HEALTH

Your Bod

I've inherited back hair



My whole family on my dad's side has this random patch of hair on their lower backs right above the butt...and really hairy stomachs.

 

I’m hairy too, and I'm already worried about pool parties in the summer. How do I get rid of the hair?

 

Some people have a harder time with body hair than others. But don’t worry – simple hair removal techniques can keep your skin smooth and clear for bikini season!

Get informed

First, a lesson on hair – vellus hair is what usually covers the back, chest and face of girls. Vellus hair is soft and usually lighter colored, designed solely to regulate body temperature.

Terminal hair is darker and coarser than vellus hair and can be found on the legs, pubic area and armpits. Terminal hair is usually very easily seen, and is what most girls have to shave or wax.

Know your options

To decide which hair removal technique you’ll use, you’ve gotta consider where the hair is that you don’t want. For the back, waxing lasts longest, and gets all the hair out at once, but you should check with your mom before getting one, and have her come with you. Shaving would be too difficult on your back.

The best option is probably bleaching with bleach you can easily pick up at the pharmacy, specially designed for body hair. This option is not painful at all, but do a test on a small patch of hair first, to make sure you’re not allergic and consult your mom first.

Alternatives include electrolysis and laser treatment. Both of these are designed to be permanent, but they do cost a lot more, and have a higher potential to leave inflammation or irritation. You’ll want to wait a few years before considering those options.

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

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by Shelby Conques | 2/1/2016
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