Most people have hair around their anus and on their buttocks, and this is completely normal. While butt hair doesn't have a clear purpose, removing it is a personal choice. If you wish to remove butt hair, several options are available, ranging from temporary methods you can do at home to more permanent solutions offered by professionals. This article explores the various butt hair removal methods, their pros and cons, and important safety considerations.
Researchers do not fully understand the purpose of butt hair. There are a few theories about its purpose that may be correct. Some of these theories include its potential role in reducing friction and preventing chafing. It may also play a role in the personal scent that human ancestors may have used for attracting mates or their marking territory. However, some suggest that it may have no role at all.
Temporary removal methods are usually quick, safe, and fairly easy. Most are doable alone and at home. For some methods, using a mirror may help. Butt hair usually does not grow very fast compared with other areas of body hair. This means that it should require less maintenance than head or facial hair. The method a person uses is a matter of preference.
Using a shaving razor, people can remove hair at skin level. Because the anus is a sensitive area, it is advisable to use shaving cream or gel. People should also shave the area slowly and carefully, using small strokes. People may also find it beneficial to shave during a shower. Given the small space you have to work with, a bikini shaver is the best way to go. You could use a razor, but be sure that the blade is sharp. You can also shop online for an inexpensive two-in-one style.
Using a proper technique when shaving can help a person prevent issues such as razor burn, ingrown hair, or nicks on the skin. To minimize irritation:
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Waxing removes the entire hair from the root to the tip, which usually allows a person to remain hairless for longer, usually about two to four weeks. People can purchase waxing kits that allow them to wax at home. However, home waxing can be tricky in this area, so it may be advisable to seek professional help. If you’re a waxing newbie, in which case you should leave it to a professional.
Waxing can be very painful and may result in bleeding. If a person wants to wax at home, they should:
If waxing at home, a person should consider testing the wax on a small patch of skin first, to make sure that irritation or an allergic reaction does not occur. If a reaction does occur, a person should stop using the wax.
Hard wax is best for waxing your butt area-it pulls out fine hairs while not pulling off skin, making it great on sensitive areas.
"Sugaring is a great natural option that is effective in removing hair and typically made with ingredients such as water and honey to remove hair at its root with no strips needed," says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. The application is much like waxing-you apply the paste and remove hair in the same direction as it's growing. It does a great job of attaching to the hair instead of the skin and is a great choice for those with sensitive skin or those experiencing ingrown hairs. During a sugaring appointment, the paste is applied to your body-in this case, the butt-against the direction of hair growth and then removed in the direction of hair growth to remove the hair at the root. “This ensures very little hair breakage and less opportunity for ingrown hairs,” says Anthea Talamaivao, an esthetician from PENELOPE and the Beauty Bar in Seattle, who says it's also a good option for sensitive skin types. “Sugaring paste doesn’t adhere to live skin cells, making it super gentle,” says Talamaivao. Sugaring paste also goes on lukewarm as opposed to the very hot temperatures of wax, minimizing the risk of heat-related burns. “Someone with compromised or sensitive skin can get sugared anywhere on their body and have little to no reaction to the sugaring process.” In terms of pricing, sugaring is comparable to waxing and much more cost effective. It may last a bit longer, though. Results vary depending on individual hair types and growth patterns, but typically lasts three to four weeks and as long as six weeks.
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Hair removal creams, or depilatories, are an effective way to remove hair. They work by breaking down the protein bonds in hair, causing it to dissolve. Instead, "these hair removal creams work by breaking down the keratin structure in the hair using active ingredients like calcium thioglycolate or potassium hydroxide," says Kopelman. "After a few minutes, the hair weakens and can be wiped away."
However, as the anus is a sensitive area, depilatories may cause irritation. It is important to choose a sensitive cream, as it will be more suitable for delicate skin. It is also important to do a patch test on another area of skin before applying the cream to the anus. When applying, avoid rubbing it in-just smooth it over the area-and set your timer. Rinse thoroughly and avoid tight clothing or sweating for a few hours after to reduce the risk of irritation.
