UrbanUpdate

It's back hair removal season, folks. Even in these evolved times, where many people find a little body fuzz attractive, back hair remains largely maligned. Maybe you've got the confidence to pull off some shoulder scruff—more power to you!—but if you're looking to rid yourself of your posterior pelt, there are a handful of effective techniques available to you.

To evaluate those various options—from shaving and depilatory creams to waxing and electrolysis—we chatted with Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Whether you're after a permanent change or a temporary solution, here are the pros and cons of every back hair removal method out there.

WaxingHigh Risk, High Reward

Pro: The longest-lasting smoothness among all temporary options.Con: The highest risk for irritation (and long-lasting irritation, at that).

Yes, waxing can hurt, but it’s often worth the agony—especially if you have an extremely fuzzy back half. The hot wax yanks your hairs all the way out, giving you roughly six weeks of smoothness before the newbies start poking through. Just make sure to visit a reputable waxing studio and to do it about a week ahead of any beach vacations—in the event you break out due to unsanitary application, subpar aftercare, or lack of ventilation, you might waste half of your hairless period recovering from a rash. Don’t do this one at home unless you’re just spot-checking some fuzzy shoulders. The risks outweigh the rewards if something goes awry.

Hair Removal CreamsThe Underrated Smoothmaker

Pro: Lasts slightly longer than other (non-waxing) temporary methods.Con: Thioglycolic acid can be irritating on skin. Test a small area before proceeding.

Hair removal creams—a.k.a. depilatory creams—break down the keratin of the hair near the surface of the skin, leaving you with a smooth finish without having to pluck out any follicles. You’ll enjoy smoother results for longer than a shave—a few days more, says Dr. Graf—but not nearly as long as waxing. In general, most people can tolerate these creams, though the active ingredient can be aggressive on skin and should be spot-checked before proceeding with the entire broadside of your back. “It’s important to remember that because of the chemicals the cream contains, it isn’t safe to use on certain parts of the body like the face [and groin],” adds Dr. Graf. “You should always do a small skin test before using broadly, to avoid irritation.” Be sure to rinse off up to five times after use, too.

Nair Men hair removal body cream$14

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LasersThe Most Common Long-Term Fix

Pro: Easiest long-lasting solution. At-home devices won’t be as effective, but steady use can prove promising.Con: Professional sessions are expensive and results will not likely be permanent. Also, it’s only a viable solution for fair skin tones with dark hair.

Laser hair removal, or intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), is one of the best long-term solutions for hair removal. It is best administered by a professional, but less-powerful options do exist for at-home use. They work by slowly damaging the hair follicle gradually over time to stifle hair growth. Hairs can eventually regrow, though, according to Dr. Graf. “Many patients see softening of the hair and require touch-up treatments later on,” she notes.

Unfortunately, laser hair removal doesn’t suit all skin tones and hair colors. “IPL is most effective when it can pick up on pigmentation, so the ideal candidate is someone with lighter skin and darker hair,” says Dr. Graf. She adds that patients usually require six or more professional IPL treatments for effective results, with each session performed four weeks apart. “Depending on each person and their varying factors like hair thickness or area of the body, it may take more or fewer sessions to see permanent results,” she explains.

While at-home IPL is increasingly popular, you shouldn’t expect the same results as clinical treatments. “However, with consistent use, [at-home devices] can be helpful at decreasing the amount of hair growth you experience,” Dr. Graf says. “Also, because the treatment is not as strong at home, many people feel that at-home devices are pain-free. It is a more cost-effective option as well because once the device is purchased, it can be used endlessly for its entire lifespan.” (And for what it’s worth, the writer of this article swears by Braun's IPL device for his own back hair mitigation.)

Braun hair removal tool$341

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ElectrolysisThe Only True Permanent Solution

Pro: Results are likely permanent and suit all skin tones and hair types.Con: Takes a long time to see results and sessions are expensive.

For most patients, Dr. Graf says, electrolysis is the most effective option for removing hair permanently. It works by sending chemical or heat energy into each individual follicle to destroy them over time, and can take as long as 18 months (or between 15-30 sessions) to complete. “After each session, patients will typically notice an improvement in the amount of hair growth that occurs,” Dr. Graf says. On the upside, it is effective for all skin and hair types (unlike IPL). Graf says that electrolysis can feel uncomfortable but is largely tolerable—she describes it as a pinching sensation.

Electric TrimmersThe Quickest, Easiest Approach

Pro: Works for all skin sensitivities, all hair volumes, and for anyone in a hurry who needs a guarantee of no irritation.Con: Never trims below a stubble.

This is the best “one size fits all” solution—and the best “in a pinch” solution too. Many of the best beard trimmers will work perfectly well on body hair too, but ergonomically they might be hard to hit all those awkward angles if you’re trimming yourself. That’s where a dedicated body hair groomer will come in handy: the best versions handle odd contours and sensitive areas with aplomb. Trimming won’t be ideal for anyone who demands extended periods of time without any physical stubble or visual whiskers. But if you’re headed to the beach that same day, this is an option that likely won’t irritate your skin and only takes a few minutes to do.

Panasonic

ER-KG80 Body Trimmer$110

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ShavingElectric Razor? Sure. Traditional Razor? Nah.

Pro: Provides truly smooth results for 1-2 days.Con: High potential for irritation during or following the shave. Difficult to do yourself.

It’s very hard to use an electric razor on your own back, and even if you have your roommate or partner do the task for you, it probably won’t save you much more time than using a standard body trimmer. Still, the best electric razors will hug your backblades and shoulders just as well as your facial contours, which means a closer shave than a body trimmer. Don't bother with a traditional razor shave, however—it'll be both time-consuming and put you at risk for nicks and cuts. Overall, using a razor will put you at greater risk for breakouts, irritation, ingrowns, bumps, and infection. If you're looking for an ultra smooth surface, you're better off with depilatory creams or waxing in the short term and lasering in the long term.

Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver$300 $270

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We've never been shy about our love for Braun's Series 7 shaver. But if you want to level up, the brand's top-of-the-line Series 9 option offers all the features you'd expect from a shaver of its caliber—namely, standard-exceeding performance and speed—at a significantly higher price. And beyond the smart technology that responds to the contours of your face and the thickness or stodginess of your beard, it also performs its own party trick: It cleans itself.

Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQGroomingHair