What do Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, and Sean Connery have in common? They are/were badasses, of course, but also very hairy gentlemen.
We're talking clog-the-drain kind of hairy.
I admire that they "own it" and that Selleck, in particular, has made his body hair part of his Hollywood persona.
But not every guy feels the same way about the hair covering their bodies, especially back and shoulder hair. For many men, it can be a source of anxiety and self-doubt.
On top of that, maintaining unwanted back hair can be difficult, painful, and time-consuming.
Back hair shouldn’t feel like a burden, my friends.
If you're looking to live a hair-free carefree lifestyle, whether boating on Lake Travis or paddling with your pals around Lady Bird, Flycatcher has the hair removal solution for you.
In this article I'm going to discuss laser hair removal specifically. It's the most effective back hair removal solution for men. Let's start by talking about men's back hair in general and the numerous back hair removal options available. Then we'll dive deep into laser hair removal and why it may be the right choice for you.
Back Hair Removal for Men- Weighing Your Options
Back hair growth is a natural occurrence in men. It is influenced by hormones and genetics. The growth pattern and thickness of back hair can vary from person to person.
Back hair typically starts to grow during puberty and continues to develop throughout adulthood. It is common for men to have thicker and coarser back hair compared to women.
Duhhh, you may say, but did you also know...
There are three stages in the hair growth cycle:
- The anagen phase is the active growth phase where hair follicles are actively producing new hair.
- The catagen phase is a transitional phase where hair growth slows down and the hair follicles shrink.
- Lastly, the telogen phase is the resting phase where hair stops growing and eventually falls out to make room for new hair growth.
Understanding these phases is crucial when considering hair removal methods, as different treatments target hair during specific stages of the growth cycle for optimal results. For example, laser hair removal targets hair during the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase.
Let's look at common back hair removal options for men:
Shaving
Shaving is a quick and affordable method for back hair removal. It involves using a razor or electric shaver to cut the hair at the skin's surface.
Pros of shaving include its accessibility and convenience. Shaving can be done at home and does not require any special equipment or professional assistance (but probably your partner's assistance). It is also a painless method.
However, there are some cons to shaving. The results are temporary, as the hair grows back quickly. Shaving can also cause skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. It requires regular maintenance to keep the back hair-free.
Waxing
Waxing is a popular method for back hair removal that provides longer-lasting results compared to shaving. It involves applying hot or cold wax to the back and then removing it along with the hair.
One of the main advantages of waxing is that it removes the hair from the root, resulting in slower regrowth. The results can last up to several weeks.
However, waxing does have some drawbacks. It can be a painful process, especially for those with sensitive skin. It may also cause temporary redness, inflammation, and ingrown hairs. It is recommended to get waxing done by a professional for best results, so it's not something you're going to do at home on your own.
At-Home Topicals
Hair removal depilatories and creams are another popular method for removing body hair.
These products work by breaking down the protein structure of the hair, allowing it to be easily wiped away from the skin's surface. They are typically applied to the desired area, left on for a specific amount of time, and then removed, taking the unwanted hair with it.
Hair removal depilatories and creams are a quick and easy option without the hassle of shaving or the pain of waxing, but keep in mind, that men's back hair can be very coarse so these at-home creams may not be as effective as other methods.
Laser: The best back hair removal solution
Laser hair removal is considered the ultimate treatment for back hair removal. It is a long-term method that provides a permanent reduction in hair growth.
During this energy-based treatment, a concentrated beam of light is directed at the hair follicles, damaging them and inhibiting future growth. Laser hair removal is very precise, targeting only the dark pigments in the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
Multiple sessions are required for optimal results because as explained earlier, laser hair removal targets hair during the anagen growth phase. Not all hair follicles are in this active growth stage at the same time.
Most men will need six to eight treatments to see a 80-90% reduction in their back hair. Additional treatments may be necessary, especially when we're talking about coarse back hair.
These treatments are spaced six weeks apart. Do the math and you'll see that reducing your back hair is a progression over many months. For most men it is an investment well worth the time.
After this initial series of treatments, an annual treatment will also be necessary if you want to maintain a completely clean and smooth look.
Laser hair removal does have some limitations. It is not suitable for men with light or gray hair, as the laser is unable to target the pigment in the hair follicles.
Men with darker skin tones may face some limitations as well. The effectiveness of laser hair removal is dependent on the contrast between the pigment of the skin and the hair follicles, with the laser targeting the dark pigments in the hair. This means that men with darker skin tones may be at a higher risk of experiencing skin damage or discoloration during the treatment.
It's important for men with darker skin tones to consult with our licensed laser hair removal professionals to determine if laser hair removal is a suitable option for you and to discuss any potential risks or limitations before undergoing treatment.
Read this in-depth article about laser hair removal for darker skin tones.
The laser hair removal experience for men
Let's walk through exactly what you can expect pre-treatment, in-clinic, and post-treatment.
Pre-Treatment Tips for Men
You must follow these protocols to ensure that your laser hair removal treatment is as effective and safe as possible, beginning with reducing your exposure to direct sunlight for two weeks leading up to treatment. This means avoiding tanning beds, sunbathing, and any other activities that will expose your treatment area to the sun's harmful UV rays.
Two weeks prior to your treatment, it's essential to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even if you plan to spend just a few minutes outside. Protective clothing that covers your back and shoulders is also highly recommended.
Discontinue tweezing, waxing, or any other hair removal method that involves pulling out the hair from the root at least four to six weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment. These methods can disturb the hair follicle, making it difficult for the laser to effectively target the hair.
It is equally important that you shave your back and shoulders 24 to 48 hours prior to your treatment session. There is a $50 upcharge if our laser technicians need to shave our clients.
Also, be sure to clean your skin thoroughly before your appointment. This will remove any dirt or oil that may be on your skin, allowing the laser to penetrate more effectively. No cologne, please.
The In-Clinic Experience
We designed Flycatcher specifically with men's comfort in mind. If you've been treated elsewhere you'll know exactly what I mean the moment you walk through our doors.
We're not going to rush you in and out like a P. Terry drive-through. After we get you comfortably settled in our laser treatment room, the actual back and shoulder treatment can take about 30 minutes, depending on your hair growth pattern.
Our technicians utilize the LightSheer QUATTRO from Lumenis in our practice. This laser workstation can treat the full range of skin types, with settings carefully calibrated to your Fitzpatrick score to minimize the risk of side effects and achieve the desired results.
The LightSheer QUATTRO uses a cooling system to numb the skin during treatment. This reduces discomfort you may feel during the process, which is often described as a slight pinch or snap. Our technicians can adjust the settings to better ensure for your comfort.
A topical numbing cream is also an option but comes with an additional charge.
Some minor side effects can occur, such as temporary redness in the treated area. This is usually mild and will resolve within a few hours.
Post-Treatment Protocol
Your back and shoulders are especially vulnerable during the two weeks post-treatment. You must take precautions.
It's important to continue protecting yourself from the sun by using sunscreen and covering the treated area. This will minimize the risk of side effects.
For the first 48 hours post-treatment, avoid swimming pools, saunas and any strenuous activity that promotes sweating. So give the gym a break for a couple of days, boys.
It's recommended that you exfoliate the treated area after three to five days post-treatment. Exfoliation with a gentle scrub or brush can help reduce potential ingrown hairs.
Moisturizing the back regularly can also help keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness or irritation. Choose a non-greasy moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you are prone to back acne or breakouts, consider using products with salicylic acid to keep the pores clear and prevent blemishes.
Our skin care professionals can set you up with the right post-treatment products.
Because of these strict protocols for pre- and post-treatment care, your laser hair removal can take significant planning. Many of our Central Texas clients will skip treatment during summer months if they plan to be active and, especially, on the water in full sun. You may want to consider the same if it is difficult for you to avoid the hot summer sun in Austin.
How much does Laser Hair Removal cost for men's back and Shoulders?
All the laser hair removal providers in Austin and around central Texas are going to have a similar range in pricing. The differences shouldn't be so dramatic that price should be the number one deciding factor in who you choose.
You'll get the best pricing when you purchase a package of treatments. Most providers in central Texas offer this. You'll need all of these treatments for the best results anyway.
Flycatcher only charges $75 for a client's first treatment because we know a lot of men aren't ready to commit to multiple treatments up front. We want you to experience what laser hair removal is like before you make an investment.
We try to keep our packaging and pricing straightforward. Here are three options for the upperbody, including back and shoulders:
The Wall Street treatment, which includes your back, shoulders, and neck, costs $450 per individual treatment. Packages of three to five treatments receive a 15% discount. So, a package of five treatments will cost about $1900.
Packages of six or more treatments receive a 25% discount so you could purchase a series of six for $2025.
We've already done the math for you: Use our handy pricing calculator here to evaluate your options.
Conclusion
It's important to keep in mind that laser hair removal is an investment in yourself and your confidence, and the results can be life-changing. Our laser hair removal professionals will be happy to meet with you one-on-one to assess your hair and skin type, review your goals, and develop a personalized laser hair removal treatment plan for you.
Flycatcher is located in Spicewood, Texas, just three miles west of The Galleria in Bee Cave, we proudly serve Spicewood, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and the surrounding areas of Austin and the Texas Hill Country.
Ready to live the hair-free carefree lifestyle? Take advantage of our $75 "first-time" offer by calling Flycatcher at (737) 239-0112 or book your consultation here.
If you want more comprehensive information about laser hair removal for men, check out our in-depth guide. You can view our pricing here.
