Buzz
Unfortunately, the era of thick, wild beards from the 1970s is long behind us. Nowadays, many people feel that a hairy back is unappealing (or at least not in style). However, removing the unsightly back hair to reveal a smooth, elegant back is not difficult. You can choose from temporary, inexpensive, painless hair removal methods to permanent, expensive, painful ones. Quickly learn more about them to select the method that works best for you.
Steps
Shaving with Assistance
This is an easy and painless method – perfect for quickly tackling back hair. You will need the help of a friend or partner, as it will be difficult for you to reach your back. If you’re on your own, you can try one of the other methods outlined in this article.
Trim Thick or Long Hair. If the hair on your back is quite thick and dense, it can cause the razor to clog. It’s best to trim it first to ensure the best results when shaving.
- There are several methods you can use. For example, you can ask someone to trim the hair on your back with scissors and a comb, or with a high-power electric trimmer.
Exfoliate Your Skin. Ask someone to gently rub your back with warm water and a mild abrasive tool. You can use a bath brush, a gentle exfoliating product, or a pumice stone—any item you prefer. These will help remove dead skin cells before shaving.
- The main benefit of this process is reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs. However, it’s not absolutely necessary, so you can skip it if you're in a hurry.
If You Have an Electric Trimmer, Use It. While an electric trimmer won't shave as closely as a regular razor, it will help you remove a lot of hair quickly in a short amount of time. If you have one of these trimmers, you can ask someone else to use it to trim the hair on your back.
- You don’t need to shave all the hair completely—just trim down the "bulk". Afterward, shaving with a razor will be quicker and the hair will be less likely to get stuck in the razor.
Apply Shaving Cream or Gel. Have someone help you apply a thin layer of your preferred shaving cream or gel on your back. You can use the same product you normally use for shaving your face.
- Keep in mind you’ll need to use more cream or gel than you would when shaving your face. Be sure to have enough ready before starting the process; otherwise, you might need to go to the store for more shaving cream in the middle of your shave.
Shave. Ask someone to help you shave your back. You should stand near the sink so that they can easily rinse the razor. You can also ask them to apply more cream or gel if needed until your back is completely smooth.
- To make the shaving process smoother and less uncomfortable, start by shaving with the direction of hair growth, then go over it again against the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain at first may cause some discomfort and irritation.
You Can Shower Again If You Wish. It's not necessary to do this, but it can be a great way to rinse off any remaining hair on your skin that might cause discomfort when wearing a shirt. Plus, it will help you feel more at ease—especially if you haven’t experienced the sensation of having a smooth back in quite some time.
Pat Dry. Use a clean towel to gently pat your skin dry. Remember, you should only pat, not rub. Rubbing can irritate the freshly shaven and delicate skin.
- To keep your skin smooth and soft, you can apply a fragrance-free body lotion to your back. Avoid using products with fragrance—chemicals in these can irritate freshly shaved skin (especially if the person helping you left small nicks or scratches on your skin).
Use Hair Removal Cream
Hair removal products (such as Cleo, etc.) can give you a smooth, hair-free back for a longer period compared to shaving, but they may cause irritation for sensitive skin. You will need to use hair removal cream once a week. This method may not require assistance.
Apply Hair Removal Cream to Your Hands or a Long-Handled Brush. Make sure you can reach all areas of your back. If you’re using your hands, you should ask someone else for help.
Apply Cream Evenly on Your Back. Ensure the cream covers all the hair on your back. If you can’t reach the middle of your back, ask someone to help—it's important not to miss any spots. You don’t need to rub the cream in vigorously. Just gently apply it to the hairy areas of your back.
- Wash your hands after applying the cream to your back. The cream can irritate your skin as it dries (not to mention it will remove hair from the back of your hands if left on too long).
Leave the Cream on as Directed. The instructions on the product’s packaging will tell you how long to wait. Typically, you should wait between 3 to 6 minutes.
- Afterward, use a piece of cloth or a damp towel to wipe away a small section of hair on your back. If the hair doesn’t come off easily, you’ll need to wait a few more minutes.
Remove the Hair. Once the hair can be easily wiped away, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the hair off your skin. Again, if you can’t reach the middle of your back, ask someone to help.
Rinse Off with Warm Water During Your Shower. This is a quick and convenient way to wash off the cream (and hair) from your back. You can use a wet towel to wipe off your back, but you might miss a few spots, causing the cream to stay on your skin longer.
Use Wax for Hair Removal
This technique is famously known for being painful, but it often provides long-lasting results (approximately 4 - 6 weeks). It works best for areas with at least 0.5 cm of hair. You should ask a friend or family member for assistance, as it’s simply impossible to perform this method of hair removal on your back alone.
Purchase a wax hair removal kit. These are typically available in most supermarkets and beauty stores.
- There are many types to choose from. Although the results are generally similar, warm wax kits tend to provide the best results since they can cover a larger area of hair.
