Hairy shoulders: Remove hair on shoulders confidently and safely

Hairy shoulders are completely normal. Many people notice more hair on their shoulders, back and upper arms as they get older. While body hair is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s also okay to want smoother skin, especially for comfort, confidence, or aesthetic reasons.

Regardless of why you’re looking to remove shoulder hair, there are several options to explore. This guide explains why hair on the shoulders is common, how to get rid of shoulder hair, and what shoulder hair removal method might be right for you – with aftercare tips to keep your skin happy.

Why do I have hair on my shoulders?

 

Shoulder hair tends to be more noticeable in men, especially those with naturally hairy shoulders. Men can experience varying lengths of hair in this area due to several factors. Common reasons for hair on the shoulders include:

 

• Genetics: If members of your family have hairy shoulders, you’ll likely have similar hair patterns.¹
• Hormonal changes: Increased testosterone or hormonal shifts during puberty, ageing or certain medical conditions can trigger new hair growth.²
• Ageing: As people age, hair distribution across the body can change, sometimes becoming thicker or more widespread.³

Having hairy shoulders is perfectly natural, but if you're ever concerned about sudden or unusual growth, it may be worth speaking with a GP or dermatologist to be on the safe side.

Should you remove shoulder hair?

 

Shaving shoulders or removing any body hair is a personal choice for you to make alone. There’s no health reason to get rid of it, but many people choose to for:

 

• A cleaner look in sleeveless tops or swimwear
• Smoother skin for sports like bodybuilding or cycling
• Comfort and less friction or itchiness under clothing
• Feeling more confident or presentable

 

Whatever your reason, choosing the right shoulder hair removal method makes all the difference in terms of results and comfort.

How to get rid of shoulder hair: Overview of methods and their pros & cons

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to removing hair on shoulders. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular methods and what to expect.

 

•  Shaving: Shaving is a quick, painless and low-cost option that can be done at home.

 

Pros of shaving shoulders:

 

• Fast and convenient
• Inexpensive
• Can be fairly easy to do yourself or with help
• Some shavers can be used for both dry or wet shaves 

 

Cons of shaving shoulders:

 

• Hair grows back quickly (usually within 1–3 days)0
• Risk of razor burn or ingrown hairs
• May be hard to reach some areas of your shoulders and back on your own

 

For a quick and convenient option, the new Philips Bodygroom works well for tackling hair below the neck, including tricky spots like the shoulders and upper back. Its ergonomic design and flexible head make a shoulder shave easier and safer, even when reaching awkward areas on your own.

 

• Hair removal creams (depilatory creams): These creams dissolve hair just below the skin surface.

 

Pros of using hair removal creams:

 

• Painless
• Can provide a smooth finish
• Widely available

 

Cons of using hair removal creams:

 

• Some depilatory creams can have a strong odour
• Potential skin irritation or allergic reaction
• Not ideal for sensitive skin or broken skin

 

Tip: Always do a patch test before applying hair removal cream.

 

• Waxing: Waxing pulls hair out from the root, offering longer-lasting results.

 

Pros of waxing:

 

• Hair-free skin for 3–6 weeks
• Finer regrowth over time
• Professional or DIY options

 

Cons of waxing:

 

• Can be painful, especially the first time
• Possible redness or ingrown hairs
• May cause irritation if skin isn’t prepped properly

 

Tip: Exfoliate gently a day or two before waxing to reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.

 

• Laser hair removal: A more permanent solution that targets hair at the follicle.

 

Pros of laser hair removal:

 

• Long-term reduction in hair growth
• Can treat large areas like shoulders efficiently
• Less maintenance over time

 

Cons of laser hair removal: 

 

• Can be expensive if done professionally
• Requires multiple sessions
• Not suitable for all skin or hair types
• Trimming: Ideal if you want to reduce volume rather than fully remove the hair.

 

Pros of trimming hairy shoulders:

 

• Fast and painless
• Reduced risk of cuts or razor burn
• Easy for regular maintenance

 

Cons of trimming hairy shoulders:

 

• Doesn’t fully remove hair
• Regrowth is quick

Shoulder hair removal: Aftercare tips

 

Whatever shoulder hair removal method you choose, good aftercare is essential for avoiding irritation and keeping skin soft. After you remove shoulder hair, you should:

 

• Moisturise regularly with a fragrance-free lotion
• Avoid hot showers or tight clothing immediately after
• Keep the area clean to prevent ingrown hairs or bumps
• Exfoliate gently 2–3 times a week if prone to ingrown hairs
• Use aloe vera or aftershave balm to soothe redness after shaving or waxing
   

And remember: if your skin becomes red, bumpy or sore, give it time to recover before your next shoulder shave or session. 

 

Hairy shoulders are completely normal, but if you’d prefer a smoother look, there are several ways to get rid of shoulder hair safely and confidently. Whether you prefer to shave shoulder hair, use depilatory creams, wax, or explore longer-term options like laser hair removal, the key is to choose a method that suits your skin, budget, and comfort level. 

 

So, if you’re removing shoulder hair for yourself or for a special occasion, do it the right way, with care and confidence.

Sources:

¹ The genetics of human hair growth, NIH
² Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles, NIH
³ Your guide to aging and hair, UCLA Health