Shoulder hair removal is a task that a lot of men do not think about, or need to do until they reach middle age. As you begin to hit your late twenties to early thirties, you may notice hair that is thin and coarse, or you might see patchier hair as well depending on your genes, diet, and other factors. Many treatments are simply short term solutions. Other methods are permanent hair removal. Ultimately, the more permanent solutions are also more expensive and prolonged to you. It is my goal to give you the best advice in options of treatment for removing pesky shoulder hair.
An easy technique for shoulder hair removal is to simply pluck the hair, or have a friend or loved one help you with this, as the shoulders are not exactly the easiest area to see to remove hair. Use two magnified mirrors, placing each at a 90 degree angle to each other, and stand with your back toward the mirrors, looking to the left. This can aid in removing shoulder hair if you are a man who is not typically too hairy, and is the least invasive way to remove this hair. It is as effective as waxing because it removes the hair below the surface at the root, and takes longer to grow back.
The simplest way for shoulder hair removal is with a razor and shaving gel or cream. This method is a typical one and of course the first that comes to mind, but is ineffective. Ultimately when you shave your shoulders, it's a difficult job; the shoulders are curved in a way unlike your face, and sometimes your shoulders can have more bumps, moles, and skin abnormalities. Use caution when shaving your shoulders and use small strokes, cleaning the blade often. It is typically not too effective and the hair will begin to grow back after only a few days. If you choose this method, try to keep a different razor around for this. A single blade razor will yield much better results due to the hair being less thick.
Another useful method and my personal favorite, is to use an electric razor with circular blades. This method I feel is the best because it allows for simple upkeep with little to no cleanup and takes minimal time. Choose one of the Norelco variants, which I have found work best. It's ideal to use circular motions, and certainly employ the mirror technique I suggested and you will spend less than five minutes on removing the shoulder hair. The circular blades move on an axis, and seem to work much better on shoulders than any other type I have used. Using a razor with a beard attachment will make the first time you shave easy. From there it is just a matter of upkeep. You will be able to get away with doing this twice a week and have hairless shoulders.
If the hair on your shoulders is more thick or coarse, then you may want to consider waxing or sugaring. You may need help with this due to the necessity of application. Waxing is a method similar to plucking where the hair is removed from the follicle, and is more effective in the same way tweezing is because it can result in slower hair growth. It may be beneficial for you if you suffer from thicker hair because it can become permanent due to repeated use because of the way it reacts with the hair root. It is a safe technique but can become costly and/or messy. If you are considering this option, please see the section on waxing for men here for more detailed information.
Shoulder hair removal with laser
The most drastic hair removal methods will always be laser hair removal and electrolysis. Electrolysis is a slow, permanent method of hair removal where a trained technician inserts a small needle or probe next to each hair follicle, sending an electric current through it. It is a painful method, but very effective if done over time. The downfall to this method is that it can (and will) take repeated visits to achieve the results you want, however on the shoulders it can be more effective and an easier treatment, especially for people with shoulders that are not too hairy. Laser hair removal works in the favor of people with lighter skin and darker, coarse hair. Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal can provide permanent hair reduction and is more suitable for people with thicker hair on the shoulders. Another benefit is that the laser treatment can cover a larger area, which makes it ideal for shoulders. You may need 6-8 treatments, but for larger areas that have skin that is pulled tight such as the shoulders, it is still a faster way to go then electrolysis.
The last method, which I cannot condone, is using a depilatory lotion to dissolve the hair. After testing the area with a small portion of lotion, coat the area you want to remove hair from and let it to sit for 10-20 minutes, this time will vary from brand to brand. It is ineffective for a many reasons, such as only removing hair for under a week, as well as the possibility of chemical reactions. I don't recommend depilatories because of their chemical nature, and on an area such as the shoulders where the skin is pulled tight against bone, you can possibly have a worse reaction then you would in an area with loose skin.
Pesky shoulder hair is a problem for me. It's an area that is tough to see, as well as treat. As men get older, they develop hair in areas that normally would not be there, such as the ears, shoulders, even the tops of your hands. But as with any type of grooming, it can be easy to treat with good habits as well as knowing your options and the ease in which you can take care of it. Good luck!