Hello,
I have fine, downy hair on my back which I’d like to get rid of. As it is downy, it’s also white and therefore difficult to treat with laser (?). I’m a male caucasian, with pale skin. Would laser be an option or not? And if not, is there another solution? Electrolysis is not an option, because that’s way to expensive for a large area.
Thanks for the great site.
Baron
From what you describe, LASER would either cause STIMULATION of new hairs, or would do nothing to the hairs you have, as it won’t “see” them, or both.
Your only option here is Electrolysis for permanent hair removal. You may want to explore the possibilities, as one can find ways to make it affordable.
I live in Europe, but how much would it cost in the US to have a full back electrolysis treatment? There must be millions of hairs there.
That laser can cause hair growth is actually a pretty scary thought, by the way. Thought only hormones were capable of doing that (and waxing of course).
What do you mean by ‘ways to make it affordable’, James?
Depending on how many hairs you have and how they are spread around, professional treatments are actually the least expensive way to go. Past a certain point, it may be more affordable, (though not necessarily the best option) to purchase the equipment and work with a hair removal buddy and trade work on each other. Both of you would have to read the books, and practice on easy leg hairs before going for the gusto on your back, but it would work.
It all depends on the person and the situation. Some people can clear their back with $1,000 Some need $10,000. There are so many variables, between practitioner and client.
No, I don’t believe in do it yourself, not as far as hair removal is concerned. I’ll check with an electrologist over here. I suppose I have to look for experience when choosing one. I’ll take a look at the question list you probably have around here when choosing one.
Laser is not an option for you.
Are you male or female?
Hello LA Girl,
I’m male, 41 years old. In what sense is that important?
Definitely no to laser, sorry. At this current time, the only other way to achieve permanent removal is electrolysis, which would work well for you. I have seen quite a few men do their back, so it’s definitely feasible.
Your age and gender are important because they can help us figure out the cause of your hair growth. A 41 year old man usually has back hair, but if you were a 20 year old female it could indicate serious hormone issues. Your hair is probably just a combo of age, genetics, and gender. That’s a good thing, because it means new hair won’t keep developing after you remove the current hair.
Because recommendations would be different. This type of hair is pretty normal on a man, but on a woman may be a result of an underlying issue, for example.
Can you post a photo or estimate the number of hairs?
Well, making a picture is difficult, since it is fine hair, that has more or less the same colour as my skin (and it’s also difficult because it’s on my back: I’d have to be a contortionist to take a good picture, I’m afraid). But it is very, very dense. Which makes me wonder if electrolysis is appropriate. It seems like an really enormous job to me. And hence a very, very expensive one too. But a consultation with an electrologist should make me wiser.
Thanks for the posts, they’ve been really helpful.
Put it this way, if it’s so fine that it would be hard to see in a picture, then laser is 100% out of the question. Electrolysis is your only option. It is an enormous job, but not impossible. Like you said though go for a consultation that way you’ll get a better idea too of what to expect!
I have an additional question: the fine hair on my shoulder has locally turned into longer and more coarser hair in the last few years. These hairs are clearly visible. Is it likely that in time or within a few more years all hairs on my back are going to go through this change and turn more visible and coarser?
It’s possible, yes. That is definitely common for aging males to go from fine hair to coarse curly hair in these areas. Electrolysis will prevent this from happening with the hairs you have currently (though it can’t prevent new hairs).
Even if your hairs thicken, they will probably not be eligible for laser, if that’s what you’re thinking. Typically the hairs thicken kind of sporadically, and it would be hard to target just every tenth hair with laser. This area has the highest risk for induced growth on a male (upper back and shoulders), so it’s not worth trying laser unless you’re SURE that most of the hair is super coarse. You may never develop that kind of hair (even if a handful of hairs thicken with age).
It’s really impossible for anyone to tell you for sure. How old are you? Men can develop new hair into their late 20s.
Electrolysis for a lot of hair is not impossible. It all depends on your ability to pay and your committment to the process. Unfortunately, there is no other permanent method that would work. There are temporary methods though.
LAgirl: He’s 41. Past the age for developing hair due to puberty hormones, but not past the age for developing the “old man hair” that some middle-aged men start to get.
Ah, I missed that part here. Thanks.
Either way, this is really impossible to predict.
Have you had any changes in your routines? New medication?
I agree. He’s just going to have to wait and see if it gets worse, or get rid of it all now with electrolysis and avoid the issue altogether.
Not necessary all hair, but more and more. This happened to me until i became 47, and a natural end of that trend was not visible - it even became worse and worse.
Luckily it reversed almost perfectly during my transition - but obviously thats not an option for men.
Yes, Kitty, that was what I was thinking of: if I’d wait, I’d do well with laser. But it’s no option, I see.