Back Brush for Shower
Quick answer: A back brush is a long-handled shower brush that lets you wash and gently exfoliate the middle of your back and other hard-to-reach spots without twisting or straining. Look for a long handle, a gentle head you can swap, and a brush that's easy to rinse and dry. Our pick is the Thin Lizzy Pure Perfection Body Brush, a rechargeable brush with an extended handle and four interchangeable heads.
Most of us can wash everything except that stubborn patch between the shoulder blades. A washcloth only gets you so far, and stiff shoulders make reaching back even harder. A good back brush solves that in seconds, and it's a simple way to make your shower feel a little more like a spa. Here's what a back brush does, what to look for, and how to use and clean one properly.
What Does a Back Brush Do?
- Reaches the hard-to-reach: a long handle gets body wash to the middle of your back, the backs of your legs and your feet without bending or twisting.
- Gentle exfoliation: a soft brushing action lifts away dry, flaky surface skin, so your back feels smoother and looks fresher.
- A cleaner feel: regular brushing helps keep the skin on your back feeling clean and less congested, especially after exercise or a hot day.
- Better lather, less product: a brush head spreads body wash further than your hands, so a little goes a long way.
- A moment of comfort: the brushing feels good, and many people find it a relaxing part of their shower.
Why Your Back Needs a Little Extra Attention
The skin on your back has plenty of oil glands, and it spends the day under clothing, bag straps and sometimes sweat. When it's hard to reach, it's also easy to miss, so dry skin, leftover body wash and oil can build up. Gentle, regular cleansing with a back brush helps your back look smoother and feel fresher. If you have ongoing spots, irritation or a skin concern that doesn't settle, check in with your GP or pharmacist.
What to Look for in a Back Brush
- A long, easy-grip handle: long enough to reach the centre of your back comfortably, with a grip that doesn't slip when wet.
- Interchangeable heads: different textures let you go gentle on your back and a little firmer on rough heels.
- Soft, even bristles: skin on the back can be sensitive, so you want a scrub that feels comfortable, not scratchy.
- Easy to clean and dry: heads that come off make rinsing and air-drying simple, which keeps the brush fresh.
- Manual or rechargeable: a manual brush relies on your arm doing the work. A powered, rechargeable brush does more of the scrubbing for you, which suits anyone with stiff shoulders or limited reach.
Our Pick
Pure Perfection Body Brush (Rechargeable)
Best for: washing and gently exfoliating your back, legs and feet without stretching or straining.
The Pure Perfection Body Brush has an extended handle that helps you reach every part of your body with ease, including the middle of your back. It comes with four interchangeable heads, each with a different feel, so you can choose a softer head for everyday washing or a firmer one for rougher areas. It leaves skin feeling clean and exfoliated, and because it's rechargeable, there are no batteries to replace.
- Extended handle for easy reach
- Four interchangeable heads
- Rechargeable, no batteries needed
- A spa-like experience at home, head to toe
How to Use a Back Brush in the Shower
- Choose your head: pick the softest head for your back and save the firmer textures for feet and elbows.
- Wet the brush and your skin: a wet brush glides more smoothly and feels gentler.
- Add a little body wash: squeeze a small amount onto the brush head or your skin and work up a lather.
- Brush in small circles: start at your shoulders and work down your back, using light pressure. Let the brush do the work.
- Move on to the rest of your body: the long handle also makes it easy to reach your legs and feet.
- Rinse well: rinse your skin, then rinse the brush head thoroughly under running water.
- Moisturise: pat skin dry and apply body lotion while it's still slightly damp, so it feels soft and comfortable.
How Often Should You Use a Back Brush?
For gentle washing, you can use a soft head every day. For exfoliating, two to three times a week is plenty for most people. If your skin feels tight, looks red or stings, ease off the pressure and use it less often. Skip any areas that are sunburnt, broken or irritated, and use the gentlest head if your skin is sensitive.
How to Clean Your Body Brush and Heads
- After every shower: rinse the head under warm running water until it's clear of soap.
- Once a week: take the head off and wash it in warm water with a little mild soap, then rinse well.
- Dry it properly: shake off the excess water and let the head air-dry completely, ideally outside the steamy shower.
- Swap worn heads: if bristles start to splay or the texture wears down, it's time for a fresh head.
Building a full shower routine? See our guide on how to create the perfect shower routine for glowing skin, and our tips on getting a smooth, even glow with body makeup.
What Customers Say
"Works well. Great feeling on scrubbing the back."
Bruno E., verified customer
"We love the body brush. It feels good and reaches my feet and back for a good scrub."
Suzanne G., Thin Lizzy customer
"Very easy to use. Charge lasts for a long time."
Rosemary M., Thin Lizzy customer
Read all Pure Perfection Body Brush reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best back brush for the shower?
Look for a long handle you can hold comfortably, a soft head for your back and heads that come off for cleaning. The Pure Perfection Body Brush has all three, plus four interchangeable heads and a rechargeable design.
Can I use a back brush on the rest of my body?
Yes. The long handle makes it easy to reach your legs and feet too. Use the softest head on delicate areas and keep firmer textures for rough spots such as heels.
How often should I exfoliate my back?
Two to three times a week suits most people. Use light pressure, and ease off if your skin feels tight or looks red.
How do I clean the brush heads?
Rinse after each use, wash the heads in warm water with a little mild soap once a week, and let them air-dry completely before you use them again.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy body brushes in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
A back brush is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your shower. Choose one with a long handle and gentle, swappable heads, use light pressure and keep it clean and dry between uses, and that hard-to-reach spot is sorted.
