have to cover the entire back with a single layer. The shaving cream you use for your face is fine.
Remember that you will need a lot more product in this case than you would normally use to shave your beard. For this reason, make sure you have a good supply before you start, otherwise you will have to go to the shop halfway through shaving
Step 5. Shave
Ask your friend to start removing the hair on your back. During this operation, it is advisable to stay near a sink so that the assistant can rinse the blade. Ask him to apply more shaving foam or gel as needed until his entire back is shaved.
To get a smooth shave without any problem, it is necessary to perform a first pass following the direction of the hair and a second counter-hair. If you start with a close shave, you can experience some pain and cause skin irritation
Step 6. Take a shower (optional)
It is not a mandatory step, but it is a great help in rinsing away the tufts of fur that could be annoying when you put on the shirt. In addition, you will experience a pleasant sensation, especially if you have not had a smooth back for some time.
Step 7. Dry the skin
Dab it lightly with a clean cloth. Remember to pat and do not rub, otherwise you run the risk of irritating the delicate skin that has just been deprived of the layer of hair.
To keep your skin smooth and supple, you should apply an unscented moisturizer all over your back. Avoid those products with a lot of scents, because the chemicals they contain can irritate freshly shaved skin (especially if your assistant has accidentally cut or scratched you)
Method 2 of 6: Use a Hair Removal Cream
Hair removal products offer a slightly longer lasting result than shaving, but can irritate people with sensitive skin. The cream should be used about once a week. This method can be done with or without the help of another person.
Step 1. Apply some product to your hands or a long-handled brush
Make sure you can reach every point on your back. If you have decided to use your hands, you may need help from a friend.
Step 2. Distribute the cream evenly over the entire back
Make sure all the hairs are covered. Ask someone to help you if you have even the slightest doubt that you are neglecting any area; you must avoid leaving untreated areas. It is not necessary to spread the product vigorously, it is sufficient to cover the hair with a layer of cream.
After application, wash your hands carefully. The product can irritate the skin if you let it dry, as well as removing the hair on the back of your hands if you let it work
Step 3. Wait for the cream to take effect for the time indicated by the instructions
You will find this information on the product packaging; generally you have to wait 3 to 6 minutes.
After respecting the shutter speed, use a damp cloth or towel and wipe a small portion of your back. If the hair doesn't come off easily, wait a couple more minutes
Step 4. Remove the hair
When you see that you can remove them effortlessly, take the damp cloth and gently wipe your back. If you can't reach all the points on the back, again ask for help from another person.
Step 5. Rinse the last residue with warm water inside the shower
This is a quick and convenient way to get rid of product residue and dissolved hair. You can also clean your back using a wet cloth, but this way you are more likely to forget some areas and consequently the cream will stay in contact with the skin for too long.
Method 3 of 6: Waxing
This technique is known to be painful, but offers very long-lasting results (you won't have to do it again for about 6 weeks). It is most effective if the hairs are at least long 6 mm. Ask a friend or family member to help you, as you can't wax your back yourself.
Step 1. Purchase a waxing kit
You can find this type of products in every supermarket, among the shelves dedicated to personal hygiene.
- There will probably be many different brands and products. Other characteristics being equal, hot waxes are more effective for back epilation, because they are able to cover a large area.
- Note: this technique makes the skin red and sensitive, so you should put it into practice at least 24 hours before the event in which you will have to "show off" your perfectly smooth back.
Step 2. Wash your skin with soap and water
For this purpose it is more convenient to take a shower. This is an important step: the wax will be able to adhere better to the hair, if it is free of sebum and sweat.
After a shower, dry your back thoroughly
Step 3. Prepare the wax following the manufacturer's instructions
In most cases, it needs to be reheated (usually in the microwave). The wax should be warm, but not burning. Each product has specific instructions.
Step 4. Cover a small area of the back with wax
Use the wooden stick included in the package (or a clean spatula) to spread the wax following the direction of the hair. Work on small areas, no more than a few inches at a time.
Step 5. Place a depilatory strip over the wax and press
While the wax is still hot, cover it with a strip of paper or fabric by pressing firmly. Wait for the strip to set for a few seconds.
Step 6. Pull out the hair quickly
Pull the strip "against the grain" that is in the opposite direction to the one in which you spread the cream. Make a quick, fluid movement. Do not tear the strip slowly, otherwise you will only experience pain.
To contain pain, do not pull the strip up or at a great angle to the skin. Always keep it very close to your back, practically parallel to it, and act very quickly
Step 7. Repeat the process
Continue to apply the wax, place the strips and tear them off until you have shaved your entire back. Several applications will be required. Don't be afraid to take breaks if the pain becomes very intense; subsequent sessions will be less painful than the first.
If the suffering becomes intolerable, stop. It is not worth getting hurt or badly burned your skin just to have a hairless back
Step 8. After the treatment is finished, wash the area with antibacterial soap
Once fully shaved, your back will be red, sore and therefore more vulnerable to infection than usual. To minimize this risk, wash it with soap; the simplest way to proceed is to take a shower.
Method 4 of 6: Use a Back Razor
To get rid of back hair without the help of another person or a professional, try this tool. It is a razor (manual or electric) that looks like a back scratcher and is equipped with a telescopic handle that allows you to reach every point of the back.