- Note: Waxing will cause your back to redden and become sensitive, so it’s best to perform this method at least 24 hours before you plan to expose your back.
Wash your back with soap and water. This step can easily be done while you’re in the shower. It’s an essential step – the wax will adhere better if your skin is free from sweat and oils.
- After showering, be sure to thoroughly dry your back.
Prepare the wax according to the instructions on the product’s packaging. For most warm wax types, you’ll need to heat it beforehand (usually in the microwave). The wax should be warm, not scalding. Different products may have slightly varying instructions for use.
Apply the wax to a small area of your back. Use the included waxing spatula (or a clean spatula) to spread the wax on your back in the direction of hair growth. Apply it in sections, each no larger than a few centimeters wide.
Press the wax strip onto the freshly applied waxed area. While the wax is still warm, firmly press the strip or cloth bandage onto it. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to ensure the wax sticks to the strip/cloth.
Rip the strip off your skin. Pull the strip against the direction of hair growth. This is the opposite direction from where you applied the wax. Use a quick, strong motion. Don’t pull slowly - it will hurt more.
- To minimize pain, avoid pulling the strip straight up or at an angle. Keep it close to your body and pull the strip parallel to the skin, doing so as quickly as possible.
Repeat the process. Continue until you have completely removed the hair from your back. You will likely need to repeat the process multiple times. Don’t hesitate to take breaks if the pain becomes too intense. Over time, you won’t feel as much pain as you did on the first try.
- If the pain becomes unbearable, stop – it’s not worth injuring or causing discomfort to yourself just because some hairs grow unevenly on your back.
Once finished, wash your back with an antibacterial soap. After completing the waxing process, your back will likely be red and slightly irritated. This makes it more susceptible to infections than usual. To reduce this risk, clean your back with soap. The easiest way to do this is by taking a shower.
Use a back shaver designed for the task.
To remove back hair without needing help from others or a professional, you can use a back razor. This tool (which could either be a regular razor or an electric razor) is designed similarly to a back scratcher, with a long handle to allow you to reach the entire area of your back.
Prepare your back. The preparation for shaving your back with a back razor is similar to using a regular razor or when someone else helps you. Generally, you need to:
- Exfoliate with water and a mild abrasive product or brush to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- If using an electric razor, wash and dry your back.
- If using a regular razor, wet your back and apply shaving cream/gel.
Find the right position to shave your back. While a back razor will allow you to reach your entire back, you might still miss a few spots if you can’t see what you’re doing. You should shave in a bathroom with a large mirror. Hold a small mirror facing the large mirror (so that the mirrors reflect each other).
Use the small mirror to observe. Hold the razor in one hand and move the small handheld mirror in front of you with the other. Adjust the mirror so you can see your back in the large mirror through the reflection in the small mirror.
Shave the upper back area. Extend the razor’s handle. Raise your arm high above your head and bend your elbow, then move the razor to the middle of your back. Use gentle, controlled motions to shave the hair from the center of your back toward the shoulders.
Cạo lông tại phần lưng dưới. Gập dao cạo râu tạo thành một góc (nếu loại dao cạo bạn sử dụng có chức năng này). Điều chỉnh cánh tay của bạn sao cho có thể chạm vào vùng lưng dưới từ phía bên hông cơ thể. Bạn có thể chỉ cần phải điều chỉnh gương soi để quan sát.
Kiểm tra lại để chắc chắn rằng bạn không bỏ sót một vị trí nào. Sẽ khó để bạn có thể quan sát toàn bộ vùng lưng thông qua hai chiếc gương, vì vậy, hãy dành một vài phút để kiểm tra từng khu vực một. Nếu phát hiện trên lưng vẫn còn một chút lông, bạn có thể tiến hành cạo bỏ chúng như bình thường.
- Sau khi hoàn tất, hãy đi tắm để rửa sạch phần lông còn vương trên da. Dùng khăn thấm khô da. Bạn có thể bôi sữa dưỡng da không mùi để duy trì sự mềm mại và mịn màng cho da nếu bạn muốn.
Sử dụng máy nhổ lông
Máy nhổ lông là một thiết bị nhỏ có thể giúp bạn nhanh chóng nhổ bỏ nhiều sợi lông cùng một lúc - tương tự như nhíp điện tử. Phương pháp này đem lại hiệu quả giống như tẩy lông bằng sáp (ngăn lông không mọc trở lại trong khoảng 4 - 6 tuần) và cho kết quả tốt nhất đối với vùng lông dài (từ 3 cm trở lên sẽ tốt hơn). Có lẽ bạn sẽ cần người khác giúp đỡ.
Rửa sạch da với nước ấm. Tắm sơ sẽ giúp làm mềm lông trên lưng và giúp làn da của bạn được thư giãn, từ đó bạn sẽ có thể dễ dàng loại bỏ lông hơn. Mặc dù đây không phải là bước cần thiết nhưng nó là một ý kiến khá thông minh mà bạn có thể thực hiện.
