Laser, wax, or cream: Which is the best option for back hair removal?

Hair removal is becoming more common among men, especially during the summer, when excess body hair is more bothersome due to sweat (although it has the advantage of protecting the skin from the sun's rays). Along with the legs and chest, there's one area that men often worry about due to excess hair: the back . But back hair removal isn't easy, especially if you want to do it at home. The most convenient option is to go to a beauty salon to remove the hair with a laser or wax. However, there are other methods for removing hair in this area.

The back is one of the areas men often choose when going to a beauty salon for laser hair removal . It's undoubtedly a very convenient method that generally offers good results. Dr. Adrián Alegre , a dermatologist at the Spanish Group of Aesthetic and Therapeutic Dermatology (GEDET) of the AEDV (Spanish Association of Spanish Professionals of the Valencian Community), explains that "laser hair removal slows hair growth and permanently eliminates some of the hair follicles, although not 100%. That's why regular follow-up sessions are often recommended, but at longer intervals." New equipment minimizes discomfort and can even be used in summer, although it's important to avoid sun exposure after the session. Therefore, it's best to start laser hair removal in the fall, so that by summer you'll have had the 6-8 sessions necessary to remove the hair. This is a more expensive method than others, but it usually pays off in the long run.

At-home photoepilation is also an option that more and more people are choosing. However, to remove hair from your back with an IPL device, you'll need help. Pulsed light hair removal devices remove hair from the root and slow its growth , session after session. Their results aren't as fast as those achieved with laser hair removal at a beauty salon, but their price, despite the initial investment, is lower. To achieve good results, an initial shock treatment is recommended, with sessions every two weeks for at least 3-4 months, and then only need to be repeated to maintain the results.

Waxing remains a popular option for men to remove back hair. It can be uncomfortable, but the results are quite good and long-lasting. Waxing allows for hair removal for at least three weeks , and can be done at any time, as long as the hair is at least 2 centimeters long. The most convenient option is to go to a beauty salon, so a specialist can do it, but it's also possible to use hot wax or strip wax at home. By removing hair from the root, waxing slows hair growth and is also an inexpensive method. Its advantages are the need for someone to help you if you do it at home, and the pain of pulling.

To remove hair painlessly, a quick and effective method is to use a trimmer or body shaver . These devices easily remove hair of any length. Many can be used in the shower , making hair removal easier. Some even have an extendable arm, allowing access to tricky areas, such as the back. The disadvantage of this method is its short lifespan; like facial shaving, the hair grows back after a few days. However, it is a convenient and economical alternative.

Depilatory cream is also a quick and inexpensive way to remove back hair. The great advantage is that it can be used on sensitive skin prone to irritation, where other methods can be uncomfortable. It's a painless way to remove excess hair, and the results typically last about a week. There's no risk of cuts, although back hair removal requires the help of a professional.

Finally, it's also possible to shave your back with a razor . It's a quick, painless, and inexpensive method that can be done in the shower, although you'll need help to reach your entire back. However, the results don't last more than 2-3 days because it only cuts the hair, not plucks it out. Furthermore, shaving won't make the hair grow back; this is a myth. Among its disadvantages, it must be done carefully to avoid cutting the skin, and it's not very suitable for sensitive skin.