Men tend to be hairier than women because they have higher testosterone levels. Thankfully, the concept of "manscaping" has made its way into western culture. And if you're not familiar, "manscaping" is a fancy word people use when shaving their back and other body hair.
But to successfully shave back hair, you need a lot of focus, skill, and stable hands! But before you learn the basics you'll also need the right tools. So keep reading to learn more about how to get rid of back hair.
Should I Shave Back Hair?
There are many reasons why a man would want to shave his back hair. For example, some sport requires no male back hair, leg hair, or facial hair. Some of these sports include swimming, wrestling, MMA fighting, and more.
However, some men get back hair removal, to enhance their hygiene and have a clean-cut look. Overall, it's up to you if you want to get rid of back hair!
Products You Will Need
Before you begin your routine there are some products that will make your shaving experience easier. Keep reading to get a list of everything you will need!
Back Shaver
Oftentimes, men are discouraged to shave their backs because of the weird angle they have to get into. Luckily, a back shaver can help you avoid any weird twists or turns when shaving.
That's because back shavers are elongated so that you can get every spot on your back. They almost look like backscratchers because of the long arm. Getting the best back shaver will be a must for you especially if you have thicker hair!
Electric Back Shaver
This tool is optional. However, if you have thick hair, you will need to trim it with an electric back shaver. This will prevent you from getting any cuts or thinning out your razor. So buying an electric back shaver with a longer arm will help you when shaving!
Exfoliating Product
Before shaving, you should exfoliate as this is the best way to get a clean and close shave without getting ingrown hairs. You can exfoliate in one of two ways: a gentle body scrub with beads inside or by using a skincare product with mild acids like beta-hydroxy.
If you're not familiar, these kinds of acids can gently remove the top layer of your skin without having to scrub.
Back Lotion Applicator
This product is also optional but it will make your shaving experience easier and faster. The applicator has a long arm that's attached to a sponge-tipped end. This makes it easier to apply lotion to your back without missing a spot.
Shave Cream or Pre-Shave Oil
Lastly, using shaving cream or gel and pre-shaving oil will give you an even better shave. Be sure to use products will quality ingredients as some shave creams and oils contain harmful chemicals that actually dry out the skin. So stay away from any products containing high amounts of alcohol or perfume.
How to Remove Back Hair by Yourself
Knowing how to get rid of back hair can save you money and you can avoid asking someone else! However, many men find it quite difficult to get certain areas.
1. Get the Best Back Hair Shaver and Tools
First and foremost, the best way to remove back hair is by using a hand mirror as a guide. Preferable, a hand mirror that allows you to see even the smallest of details. Once you have this, make sure you have the proper gels and oils for men's back hair removal!
These products will help to loosen up the hair which will avoid razor bumps and cuts. The best way to remove back hair is by using shaving gel and high-quality back hair razors.
Some people like using cordless clippers over electric razors. Overall, both of these options will work if you invest in a good razor with precision blades.
2. Properly Trim Your Back Hair First
Once you have all of your tools and products, it's time to have the best back hair removal possible! It's recommended that you trim your back hair with scissors or an electrical razor. This way, your skin doesn't get as irritated!
3. Take a Hot Shower
After you've trimmed your back to the best of your ability, take a warm shower. Remember not to take showers that are too hot as this can cause dryness, cracks, and premature aging!
Not to mention, lukewarm water softens your skin for shaving. To open up your pores, you can let the hot water run for 2-3 minutes to produce a misting effect.
4. Gentle Exfoliate
While in the shower, you can exfoliate your back to remove any dead skin cells and dirt. Doing this step before shaving will prolong the life of your razor. And you will also get fewer razor bumps and redness.
Body scrubs are gentle enough to scrub away these impurities while still keeping the natural levels of oils and pH in the skin. Therefore, ensure that you are using a product that is meant for your back!
Also, make sure you are using only a penny-size amount. You can place the product directly onto your loofah, and then with your dominant hand, go over your shoulder, and gently massage the loofah in circular motions.
It's recommended that you exfoliate for at least 1 minute, making sure to get every spot on your back.
After exfoliating your back, thoroughly rinse off any remaining exfoliating product. This step is crucial as the beads in exfoliating products can cause tears in the skin when used against a razor!
5. Apply the Proper Pre-Shaving Treatments
After exfoliating, gently pat dry your back and apply pre-shaving oil with a brush. Let the oil absorb for 2 minutes, before applying shaving gel or cream.
