Having a hairy back

Some men may have hairy backs. Women can sometimes have hairy backs, too. Common beauty or fashion standards may make people feel like having a hairy back is undesirable or unattractive.

In men, having hairy arms, chests, or faces tends to be considered more attractive than having back hair. This can pressure those with hairy backs to want to remove the hair. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the opinion that matters most of all is your own.

Having hair on your back may increase body heat and be uncomfortable during hot weather. But it doesn’t pose any other challenges or health risks. If you have a hairy back, there’s no medical need to remove it. However, it’s your choice to do so for comfort or aesthetic reasons.

In men, genetics is the most common cause of a hairy back. Certain genes can make men more sensitive to the effects of testosterone, the male hormone that encourages growth of body hair. This can make back hair more present and thicker.

Hairy back in women

Women may also grow back hair for a few reasons. This is often called hirsutism. The most likely causes of this in women are:

If you’re a woman and you have unwanted back hair, talk to your doctor about these conditions.

Hypertrichosis

Both men and women may also experience hypertrichosis, a disorder that causes excessive hair growth all over the body, including the back.

This is a very rare disorder and not a likely cause of back hair. Talk to your doctor if you think you have hypertrichosis.

There are plenty of removal options and treatments for people who don’t want back hair, including for those who may have hirsutism.

If you have a hairy back, you don’t need to remove the hair. The treatments listed are voluntary and only needed if you choose to utilize them.

Shaving

Razors with handles designed for reaching your back are available for purchase online and at certain stores. It can be one of the most affordable ways to remove back hair.

Keep in mind that shaving will have to be kept up regularly for best results. Shaved hair may also feel or look like it’s growing darker and coarser with each shave.

Hair removal creams

Also called depilatory creams, these work the same as similar products for leg and other body hair. Their price is close to the cost of shaving.

Apply the cream to your back and leave on for five minutes. Wipe it away to remove hair. You’ll have to reapply hair removal creams about once every few days.

Compared with shaving, there’s not a risk of cutting yourself. On the other hand, some of the chemicals within depilatory creams or lotions can have harsh effects on sensitive skin.

Waxing at home

Waxing is another option, and doing it at home can be almost as affordable as shaving and creams. The upside of waxing is that your back hair won’t grow back as fast so you won’t have to wax as often as shaving or using creams.

Waxing your back by yourself is difficult. You’ll need help to get to the hair on your back with help of a friend or partner. You should also be careful with wax as it can irritate your hair follicles and up your risk for ingrown hairs.

Waxing at a salon

For those who want to skip waxing at home, salon waxes are an option. Keep in mind they’re one of the more expensive hair removal options, running up to $50 or more per session.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is the most expensive option for removing back hair, but it’s shown to be the most effective.

Each treatment can cost close to $300. For most people, multiple treatment sessions are needed to be effective. However, successful laser hair removal can keep back hair away completely for months or possibly years.

Don’t do anything

Happy with your back hair? There’s no need to remove it.

Letting it remain and grow naturally is the easiest and most affordable way to handle it.

Having back hair in and of itself is not a medical issue. In men, it may just be a part of your physique. For some women, having back hair is also a part of one’s natural physique. However, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Talk to your doctor if your back hair concerns you. They’ll help determine if it’s related to a medical concern.

For the most part, having back hair is completely natural. It’s up to you if you want to remove it. There are many options, from affordable, frequent treatments to more lasting and expensive ones.

In some cases, having back hair may be a sign of an underlying health condition, especially for women. Talk to your doctor if you have a concern.