Hairy back: Grooming and shaving tips

Why do some men have hairy backs?

From a hairy back of the neck to full growth from your head to your tailbone (and further!), it’s completely normal for men to have hairy backs. For some, the hair is light-toned and barely visible - known as vellus hair. For others, it’s darker and thicker, making it more noticeable and harder to hide.²

There are a couple of different reasons why a male hairy back is so common. The first is genetics. Your DNA plays a major role in how hairy you are and the colour of your hair, with some men simply born to be hairier than others.²

The second reason for hairy backs is all down to your hormones. Body hair is caused by androgen hormones, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).³ As men have higher levels of androgen hormones than women, it’s more likely that you’ll have hairy backs.⁴

Choosing the right method to trim your hairy back

While having a hairy back as a male is normal, it’s also okay to want to remove it. In fact, 59% of men aged between 18 and 29 regularly shave their backs, making it more common to get rid of back hair than it is to keep it.⁵

If you’re ready to get rid of your back hair, there are plenty of options available. Here are the most common hairy back solutions:

• Shaving: Shaving a hairy back is one of the quickest and most affordable methods, with the convenience of being able to do it from the comfort of your home. The downside is that hair grows back quickly, and it can be tricky to reach blind spots without help.
• Trimming: If you don’t want an entirely hair-free back, consider trimming, which reduces hair length for more manageable growth. This approach reduces contact between your grooming tool and the skin, which is ideal for more sensitive skin types.
• Waxing: Waxing a hairy back removes the hair from the root, leaving your skin smoother for longer. It’s common to not see any (or very little) hair growth for around 2-3 weeks after waxing.⁶ It can be painful, though, and cause irritation and sensitivity after hair removal.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL uses light to damage hair follicles and reduce regrowth over time. With continued sessions, you can see a permanent reduction in hair growth of almost 60% for a much smoother back.⁷

Not sure which method is right for you? Read our guide comparing shaving and trimming body hair to learn more.

The right tools for hairy back removal

No matter the method you choose, it’s crucial that you use the right tools, particularly when carrying out hair removal at home.

If you’re shaving a hairy back, for instance, you’ll need a flexible grooming tool that meets the contours of your body. The Philips Bodygroom 7000 has a foldable back attachment specifically designed to make hairy back removal a breeze, helping you reach all those tricky areas for a full shave. It achieves super close hair removal, too, catching hairs at 0.2mm length for a smoother result.

As a full-body tool, you can switch between attachments on the Philips Bodygroom 7000. Shave everything from your back to your pubic hair and build your confidence with hair removal that works for you.

Hairy back removal aftercare

From hairy back waxing to a quick, at-home shave, the right aftercare reduces irritation from hair removal. Follow these tips to keep your skin happy after hairy back removal:

• Moisturise your skin: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser after hair removal to soothe the skin and reduce any potential dryness.
• Exfoliate regularly: Light exfoliation a few times a week helps remove dead skin cells and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.⁸ Avoid harsh scrubs immediately after hair removal, though, as your skin may be a little sensitive.
• Avoid sun exposure: Hair removal methods like waxing and shaving remove the outermost layers of the skin.⁹ This leaves your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, making it vital you take adequate steps to protect your back if you’re heading out on a sunny day. That means SPF, keeping your top on, and sticking to the shade where possible.

Men’s hairy back removal FAQs

Is it normal to have a hairy back as a man?

If you’re a male, a hairy back isn’t just normal - it’s likely. Androgen hormones (like testosterone) cause hair growth across the body, everywhere from your neck to your lower back, and beyond.³

How to shave a hairy back of the neck?

Start by using the right tools to reach your neck, like the flexible Philips Bodygroom 7000. Use slow, gentle strokes and shave in the direction of hair growth to help reduce irritation and missed patches. If possible, use two mirrors (one handheld) in order to see the back of your neck, or ask someone to lend you a hand for the areas you can’t see.

Is hairy back waxing painful?

Yes, waxing your back typically comes with a degree of pain. How painful it is can depend on your pain threshold and the thickness of your hair, as well as the area of the back that you’re waxing. The most painful areas of waxing are often the most sensitive, too, meaning that the skin near your armpits and intimate areas is likely to be more painful.¹⁰

The final thing to remember? Having a hairy back isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. Shave, wax, or let it grow; the choice is yours! Be sure, though, that if you do opt for hair removal, you choose trusted tools like the Philips Bodygroom 7000 and follow correct aftercare for smooth skin.