How to remove butt hair safely according to experts—and the best at-home products to use

While learning how to remove butt hair is a personal choice, it’s important to also remember that you shouldn’t feel like you have to remove it. "It is entirely normal to have hair around the buttocks," says Carswell. "Hair is a natural part of the human body, and its distribution can vary from person to person. The amount and thickness of hair in this area can differ based on genetics, hormones, and other factors."

It’s likewise totally understandable if your butt hair has only just crossed your radar—hence why you’re here. "Because we don’t easily see it, we can sometimes be a little bit shocked when we notice that we do," points out Smith. "However, of course, it grows there just as much as the rest of our body. Like other body hair, it varies from person to person in terms of darkness and coarseness—but, on the whole, it’s finer than pubic hair."

But before you reach for the razor or wax strips, there’s one other important thing to take into account: ingrown hairs. "Removing hair in this area can raise the risk of them," Carswell acknowledges. "A common form of ingrown hair in the bum area is called a pilonidal cyst, which is a sac filled with hair, skin, and other debris. It typically forms at the bottom of the coccyx, and is often caused by a hair that becomes lodged inside the skin—becoming extremely painful and uncomfortable." It’s something to sit with.

The answer to this is down to you. "Of course, the best method for removing bum hair depends on personal preference and individual comfort levels," Carswell says. "Some common methods for bum hair removal include trimming, shaving, hair removal creams, waxing, and laser hair removal."

There are other reasons that certain methods might be better suited to you than others. "Before trying any new hair removal product or method, it's crucial to consider your skin type, potential allergies and seek advice from a dermatologist or healthcare professional if you have any concerns," adds Carswell. "Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene and using gentle skincare products can help prevent irritation after hair removal."

Once more, this will depend. ‘Bum hair, like other body hair, will eventually grow back after removal," notes Carswell. "However, the speed of regrowth can vary from person to person, but it generally follows a similar pattern as other body hair."

That being said, the good news is that it isn’t as speedy as other places. "It’s often slower compared to other hair on the body, especially facial hair," notes Terling. Indeed, she says you can usually expect it to have grown back within six to eight weeks.

This is an option that comes with less pain than waxing. "Hair removal creams will dissolve the hair shaft, and can then be easily wiped away," explains Carswell.

However, there is a risk that they can trigger sensitivity in this area. "While you can use hair removal cream in the bum area, it's essential to read the product instructions carefully and do a patch test first to check for any adverse reactions," she adds.

You can also skip the pain of waxing and also avoid the sensitivity risk of creams by grabbing your razor—but there are some downsides to take into account. "Shaving safely with the obvious lack of sight can be tricky," warns Smith. "Plus, it can leave you feeling a bit itchy." There’s also, on top of this, the risk of more frequent regrowth. 

However, Terling notes that there are ways you can reduce itchiness and irritation in this case. "Make sure to take it slow—it can be a sensitive area so this is not the time to rush," she explains. "Wearing tight clothes or underwear can cause a little friction, so try to keep your clothing loose for the next 24 hours."

If you’d rather tackle your bum hair less frequently, then there is a solution for long-lasting results. "Laser hair removal can be effective for a semi-permanent reduction," says Carswell. "It targets hair follicles with laser energy to inhibit future hair growth."

However, it's essential to seek professional treatment for this delicate area. "Additionally, as with all laser treatments, the success is dependent on the color of the hair—so it could potentially be more expensive if you have lighter hair," adds Smith.

For those happy to endure a brief moment of discomfort, waxing has many benefits. "I’m a huge advocate of this for hair removal," says Smith. "It is the safest option, will be over in seconds—since, as the hair is finer, it’s not too painful to pull out—and will leave you hair-free for a long time." This is because it removes hair from the roots.

While you can wax at home using pre-made waxing strips, one of the simplest ways to wax this area is with the help of a professional. If you go for a bikini wax at a salon, then you just need to tweak your booking. "Make sure you avoid heat and friction for 24 to 48 hours after you’ve left the salon," adds Smith. 

As you can imagine, it’s important to be particularly cautious with this body area. "When using any product in the bum area, it's essential to avoid applying them too close to sensitive areas or mucous membranes," notes Carswell.

She adds: "Harsh or irritating chemicals should be avoided to prevent skin irritation. Always follow the instructions on the product label and consider doing a patch test before applying any new product."