How to Shave Genital Hair (Male)

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The feeling of a sharp razor getting close to a sensitive area can be intimidating, but shaving will leave you with a clean and smooth private part of your body hair routine. We’ll walk you through the steps of trimming pubic hair with an electric trimmer, followed by shaving of your penis and scrotum so you can shave properly and easily, from prep to post-shave.

Table of Contents

Men’s pubic hair trimmer

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Use the lowest gauge of the electric trimmer. Hair trimmers are also available, but trimmers are smaller and easier to control for sensitive areas like pubic hair. The lowest trimmer allows you to cut hair short to 3mm or less. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Never shave your pubic hair without trimming it short first – stiff, frizzy hairs will get caught in the razor blade and will be painful to pull out!
If you only need to trim your pubic hair (not shave), you can use a higher trimmer if you prefer.
For a closer trim, you may not want to use a trimmer, but doing so increases the risk of cuts, irritation, and infection. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Move the trimmer on the pubic area around the genitals. Standing upright, hold the trimmer with your dominant hand, pulling the penis and scrotum away with the other hand if necessary. Trim pubic hair in the direction of hair growth – usually downward in the pubic area above the penis. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You can also use your non-dominant hand to stretch the skin while trimming – this will make trimming easier.
It’s usually easier to rest one foot on a chair, on the toilet lid, or on the side of the bathtub.

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Carefully trim the hair on the scrotum and penis. After trimming the pubic hair around the genitals, insert the trimmer very slowly over the shaft of the penis (if necessary) to trim the hair there. Use your non-dominant hand to trace each area of the scrotum one at a time and carefully trim the hair on that area. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

When trimming the scrotum, try to stretch and flatten the skin with your other hand, otherwise the loose skin on the scrotum could get caught in the blade and cut!
It may be easier to trim the hair while the penis is erect.

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Use a comb and scissors if you don’t have a trimmer. Starting at the outer corner of the pubic area, insert the comb teeth into a small area of hair. Cut in the opposite direction of hair growth and hold the comb close to the skin. Use sharp scissors to cut the hairs sticking out of the comb teeth, then move to another area and continue cutting. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Do the same as above to trim the hair on the scrotum and penis.
Sharp scissors are more effective at this step, but you need to be very careful not to cut the skin and avoid infection. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
Don’t use combs and scissors to trim the pubic hair for other things, and then remember to wipe it thoroughly with alcohol to reduce the risk of STIs and other infections.

Shave and trim pubic hair

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Soak in a warm bath for about 5 minutes. Warm water will soften the skin and hair, making it easier for the razor blade to glide over the skin and cut each hair close to the root. A warm shower is fine, but soaking in the tub is most effective. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Soaking for longer than 10 minutes can also cause the skin to swell and make it harder to shave.
Soak in the bath after trimming pubic hair with an electric trimmer.

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Rub shaving cream into the pubic area. You can use shaving cream or shaving gel that specializes in body shaving or regular shaving cream. Use your hands to massage the cream into the hair 1-2 minutes. Rub the cream into the pubic area to soften the hair and lubricate the skin. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

You can also use a special brush to apply shaving cream. However, do not use this brush to rub the cream on your face to reduce the risk of STIs or other infections.

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Shave around the genitals with smooth, even movements. Stand in the bathtub or somewhere where you can take turns with one leg up for easy access to the area to be shaved. Hold a clean, sharp razor with your dominant hand, and use the other hand to hold the genitals to shave the hair around the penis and scrotum. Press evenly to slide the razor in the direction of hair growth. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Rinse the razor in clean water after every 2-3 strokes, making sure the blade is clean of hair and shaving cream.
Using a blunt razor also means you have to press harder, which makes it easier to cut your skin and irritate it. Choose a new, sharp razor blade, and do not use this razor to shave your face or other areas of skin.

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Stretch the skin for a closer shave, but be careful not to cut the skin or cause irritation. Use your free hands to stretch the skin around the genitals for less tripping and a closer shave. However, stretching the skin also increases the risk of irritation and clefting, which can lead to infection. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Shaving close to the skin around the genitals can also put you at risk for STIs, such as genital herpes, which are spread through an open wound that you don’t even know you have. ^{[11] X Research Source}
In general, if you don’t mind having a short, fuzzy undercoat, don’t try to shave very close.