6. Use a Back Hair Shaver
It's better if you start at the top and work your way down. And also remember to shave in an upward motion or "against the grain".
A back shaver can help you reach every area because of the extended arm. So instead of using a regular razor, use one specifically designed to shave back hair!
7. Moisturize the Skin and Apply an Antiseptic Product
After shaving your back, the last step is to apply moisturizer and antiseptics. The moisturizer will reduce any inflammation from shaving.
The antiseptic will close the pores and kill off any bacteria that causes back acne. Apply the moisturizer first and then apply the antiseptic one to two minutes later.
Shaving Aftercare
A shaved-back hair can feel great for a couple of days. However, you will experience a period of discomfort when the hair starts growing back.
However, knowing how to remove back hair properly will avoid in-grown hairs and more!
The first step in shaving aftercare is to have the best back shaver. This way your back hair grows back at a slower rate and is less dense. So after you've followed the steps mentioned above, begin your post-shave aftercare.
This can be done by applying a serum every night to reduce ingrown hairs. And you can also exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells. And lastly, you should be applying moisturizer every day and sunscreen!
Many people think that sunscreen should only be worn when going to the beach. However, even your everyday exposure to the sun could cause abnormal moles and premature aging. This is especially true for your back as it is directly exposed to the sun even with clothing!
How Many Times a Week Should I Shave Back Hair?
Once you begin shaving your back, you may start liking the way you look with a clean shave. This is when many men make the mistake of shaving too often to keep up with their back hair growth.
However, this can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, tears in the skin, and infections! It's recommended that you shave your back hair once a week
By shaving once a week, you will still get the clean-cut look but your skin won't become overly sensitive. If you have really coarse hair, you can try shaving twice a week.
However, you'll need to keep up with a pre-shaving and aftercare shaving routine.
Does Shaving Really Cause Your Hair to Grow Back Thicker?
The answer is no! Shaving does not cause your hair to grow back thicker or darker. This myth is the reason why men stray away from shaving their backs.
However, you don't have to worry about your hair coming back worse as this is simply not true. You may experience periods of stubby hair but that is just the normal growth process.
Tips for Stubble and Itchy Skin
Unfortunately, stubble is a part of shaving. During this stage, you will experience itchy skin. Thankfully, there are ways to combat itchy and stubble hairs.
For starters, you can hair conditioner on your body! Yes, you heard correctly. Hair conditioner can be used on your body especially your back.
The silicon properties of the hair conditioner will relieve your itchiness by creating a coat around the hair follicle. This way when the hair grows back, it will have a moisturizing barrier that will separate it from the skin.
Shaving Mishaps: What to Do
Even with the best back hair shaver and technique, accidents do happen! The more sensitive areas like the rib area and lower back are prone to cuts and tears.
So if you start bleeding, stop shaving immediately! Apply an antiseptic to avoid infection. Lastly, clean off your back hair shaver to avoid any bloodborne disease from spreading.
Shaving Alternatives
If you aren't a fan of shaving or you're not confident about shaving yourself, there are alternatives. However, be aware that these can be more expensive, time-consuming, and harmful than just regular shaving!
1. Hair Removing Cream
Hair removal can be bought at your local pharmacy or store. This strong product works by dissolving the hair on the surface of your skin. This means the hair follicle itself is not completely eradicated. However, the lasting effects are usually one to two weeks long.
However, be aware that these creams can be very toxic and the smell is overpowering at times. You might also experience burning and itchiness during and after applying the cream. Overall, this alternative is not the best but it will get the job done.
2.Using a Wax
Waxing your back can give you that clean and silky look for a few weeks. However, waxing is very painful especially if you have coarse hair. Not to mention, it can get very expensive with appointments costing around $24 to $40. If you have a busy schedule, you might not have time to schedule frequent visits.
3. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a very expensive procedure that can be done on the back, arms, legs, and bikini area. This procedure will permanently remove the hair from your back.
However, one session can cost you around $100 and it usually takes 5 to 10 sessions to see the final results. Therefore, you might end up spending upwards of $1,000.
So if you're looking for something more affordable that doesn't take too much time, then laser hair removal is not for you!
The Best Shave of Your Life
Now that you know everything about how to shave back hair, you can begin your manscaping journey! Remember to follow these steps religiously as they will make the biggest difference.
If you're ready to have the cleanest shave of your life, check out our product page for more information.
