Is shaving your back a huge hassle? Well, it doesn’t have to be anymore. With a variety of easy do-it-yourself shaving equipment; the help of this thorough step-by-step tutorial and extra hacks on the optimal ways to remove this unwanted hair, you will learn how to shave your own back without needing any back shaving service.
Contents
Before Getting Started
Excessive or coarse hair could be hereditary or could be a sign of Hypertrichosis, also known as the Werewolf Syndrome. Back hair is unpleasant for most men. According to MensHealth: “Back hair removal waxes are the most popular hair removal treatments for men.” But, let’s face it, waxing is not the most affordable or painless method of hair removal, and you certainly cannot wax your own back.
Shaving, however, is the cheapest, most practical way to depilate. Contrary to popular belief, shaving your own back is not a one-step procedure. A proper back shaving session should include cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin.
Before you embark on this hair purge, you have to equip yourself with the best grooming products. Invest in good-quality shavers, shaving gels, lotions, antiseptic solutions, or even dry powders.
How to Shave your Back
1. Take a hot shower
This preparatory step is a must. Whether you're planning to dry shave using an electric shaver after the shower or will use a manual razor in the shower, the hot water will cleanse the dirt and bacteria off your skin and will open up your pores, making the shaving process more efficient.
2. Exfoliate
Apply a gentle scrub on your skin to eliminate the dead skin cells and the irritating ingrown hairs, too. Regular exfoliation leave your skin smoother, and healthier, resulting in better razor glides and fewer ingrown hairs.
3. Trim those hairs
Hair trimming is an important step regardless of the shaving method you’re using. Grooming expert, Anthony Sosnick, advises that you trim your hair using an electric trimmer (easy DIY application) or using a comb, scissors (and someone’s help) before applying on the shaving gel.
Ideally, you want the hair to be ¼ inch to get the closest shave. You can also trim the hair in front of a mirror after showering. Place a few old newspapers on the floor to avoid the mess of cleaning up strands of hair.
4. Use your favorite shaver
Step out of the shower. Pat your skin till completely dry and then stand in front of a mirror. Selecting the most suitable electric shaver for your back can be hassle-free. I compiled a few products available in today's market for you to choose the best way to remove back hair by yourself.
If you opt for the best results using a manual razor, then, it’s essential to apply a shaving gel or cream on your back before you start your shave.
Grooming experts agree on the importance of using a non-foaming or transparent gel or cream. Back hair is usually more coarse than arm or leg hair, which is why it’s vital to have a lubricating substance to facilitate the shave.
Another hack is applying a transparent gel on the skin portions affected with previous razor bumps, acne, or burns, to monitor the irritation of that skin portion.
Selecting the correct gel or cream for you is solely dependant on your skin type and allergies. Look for gentle shaving gel if you have sensitive skin. These products usually contain aloe vera, witch hazel or tea tree oil. Choose a shaving foam instead of gel if you have oily skin. Avoid perfumed products as they may lead to skin irritation.
Check out Brave Soldier Shower Shaving Lotion. Its silicone-based formula adds extra lubricity to the skin to help you get the slickest feel and closest shave. Brave Soldier Shower Shave also is non-irritating. It stimulates cell defense mechanisms and topical metabolism.
5. Moisturize
Hot showers and hair removal can strip the skin of its natural oils. It’s essential to moisturize your back after every shave. It soothes the skin and prevents the development of ingrown hairs.
It is advised to avoid using alcohol-based aftershave products as they can cause skin irritation.
I recommend you take a look at Shaveworks The Cool Fix, a cooling gel that instantaneously works on reducing redness, razor bumps, razor burns, and kills bacteria. The Cool Fix is also suitable for sensitive parts. It has advanced exfoliating properties thanks to ingredients as glycolic, salicylic, and phytic acids.
Another great alternative is The Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm, Unscented, 3.3 fl. Oz. This product is unscented, hypoallergenic, oil and alcohol-free which makes it perfect for people with sensitive or oily skin. It is mainly formulated with grape seed extract, shea butter and loads of vitamin C.