- Bạn chưa cần phải rửa sạch da với xà phòng - bạn có thể thực hiện bước này sau.
- Ghi chú: Cũng tương tự như tẩy lông bằng sáp, cách tốt nhất là bạn nên thực hiện phương pháp này một ngày trước khi muốn khoe lưng để những vết đỏ và kích ứng có thời gian hồi phục.
Sau khi rửa sạch, dùng khăn thấm khô da. Hầu hết mọi loại máy nhổ lông sẽ hoạt động tốt nhất trên làn da khô ráo. Tuy nhiên, một số loại máy được thiết kế để sử dụng trong môi trường ẩm ướt - bạn nên kiểm tra bao bì sản phẩm nếu không chắc chắn.
- Nếu muốn, bạn cũng có thể thoa một chút phấn rôm hoặc phấn em bé lên da sau khi đã dùng khăn lau khô da. Các này sẽ giúp lông trở nên khô ráo hơn và cứng hơn, giúp máy nhổ lông có thể di chuyển dễ dàng hơn.
Nhổ lông trên lưng. Bật máy nhổ lông lên. Nhờ người khác giúp bạn di chuyển máy từ từ trên từng vùng lông trên lưng. Lưỡi răng của máy sẽ giật mạnh lông ra khỏi vị trí (tương tự như công dụng của giấy dán trong quá trình tẩy lông bằng sáp). Mặc dù vẫn còn một số tranh cãi về sự khác nhau giữa mức độ đau trong việc tẩy lông bằng sáp và sử dụng máy nhổ lông, quá trình này thường được mô tả là khá đau đớn. Cũng giống như tẩy lông bằng sáp, bạn đừng ngần ngại nếu phải nghỉ ngơi đôi chút.
- Nếu cảm thấy quá đau, bạn nên di chuyển nhanh máy nhổ lông trên da để giảm lượng thời gian phải chịu đựng cơn đau. Tuy nhiên, bạn có thể sẽ cần phải thực hiện lại nhiều lần trên một vùng lông nếu bạn bỏ sót một vài chỗ.
Rửa sạch lưng với xà phòng. Khi hoàn tất, lưng của bạn sẽ trở nên đỏ và kích ứng. Để ngăn ngừa viêm nhiễm, hãy nhẹ nhàng rửa sạch lưng với xà phòng và nước ấm. Sử dụng khăn sạch để thấm khô da khi nhổ xong.
Sử dụng phương pháp điều trị chuyên nghiệp
Các phương pháp này sẽ giúp bạn yên tâm rằng lưng của bạn đang nằm trong tay của một chuyên gia. Chúng cũng sẽ đem lại hiệu quả lâu dài (một số biện pháp thậm chí có thể cho kết quả gần như vĩnh viễn). Tuy nhiên, chúng thường tốn kém hơn các phương pháp thủ công (DIY) thông thường. Mức độ đau tùy thuộc vào từng liệu pháp mà bạn sử dụng.
Professional waxing. This method is similar to waxing at home or asking a friend for help. The pain level is about the same. A professional may perform the procedure more quickly than an amateur helper, and depending on the service you choose, you might be able to relax in a more comfortable environment than at home.
- The cost of back waxing depends on your location and the salon you choose. In Vietnam, the typical price is around 800,000 - 1 million VND per session, with higher prices if you need hair removal in additional areas.
Consider laser treatment. This method uses a medical laser machine that is precisely controlled to burn hair follicles. Multiple sessions are needed for permanent results. Over time, some hair may regrow, but this is rare if you have undergone several treatments.
- In Vietnam, laser treatments cost approximately 2 - 12 million VND per session, depending on the technology used and the clinic you choose.
- One benefit of laser treatment is that it allows you to gradually "thin out" hair in specific areas rather than removing it all at once.
Learn about electrolysis hair removal. This method uses a tiny electrical probe to burn hair follicles one by one. It offers permanent hair removal - once each follicle is treated, regrowth is very rare. However, as it targets individual follicles, it can take quite a bit of time.
- The cost of one electrolysis treatment is around 2 million VND, but multiple sessions will be required for larger areas such as the back.
Advice
- Use a fresh razor blade for the best results when shaving.
- Apply products that help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
- Take pain relievers 2 hours before waxing or using an epilator if you are sensitive to pain. You can also ask someone to apply a numbing cream on your back. If using this method, wait for the cream to fully dry before proceeding to the next step.
Warnings
- Do not use an electric razor while in the shower.
- Do not leave hair removal cream on your skin for longer than the time indicated on the instructions.
- For women, excessive back hair may be a sign of another health issue. You should consult a doctor before proceeding with treatment.
- Before using a chemical hair removal product, test it on a small area of skin on your back or shoulders to ensure you are not allergic to it.
