Many men and their significant others prefer neatly trimmed or smooth pubic regions. However, shaving this area of the body is a delicate practice and if not done correctly, can result in itching and painful ingrown hairs. The step-by-step tips below will help you achieve a smooth shave and avoid many of the problems associated with shaving the pubic area.
How to Shave Pubic Area for Men Properly
1. Trim the Long Hair
Use a beard or hair trimmer for trimming long hair to less than ¼ inch to make shaving easier. Use a manual razor for shaving, preferably with a double, triple, or quadruple blade, especially on the scrotum. This helps you avoid the pain of the thin, loose skin getting caught in the electric razor. If you prefer to use an electric razor for shaving, avoid the delicate areas and focus on the pubic hair surrounding the penis and scrotum.
2. Find a Proper Position
Just make sure there is plenty of privacy, so you will not be interrupted mid-shave. You can shave in the shower or bathtub, but many men find their bed the most comfortable place for touch-up shaves. It is still a good idea to shave shortly after showering. The warm water softens the skin and makes it easier to get a closer shave. Through trial and error you will find the best shaving location and position for your body.
3. Lather the Area
Shaving cream or shaving gel works best for lathering the pubic area for shaving. You can use soap or shower gel, but it is not as lubricating and can increase the risk of cutting your skin. Avoid menthol or scented shave creams because they can burn newly shaved skin. Antibacterial products minimize irritation and prevent infection in the skin’s pores and hair’s follicles.
4. Begin Shaving
Use short, light strokes. Pull the patch of skin you are shaving taught before applying razor pressure. Shave against the direction of hair growth is smoother than that with the direction, but this may increases the chances of developing ingrown hair and razor bumps, so you need to decide which works best for you.
You can complete the shaving of the area using these three steps:
- Pull the penis downward and shave from where the shaft connects to the body toward the navel.
- Hold the penis to the side and shave from the tops of the thighs toward the penis and along the scrotum.
- Hold the penis upward and shave from the bottom of the shaft down over the scrotum. Take extra care to pull the scrotum taut when shaving its surface.
5. Rinse and Dry
Once you have removed as much public hair as you choose, you can rinse and dry the area. Rinse away the shaving gel or cream and wash the area with a mild soap. Use patting motions with a soft towel to dry the area because rubbing can increase irritation.
6. Moisturize
Finally, you will want to apply antiseptic moisturizer to soothe the freshly shaved skin. Some creams irritate the area, so monitor your skin closely until you find a product that works for you. Aloe gel is often the best option because it is natural and has a soothing effect on skin.
Tips and Warnings for Shaving
1. Avoid Shaving before Workout
If you do exercises after shaving, the saltiness of your sweat can sting freshly shaved skin.
2. Exfoliate before Shaving
Exfoliating the area before shaving can help you get a closer shave. You can exfoliate with a shower scrub, loofah sponge, or pumice stone.
3. Try Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams are a great alternative to shaving the genitals. If you are uncomfortable using a razor near this delicate area, test a small amount of hair removal cream and if your skin reacts positively, you can use these instead of shaving.
4. Clean Razor after Shaving
Rinse your razor after each stroke. If you are not using a disposable razor, make sure the blade is completely dry and clean after each use. Wet razors are breeding grounds for bacteria and they can get dull and rusty. You might also consider sterilizing the blade with rubbing alcohol before each use.
5. Care for Cut
Most cuts from shaving the pubic area are minor. Clean up the cut and place a bandage on the area if necessary. With time, your skin will toughen and cuts will be less frequent.
6. Avoid Sex if Being Cut
If you do cut your skin, avoid sexual activity until your skin heals. Broken skin makes it easier to transmit bacteria and diseases.
Relieve Itching after Shaving Pubic Area
Shaving your pubic area, especially the first few times, can result in tremendous itching. In the days following the shave, hair re-growth can irritate skin. There are several things you can do to minimize itching and discomfort. Each of these remedies can be used immediately after shaving to reduce the risk of irritation and again if irritation should arise.
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Baby oil
- Aloe vera gel
- Colloidal oatmeal bath