If back shaving leaves you feeling itchy, this next product will help. Gold Bond Body Powder Medicated is specialized in relieving itching. Apply the body powder on your dry skin to cool the skin and relieve any itchy sensation resulting from shaving.
Best back hair shavers of 2018
Electric Back Shavers
This shaver has extra-wide blades that target the toughest hairs on your back like your middle and lower back. It has fully-extendable hand locks to allow you to control and adjust your shave.
MANGROOMER is a lightweight, practical electric shaver explicitly created to satisfy those who prefer to shave their own back.
This product is extra tough on thick and coarse hair thanks to its Power Burst Button option.
It has two 1.8-inch interchangeable shaving heads attached, along with an additional foil body groomer/trimmer.
The extreme reach handle and comfortable grip on this electric shaver will allow you to shave your back with relative ease, while its power burst feature guarantees that no hair will go unshaved for a fast and clean back shave.
Manual Back Shavers
BaKblade’s versatile shaver can be used wet or dry. Its patented dryGlide technology enables you to take smooth strokes without implying pressure on the skin.
BaKblade was designed to lessen the rigid friction between the razors and the skin surface. Thus, promising fewer razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
This product has an extra-long handle along with a set of disposable razor blades, meaning you can easily control and replace the dull razors for sharp ones to always maintain a healthy and effective shave.
Razorba is an award-winning back shaver. It’s a popular, affordable, DIY razor that can get the job done without a problem.
If you’re more into hassle-free, battery-free and most of all, cost-efficient products, Razorba might be a great option for you.
Basically, it's an ergonomic wand that's designed to hold standard razors. The Razorba comes with the Razorba G.O.A.T (greatest of all times) razor, that features a wide, Japanese stainless steel razor; however, this wand will also work seamlessly with Gillette or any other type of disposable razors.
Tips to shave your back
Avoid dull razors at all costs | Sharp razors are the essence of back shaving. Using dull razors will almost certainly result in the development of ingrown hairs and irritation. They’re also neither healthy nor time efficient. Always make sure you dry your new razors after each shave and use a shaver cap to cover them to increase the longevity of your blades. |
Always shave with the grain | Whether you prefer electric or manual shavers, it’s paramount to remember to shave with the hair grain, never against it. Shaving against the grain of the hair results in the development of ingrown hairs, razor bumps and often redness and painful burns. Rinsing your razor blades between each stroke is important. And reapply as much shaving gel as needed to perfect that shaving session. |
Pre-shave oil before the shaving cream | Don’t let coarse back hair defeat you. A great hack to make your razor blades slide effortlessly on your back is applying a special pre-shave oil before applying your shaving cream or gel. Check out The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, Unscented. |
Use two mirrors for maximum hair exposure | Sometimes one mirror is not quite enough. Holding a compact mirror with your free hand will make all the differences in the world and will enable you to access the smallest and toughest hair patches on your back. |
Again and again, exfoliation | If you suffer from thick hair and numerous ingrown hairs and razor bumps, shaving your back can be a real problem. Try to incorporate exfoliation in your skincare routine (2-3 times per week) that way, whenever you decide to shave your back, you’ll find the bumps have reduced heavily and the ingrown hairs have started to regrow and appear on the skin surface. |
Take short, precise strokes | Short strokes help you take better control of your shave. They minimize irritation since you are not imposing too much pressure on the skin for a long period of time. This tip, as well as all the others, also applies to women grooming. Methods on how to shave your back if you’re a female are basically identical to men’s. Hooray! |
Finish off with cold water | You need cold water to counter the effect of that hot shower you’ve taken. Rinse your back with cold water post every back shave. Cold water closes up your pores and tightens the skin. It leaves you refreshed and soothes the skin. |
Conclusion
That’s all, folks! I hope you’ve found this tutorial on how to get rid of back hair helpful. Don’t forget to check the recommended products mentioned above before you embark on a shopping spree for your next shaving kit! If you have any specific questions, please, share them in the comments section below. Don’t forget to share this tutorial with your hairy buddies on social media!
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