People should be careful when using hair removal creams and stop using them if they experience any adverse reactions. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Cosmetics and Colors, people have reported burns, blisters, rashes, and skin peeling from using depilatories.
If a person prefers, they can try trimming their hair instead. It is among the easiest methods for keeping butt hair growth in check. Trimming also reduces the risk of complications that may arise from shaving or waxing, such as ingrown hairs.
Using an electric shaver or scissors can help decrease the length of the hair. However, these can be very difficult to use near the butt. A person should be extra careful to avoid nicks and cuts.
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The easiest way to remove hair from your butt is by trimming or shaving it. Use electric clippers to trim the hair short first, then go in with a cartridge razor. Between us, we prefer to stop at just trimming. It tidies things up, and you can get things pretty smooth with a trimmer alone. Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs or an itchy bum. Also, a specialized body hair trimmer works much better than a beard trimmer. I have left my hair to grow quite a lot, as I didn't know how to get rid of it. Carefully trim it first with scissors to less than half an inch. You may need a mirror to see what you're doing and so you don't get too close and cut yourself. Then shave. Baby oil after will help soothe the skin of any irritation.
Epilators are small electric devices that pull out many different hairs at once as you rub it over your skin. Epilators can be found at bath and beauty stores and big-box stores, as well as online.
There are also a few permanent hair removal options that a person can consider if they are sure that they do not want hair on their buttocks anymore. A professional must perform permanent hair removal techniques.
Electrolysis involves the use of an epilator device, which uses shortwave radio frequencies to damage hair follicles. The frequencies travel through a needle probe into the hair follicle to make the hairs fall out and to stop them from growing back.
Electrolysis often requires more than one appointment. Each appointment can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. The time it takes depends on how large the area of hair removal is. Its results tend to be permanent, and it may be more cost effective than laser removal.
There are some risks associated with electrolysis, however. The procedure can be uncomfortable, since it uses small needles to administer the shocks. Removing hair from this delicate part of the body might cause a little more discomfort than removing it from other areas, like your legs or chin. Taking an OTC pain reliever beforehand can help. Following the procedure, the skin may also be tender to the touch and may appear red. Some redness and tenderness are common for a few hours following treatment.
Laser removal uses lasers to destroy the hair follicles. While this doesn’t provide permanent hair removal, the treatment will reduce hair growth. Although laser hair removal is not fully permanent, it does significantly reduce hair growth.
A person should find a certified dermatologist for the procedure to minimize potential side effects and risks, such as blistering, scarring, and infections. You can minimize your risks by having laser therapy performed by a board-certified dermatologist or under the supervision of one.
During the procedure, a person may experience pain or discomfort. We’re not gonna lie - it’s probably going to be uncomfortable, at best. The pulses are often described as feeling like pinpricks or compared to the sensation of having a rubber band snapped against your skin. If your pain threshold is low, taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help. Like electrolysis, the amount of time each appointment will take varies based on the size of the treatment area. You may need a few sessions to get the desired result, which can get costly. Though laser removal is referred to as permanent, results usually last for several months to years, often requiring maintenance treatments.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair removal may require six sessions or more. Maintenance sessions may also be necessary every so often, to keep the hair from growing back.
Removing hair that grows around the butt has some risks associated with it. Most risks and side effects are mild, however, and should subside on their own with no or limited medical intervention. However, according to a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, between 1991 and 2014, there were over 292,000 injuries from hair removal. As of 2010, people aged 19-34 had a high rate of injuring their pubic regions during hair removal.
Some common risks include:
Risks can vary based on the method a person uses to remove the hair. No matter which method a person uses, they should follow basic safety practices and seek professional help for removing butt hair if they are not able to do it themselves. It's also important to keep the area well moisturized. There are a variety of aftershave creams and lotions that you can use, including pubic hair oils, which have become very popular to use after bikini waxes, says Zeichner. Just remember to check out the ingredients-alpha or beta hydroxy acids, retinol, and vitamin C can cause irritation when applied directly over freshly shaved skin, says Zeichner. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, proceed accordingly.
If any bumps are causing you pain beyond mild irritation, see a doc, since it could be a stubborn ingrown hair or cyst.
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