Getting rid of the hair on your back--the one area of your body that you can't reach--is impossible to do yourself using conventional home methods, such as shaving. When performed by a skilled cosmetologist, waxing yields the best overall results after a single treatment session, Unfortunately, your results won't be long-term. Laser hair removal may successfully remove back hair for the longest period of time, as long as you're a good candidate and you respond well to treatment.
Step 1
Determine if you're likely to get good results. Andrea James, who maintains the consumer website Hairfacts.com and the Hair Removal Journal website, operated by a group of doctors that perform laser hair removal, both indicate that this treatment is generally not as effective on back hair that's gray, blond or red. The Mayo Clinic, on the other hand, flatly states that laser hair removal is ineffective on body hair of this color. There is one issue on which laser hair removal experts agree: Those who are most likely to get the best results from treatment have light skin and dark, coarse back hair. However, even if you meet this criteria, the Mayo Clinic warns that you still might not get the results you expect.
Step 2
Consider your lifestyle before deciding on laser hair removal. If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your shirt off, participating in sports such as swimming or running, your skin is likely tan--and those with darker skin tones are more challenging to treat effectively. The Laser Hair Removal website indicates that tanned skin requires use of special lasers with a longer light wavelength. The Mayo Clinic states that typically you must wait for your tan to completely fade before receiving laser hair removal, as well as avoid sun exposure four to six weeks before each treatment and for several weeks afterward.
Step 3
Shop around for the best laser hair removal practitioner, rather than going with the spa or salon that offers the cheapest deals. The Mayo Clinic and the Hair Removal Journal advise staying away from services performed at nonmedical facilities. You're less likely to see good results from treatment, and you leave yourself open to potential complications, such as burning, blistering and changes in skin tone. James advises vetting your laser hair removal practitioner carefully by meeting with him in a one-on-one consultation. She also advises requesting a skin patch test to see how well you respond to laser hair removal before you hand over your hard-earned cash and sign on the dotted line.
Step 4
Commit to the treatment in its entirety. Laser hair removal sounds simple in concept, but according to the Hair Removal Journal, it's not a one-time affair; you must undergo several treatments to remove back hair, typically between four and six. Sessions are expensive: in December 2009, the average nationwide cost per session was $353.75, although this varies depending on the season and the region in which you live. Also be prepared to undergo maintenance sessions at least once a year. If you're a good candidate who responds well to laser hair removal, the Mayo Clinic indicates that you might see up to 90 percent reduction in back hair.
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