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Shave the scrotum and penis area carefully and only when necessary. These areas are very sensitive and difficult to shave without scratching the skin. If you decide to shave your penis and scrotum, use your free hands to flatten small areas of skin and make smooth, even strokes – press gently if necessary. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Unless you absolutely must shave “that place,” you should only use the trimmer to trim hair on the penis and scrotum.
Wondering if you should shave your penis? Shaving is a personal choice, so it’s entirely up to you. About 19% of men prefer a smooth vagina. 24% of women say they prefer a hairless partner, while 60% of men say they prefer a hairless partner. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Wash and dry the skin, then apply a soothing lotion or cream. Wash the intimate area after shaving with plenty of warm water, then pat dry with a soft towel. Next, you’ll apply aftershave lotion or cream, which is mild, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free to help reduce the risk of irritation or inflammation. ^{[14] X Research Source}

You can also try using aloe vera or baby oil in place of your aftershave lotion. ^{[15] X Research Source}
If you have a rash or itching, soak in a warm bath for 5-10 minutes at least once a day, pat dry and apply lotion after each soak. If necessary, ask your doctor about over-the-counter topical medications (such as hydrocortisone cream), or schedule an appointment.
See your doctor right away if you have a severe rash, oozing pus, bleeding sores, and/or fever.

Other options for men’s pubic hair removal

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Use an over-the-counter hair removal cream only if it says it’s for pubic hair. Hair removal creams use chemicals to melt hair and not all are safe for sensitive skin areas such as the intimate area. If the product says it’s safe for genitals, you can use it according to the individual product’s instructions. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Hair removal creams can give you smoother skin than when you shave, but the hair will start to grow back in about the same time – usually a few days.
If there’s a lot of redness and swelling, you’re probably allergic to the hair removal cream. Please discontinue use and contact your doctor.

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Use a professional waxing service for longer lasting results. Waxing removes hair from the root, which means new hair will take a longer time to grow back – about 1-2 weeks or more. However, waxing causes mild to moderate pain, especially if you do it at home. To avoid this, you can go to a salon that has a private hair removal service. ^{[17] X Research Source}

To reduce the risk of infection, you need to make sure the salon uses fresh wax and clean tools for each client. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

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Choose laser hair removal for even longer hair regrowth. Laser hair removal destroys each hair follicle, leaving you with smooth skin for weeks or months. However, this method often requires multiple sessions (up to 5 sessions) lasting 1 hour, performed in the clinic of a dermatologist or esthetician. ^{[19] X Research Source}

While laser therapy works for most people, it can also be less effective for your pubic hair.
The procedure can be mildly painful, but is usually less painful than waxing.
You may notice redness and swelling after each treatment session. If necessary, ask about ways to soothe your skin, perhaps by taking a bath or using a soothing lotion.

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Use electrolysis for permanent hair removal. If you want permanent pubic hair that won’t grow back, perhaps electrolysis is worth your time and money. The esthetician uses a needle-like device to destroy each hair at the root. It can take up to 25 sessions to complete, but the root of the hair will be completely destroyed and then no longer grow back. ^{[20] X Research Source}

This method may cause mild pain. You may also experience redness or irritation and need a soothing lotion.
This is probably the most expensive option, especially since it requires repeated visits to the dermatologist (or esthetician) clinic.

Advice

If you plan to reuse the razor blade, dry it thoroughly after shaving. Water that remains on the razor blade will create conditions for rust and bacteria to grow. You need to dry the knife to keep it sharp and clean for a long time. When it’s time to shave again, you should disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol and rinse it with water before you begin.

Warning

Don’t do this just because you think your partner likes it. Only shave your pubic area when you want to, not for others. You can consult your partner because some people don’t like the smooth genital area, even lose interest, but in the end it is up to you to decide where and when to shave.
Do not have sex immediately after shaving.
Don’t shave before exercising. Not only does sweat irritate the skin, but friction when running or exercising also causes further irritation.
If your skin breaks, you need to abstain from sex until it heals. If you or your partner have an STI, you and your partner can infect each other. In addition, any bacteria or virus (not just related to sexually transmitted diseases) can infect a wound. Even if you use a condom, it can cause irritation and scarring. ^{[21] X Research Source}
Check for painful skin nodules after shaving. This is probably an ingrown hair. It’s nothing to worry about, but it should be checked by a doctor to prevent infection and make sure it’s not a sexually transmitted disease. ^{[22] X Research Source}

Steps

Men’s pubic hair trimmer

Shave and trim pubic hair

Other options for men’s pubic hair removal

Advice

Warning

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