Buzz
The thought of bringing a sharp razor close to such a sensitive area might seem daunting, but shaving can result in a clean and smooth intimate region as part of your body grooming routine. We’ll walk you through the steps of trimming your pubic hair with an electric trimmer, followed by shaving the penis and scrotum, ensuring you can shave correctly and effortlessly, from preparation to post-shave skincare.
Steps
Trimming Pubic Hair for Men
Use the lowest guard setting on an electric trimmer. Hair clippers can also work, but a dedicated trimmer is smaller and easier to handle for sensitive areas like the pubic region. The lowest guard setting allows you to cut hair to 3mm or shorter.
- Never shave pubic hair without trimming it first – coarse, curly hairs can get caught in the razor and cause significant pain when pulled out!
- If you only want to trim (not shave), you can use a higher guard setting if preferred.
- For a closer trim, you can skip the guard, but this increases the risk of nicks, irritation, and infection.
Move the trimmer over the pubic hair around the genital area. Stand straight, hold the trimmer with your dominant hand, and use the other hand to pull the penis and scrotum away if needed. Trim the pubic hair in the direction of growth – typically downward for the hair above the penis.
- You can also use your non-dominant hand to stretch the skin while trimming – this makes the process easier.
- Placing one foot on a chair, toilet lid, or bathtub edge often helps.
Carefully trim the hair on the scrotum and penis. After trimming the pubic hair around the genital area, slowly guide the trimmer over the shaft of the penis (if needed) to trim hair there. Use your non-dominant hand to expose one area of the scrotum at a time and carefully trim the hair.
- When trimming the scrotum, try to stretch and flatten the skin with your other hand, as loose skin can get caught in the blades and cause cuts!
- Trimming while the penis is erect may be easier.
Use a comb and scissors if you don’t have a trimmer. Start from the outer edge of the pubic area, inserting the comb teeth into a small section of hair. Cut against the direction of hair growth, keeping the comb close to the skin. Use sharp scissors to trim the hairs above the comb teeth, then move to another section and repeat.
- Follow the same method to trim hair on the scrotum and penis.
- Sharp scissors are more effective here, but you must be very careful to avoid cutting the skin and prevent infections.
- Do not use the same comb and scissors for other purposes, and clean them thoroughly with alcohol to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and other diseases.
Shaving and Trimming Pubic Hair
Soak in a warm bath for about 5 minutes. Warm water softens the skin and hair, making it easier for the razor to glide and cut hairs close to the root. A warm shower also works, but a bath is most effective.
- Soaking for more than 10 minutes can cause the skin to swell, making shaving harder.
- Take a bath after trimming pubic hair with an electric trimmer.
Apply shaving cream to the pubic area. You can use a specialized body shaving cream or gel, or even regular shaving cream. Use your hands to massage the cream into the hair for 1-2 minutes. This softens the hair and lubricates the skin.
- You can also use a dedicated shaving brush to apply the cream. However, avoid using the same brush for facial shaving to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections or other contagious diseases.
Shave around the genital area with smooth, even strokes. Stand in the bathtub or somewhere you can prop one leg up for better access. Hold a clean, sharp razor with your dominant hand, and use the other hand to hold the genitals steady. Shave around the penis and scrotum using gentle, consistent pressure, moving the razor in the direction of hair growth.
- Rinse the razor in clean water after every 2-3 strokes to ensure it’s free of hair and shaving cream.
- A dull razor requires more pressure, increasing the risk of cuts and irritation. Always use a new, sharp blade, and avoid using the same razor for your face or other areas.
Stretch the skin for a closer shave, but be cautious to avoid cuts or irritation. Use your free hand to pull the skin taut around the genital area for a smoother shave. However, stretching the skin also increases the risk of irritation and nicks, which can lead to infections.
- Shaving too close in the genital area can also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, which can enter through small cuts you might not even notice.
- If you don’t mind a slight stubble, avoid shaving too close to the skin.