Step 1. Prepare your back
To shave it with a specific razor, you must follow the same steps that you would take with a normal razor and the collaboration of a helper. In other words:
- Exfoliate your skin with water and a mild abrasive product (or brush) to reduce the risk of ingrown hair.
- Wash and dry your skin if you are going to use an electric razor.
- Moisten your back and apply shaving foam / gel if you want to use a manual razor.
Step 2. Find a suitable room for work
Although this tool allows you to reach every point on your back, it is likely to leave out some areas if you don't see what you are doing. Go to a bathroom equipped with a large mirror; grab a small one and turn your back on the large one.
Step 3. Use the hand mirror to watch your movements
With one hand hold the razor, with the other tilt the small mirror to see the image of the back reflected by the large one.
Step 4. Shave your upper back
Fully extend the razor handle. Lift your arm above your head and bend your elbow so that the razor is in the center of your back. Shave the back hair in parallel strips by making controlled, gentle movements starting from the center towards the shoulders.
Step 5. Shave your lower back
Fold the razor handle, if your model is equipped with this joint. Tilt your arm to reach your lower back from one side. You will probably have to move the mirror to see what you are doing.
Step 6. Check your work carefully to make sure you haven't forgotten any points
Since it is not at all easy to be able to see the whole back in one go with a two-mirror system, take a few minutes to analyze each area. If you notice any residual hair, shave it as mentioned above.
When you're done, take a quick shower to get rid of the foam and hair. Pat your skin dry and, if desired, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep it smooth and soft
Method 5 of 6: Using an Electric Epilator
The epilator is a small device that quickly pulls out small strands of hair, like a series of electric tweezers. This method gives results similar to those of waxing (the skin will remain free of hair for about 6 weeks). This works best with long hair (2-3 cm or longer), but in all likelihood you will need an assistant.
Step 1. Wash your skin with warm water
Take a quick bath or shower to soften the hair and relax the skin. Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to do so, as it makes the hair removal process easier.
- You don't have to wash yourself with soap; this is an action you will do later.
- Note: just like waxing, it is best to practice this method the day before the event during which you will have to show your back; by doing so, the redness and irritation will disappear.
Step 2. Dry your skin with a clean towel if you have washed yourself
Most electric epilators are most effective on dry skin. However, there are models that can also be used in humid environments; in this regard, read the instructions on the package.
If you like, you can apply baby powder or baby powder after drying your back with a cloth. This way you can be sure that the skin is perfectly dry and the hair stays straight, both of which facilitate the process
Step 3. Remove back hair
Turn on the tool and ask the person helping you to gently swipe it over your back where hair is present. The "teeth" of the epilator will tear the hair (just like the wax strips). This process is known to be painful, although it's still unclear whether it hurts more than waxing. Don't hesitate to take breaks, just like you would with the wax method.
If the pain is too intense, drag the epilator faster to reduce the time you have to resist. However, it will be necessary to reprocess the same areas several times to get rid of the missing hair
Step 4. Wash the back with soap
When you are done with the procedure, your skin will be red and irritated. To avoid infections, wash it with warm soapy water. finally dry it by dabbing with a cloth.
Method 6 of 6: Professional Solutions
With these techniques you are sure that the problem of unwanted hair is handled by qualified personnel. The results of these treatments last a long time (some are even semi-permanent). However, they are far more expensive than home solutions, while the level of pain generated varies according to the method chosen.
Step 1. Get a professional wax
The process takes place more or less like home, with or without the help of a friend. The intensity of the pain you will experience will be similar, but a qualified beautician works faster than your assistant; therefore, depending on the beauty salon you go to, you can undergo hair removal in a more comfortable environment than at home.
The cost for a back wax varies between 35 and 70 euros; however the price may increase if there are other areas to be depilated
Step 2. Consider laser treatment
This solution involves the use of a precisely controlled medical laser which burns the individual hair roots. More sessions are usually required to achieve permanent results. Few hairs may grow back over time, but if you undergo multiple treatments this is unlikely.
- This is an expensive procedure, between 350 and 450 euros per session.
- One of the advantages of laser hair removal is that it allows you to "thin out" certain areas instead of totally eliminating hair.
Step 3. Evaluate electrolysis
In this case, a small electrical probe is used to destroy the hair follicle. It is a method that offers truly definitive results; once the follicle has been treated, it is very rare for the hair to grow back. However, as each hair has to be treated individually, it is a time-consuming solution.
The treatment costs around € 35 per session, but for large surfaces such as the back, many appointments are required
Advice
- When you shave, use a new razor for better results.
- Apply a moisturizer or emollient product after shaving to avoid breakouts and ingrown hair.
- If you have sensitive skin, take a pain reliever about two hours before waxing or hair removal treatment. You can ask a friend to put a topical pain reliever product on your back. If so, wait for it to dry completely before undergoing the procedure.
Warnings
- Do not use an electric razor in the shower.
- Do not leave the depilatory cream on for longer than that indicated on the package.
- Women who have unwanted excess hair on their backs may suffer from health problems. If so, you should see your doctor before undergoing any treatments.
- Before using any hair removal chemicals, do an application test on a spot on your back or shoulder to make sure you don't suffer from allergic reactions.
