How to Get Rid of Gray or White Body Hair

Last Updated: February 17, 2022 References

Gray or white body hair is a natural part of growing older. But that doesn't mean you have to accept it! If you just have a few stray gray or white hairs, you can perform some easy, quick fixes. Or if you're looking for a more dramatic result, you can get rid of gray or white body hair by either removing it or dyeing it. In either case, you can safely, swiftly, and effectively make your gray or white body hair a thing of the past.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Quick Fixes

1
Trim the hair with nail scissors. If you have noticed a few stray gray/white hairs on your body, your first impulse might be to pluck them out. Instead of plucking--which can cause swelling, redness, and patchy regrowth--use a pair of nail scissors to trim any gray/white hairs down close to the skin.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you do choose to use tweezers, be sure to steady them at the base of the hair, grip carefully, and pull in a swift motion. Your goal is to remove the hair root and not break the hair in the process.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Melissa Jannes
  Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.}
2
Use an electric trimmer. Another quick option is to use an electric trimming device. This is a great option if you need to do more than snip individual hairs and you think a good trim will effectively disguise your gray. Any electric clipper with a plastic guard can be used, although devices made specifically for beards or body hair may give you better control.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- This is also good to do prior to shaving, if you have a lot of hair to trim down before removing it completely.
- Don't use an electric trimmer prior to waxing.
Advertisement
3
Spot color individual hairs. If you only have a few gray/white hairs to cover, you may be able to spot color them. Try using an eyelash or eyebrow tint product. You could also try using a hair root touch up product. Simply apply either product to the specific gray/white hairs, wait the specified amount of time (see instructions), and rinse.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Most of these types of products come premixed. However, for some kits, you may need to mix the color and developer. Simply follow the instructions provided.
- Any of these products might tingle. If you feel severe burning, rinse the product off right away.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Shaving or Waxing Your Body Hair

1
Exfoliate. If you are are planning to fully remove your body hair--either by shaving or waxing--it is important to exfoliate the area both before and after the process. In the shower, using a loofa or washcloth and a cream cleanser, massage the area with circular motions.
- This makes both hair removal methods more effective, reduces skin irritation, and significantly reduces instances of ingrown hairs.
- Between shaving/waxing, continue to exfoliate every few days.
2
Apply shaving cream in the shower. If you plan to remove your gray/white body hair at home, shaving is the classic option. In order to do this, take a hot shower to open your pores and dampen the area you plan to shave. Then apply a thin layer of shaving cream to the area.
- Shaving can be done on your chest, pubic area, or practically anywhere else on your body.
3
Run the razor across your skin. Carefully move your razor across the surface of your skin to remove the hair. Begin by moving the razor in the direction the hair is growing (to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs). If this does not accomplish a close enough shave, you may try moving against the grain.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Shaving needs to be repeated around once a week.
4
Weigh the pros and cons of waxing. The longest lasting way to remove gray/white hair from your body is to visit a salon and have it professionally waxed.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} Some people swear by waxing, while others do not enjoy it. Weigh the benefits against the concerns, and decide if professional waxing is right for you.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Some concerns with waxing include: the pain involved (which varies for individuals), the cost (if done professionally), and various skin reactions (especially for those with sensitive skin).
- Some benefits to waxing include: a longer-lasting result (usually around 6 weeks between touch-ups), softer regrowth, and greater ability to shape your body hair in a way that obscures your gray/white hair as opposed to removing it all.
- Waxing also lessens your chances of getting ingrown hairs.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Melissa Jannes
  Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.}
5
Prepare your wax at home. If you’d like to wax your body hair at home, you can purchase a home waxing kit. Choose between a traditional wax kit (which uses cloth strips) and a hard wax kit (in which the wax hardens and is removed without cloth). Prepare the wax according the the instructions.
- Traditional waxing is best for legs, arms, chest, and underarms.
- Hard wax works best for coarse pubic hair.
- Most wax can be prepared with on your stove or in your microwave.
6
Wax your hair at home. Apply hot wax to your skin using the wooden stick provided. Then, if you are using a traditional waxing kit, press a cloth strip onto the wax, wait 10 seconds. If you are using hard wax, simply apply the wax and wait 15 seconds for it to harden. Then pull off either the cloth strip or the hardened wax, in the direction opposite the hair growth.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Repeat this until all unwanted hair is removed.
- Oil can help remove any leftover wax by reducing the stickiness of the wax. Once all the residue is gone, wash away the oil with dish soap.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Melissa Jannes
  Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.}
7
Visit a salon if you’d prefer a professional.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} Perform an internet search (or make a few phone calls) to locate a salon in your area, and make an appointment.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.} The esthetician (professional waxer) will apply hot wax to the area, then--if they are using traditional wax--they will press a rectangular piece of cloth onto the wax. After 10-15 seconds, the esthetician will swiftly remove either the rectangle of cloth or the hardened wax, taking the hair off with it.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- They will repeat this method until all of the desired hair is removed.
8
Moisturize. After removing the hair (using the method of your choice), you will want to apply a gentle moisturizer. Use a product intended for use on your face. This helps to keep the skin smooth.
- Between shaving/waxing continue to apply moisturizer every few days.
- Avoid over-moisturizing, as this can clog your pores.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dyeing Your Body Hair

1
Purchase a body hair dye product. Hair dye intended for use on your head is too harsh to be used on your chest or pubic area. Instead, purchase a product created specifically for body hair.
- These products can be found at beauty supply stores or online.
- Most of these products are marketed toward women, and advertised for used on pubic hair. These products are also safe for men to use, and can be used on any body hair (including chests and beards).
- Many body hair dye products are available in both "natural colors" (like blond, black, and auburn), and "fun colors" (like pink, red, and blue). Choose the color that best matches your natural color, or opt for something a little funky.
2
Mix the developer and color. Body hair dye (just like dye for your head) will come in two parts: color and developer. Following the instructions included with your dye, mix these two products together.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Mix these products in a non-metallic/non-ceramic bowl, or in the container provided.
- Do this in a well-ventilated area.
- You may want to wear rubber gloves.
3
Apply petroleum jelly around the area you plan to color. Any type of dye product has the potential to stain your skin. To prevent this, apply some petroleum jelly (not included in the kit) to the area around the hair you plan to dye.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Dye will potentially stain anything it comes into contact with. Use old towels to protect your bathroom floor and counter, and use an old washcloth to wash away dye.
4
Apply this mixture to the hair you'd like to color. Using either the wand provided or a small hair dye applicator brush, carefully apply the color to the area you'd like to dye. If you get some on your skin, simply wipe it away with a damp, soapy cloth.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- You can purchase a hair dye applicator brush at beauty supply stores or online.
5
Wait 15-20 minutes. For blond, light brown, and red color tones, leave the product on for 15 minutes. For dark brown, black, and bold colors, leave the product on for 20 minutes. Set a timer for yourself.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- While you wait, you may want to apply a piece of plastic wrap to the hair dye area.
- You can intensify the power of the hair dye by applying heat from a blow-dryer.
- The dye may tingle a bit. However, if you feel a painful burning sensation, remove the dye immediately.
6
Rinse off dye and wash the area with soap. After waiting the appropriate amount of time, get into the shower and rinse the dye from your hair until the water runs clear. Then wash the area with soap and water to remove any excess dye from your skin.^{[18]
X
Research source}

Warnings

Laser removal is no longer effective once hair loses its pigment. Don't waste money on this option.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Home waxing is much harder than it looks. This method is not recommended.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0