Shave the scrotum and penis carefully and only if necessary. These areas are highly sensitive and prone to cuts. If you decide to shave, use your free hand to flatten small sections of skin and shave with smooth, even strokes – applying light pressure if needed.
- Unless you absolutely prefer a completely smooth look, consider using a trimmer for the penis and scrotum instead.
- Wondering whether to shave your penis? Shaving is a personal choice, so it’s entirely up to you. About 19% of men prefer a completely smooth look, while 24% of women say they prefer a hairless partner, and 60% of men express the same preference.
Rinse and dry the skin, then apply a soothing lotion or moisturizer. Rinse the shaved area thoroughly with warm water, then pat dry with a soft towel. Follow up with a gentle, fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotion or post-shave cream to reduce the risk of irritation or inflammation.
- You can also try aloe vera or baby oil as alternatives to post-shave creams.
- If you experience a rash or itching, soak in a warm bath for 5-10 minutes at least once a day, pat dry, and apply moisturizer after each soak. If needed, consult a doctor about over-the-counter topical treatments (like hydrocortisone cream) or schedule an appointment.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a severe rash, pus, bleeding sores, and/or fever.
Alternative Options for Male Pubic Hair Removal
Use over-the-counter hair removal creams only if labeled safe for the pubic area. These creams use chemicals to dissolve hair, but not all are safe for sensitive skin like the genital region. If the product specifies it’s safe for use on the genitals, follow the instructions provided.
- Hair removal creams can leave your skin smoother than shaving, but hair will grow back in the same timeframe – usually within a few days.
- If you experience significant redness or swelling, you may be allergic to the cream. Discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Opt for professional waxing services for longer-lasting results. Waxing removes hair from the root, meaning it takes longer for hair to regrow – typically 1-2 weeks or more. However, waxing can cause mild to moderate pain, especially if done at home. To avoid this, visit a salon that offers intimate waxing services.
- To reduce the risk of infection, ensure the salon uses fresh wax and clean tools for each client.
Choose laser hair removal for even longer-lasting results. Laser hair removal destroys individual hair follicles, leaving your skin smooth for weeks or even months. However, this method usually requires multiple sessions (up to 5) lasting about an hour each, performed at a dermatologist’s office or by a licensed aesthetician.
- While laser treatment works for most people, it may be less effective on certain types of pubic hair.
- The procedure may cause mild discomfort but is generally less painful than waxing.
- You may experience redness and swelling after each session. If needed, ask about soothing treatments, such as soaking in a bath or applying a calming lotion.
Consider electrolysis for permanent hair removal. If you want pubic hair gone for good, electrolysis might be worth the time and cost. A licensed professional uses a needle-like device to destroy each hair follicle at its root. It may take up to 25 sessions to complete, but once the follicle is destroyed, the hair won’t grow back.
- This method can cause mild pain, and you may experience redness or irritation, requiring soothing creams.
- It’s likely the most expensive option, especially since it requires multiple visits to a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician.
Tips
- If you plan to reuse your razor, ensure it’s thoroughly dried after shaving. Water left on the blade can cause rust and bacteria growth. Keeping the razor dry helps maintain its sharpness and cleanliness over time. When it’s time to shave again, disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol and rinse it with water before starting.
Warnings
- Don’t shave your pubic hair solely because you think your partner prefers it. Only shave if it’s something you want for yourself, not to please someone else. While you can ask for your partner’s opinion, as some people dislike completely smooth skin or even find it unappealing, the final decision on when and where to shave is yours.
- Avoid sexual activity immediately after shaving.
- Don’t shave before exercising. Sweat can irritate the skin, and friction from running or other activities can worsen the irritation.
- If you cut yourself, avoid sexual activity until the wound heals completely. If you or your partner has a sexually transmitted infection, you risk transmitting it. Additionally, any bacteria or virus (not just STI-related) can infect the wound. Even using a condom can cause irritation and scarring.
- Check for painful bumps on the skin after shaving. These might be ingrown hairs. While not usually serious, they should be checked by a doctor to prevent infection and ensure they’re not a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.
