Never shave your pubic hair without trimming it first—the coarse, curly hairs will get caught in the razor and be painfully yanked out! If you only intend to trim (and not shave) your pubic hair, you can use a higher guard setting, if desired. You could remove the guard altogether for an even closer trim, but this increases the chances of nicks, cuts, irritation, and infection. [2] X Research source
You can also use your free hand to pull your skin taut as you work—this may make trimming the hair easier. You may find it easier to work if you put one leg at a time on a chair, the toilet lid, or the side of the tub.
When trimming your scrotum, try to create fairly flat, taut areas of skin with your free hand. Otherwise, it’s possible that your scrotum’s loose skin might get caught in (and be cut by) the clipper blades—ouch! You may find it easier to trim the hair on an erect penis.
Follow the same procedure to trim any hair on your scrotum and penis. Sharp scissors do a much better job here, but you have to be very careful not to cut into the skin—doing so can easily lead to an infection. [6] X Research source Don’t use this comb and scissors for anything else, and clean them thoroughly with rubbing alcohol afterward. This reduces the risk of spreading an STI or other infection.
Soaking for longer than 10 minutes may, in some cases, cause your skin to puff up and make it more difficult to shave. Soak in the tub after you have trimmed your pubic hair with electric grooming clippers.
You can also use a shaving cream applicator brush to work the shaving cream in. However, to reduce the risk of spreading an STI or other infection, don’t use the same brush on your face.
Rinse the razor in clean water after every 2-3 strokes, and make sure the blade is clear of hair and shaving cream. Using a dull razor means you have to apply more pressure, which is more likely to lead to cuts and irritation. Stick with a sharp, fresh razor. Also, don’t use this razor on your face or any other area of your body.
Close shaving on and around your genitals may also increase the chances of spreading STIs—you may, for instance, cut open sores that you don’t even realize you have. [11] X Research source Basically, if you don’t mind having a bit of a “5 o’clock shadow” in your groin area, don’t try to shave as closely as possible.
Unless you’re absolutely determined to be completely smooth “down there,” stick with just using the clippers to trim any hair on your penis and scrotum. Wondering if you should shave your penis? Shaving is a personal choice, so it’s completely up to you. About 19% of men go completely hairless in their pubic area. 24% of women say they prefer a hair-free sexual partner, while 60% of men say they prefer a hair-free sexual partner. [13] X Research source
You can also try using aloe vera or baby oil as aftershave. [15] X Research source If you do develop a rash or itching, soak in a warm tub for 5-10 minutes at least once daily, pat the area dry, and reapply your aftershave after each soak. If needed, contact your doctor for recommendations on OTC topical treatments (like hydrocortisone creams), or schedule a visit. See your doctor right away if you develop a severe rash, oozing, bleeding sores, and/or a fever.
The depilatory may leave you with smoother skin than you can get by shaving, but the hair will begin to grow back within a similar time frame—usually a few days. If you notice a great deal of redness or swelling, you may be allergic to the depilatory. Stop using it and contact your doctor.
To reduce your risk of infection, make sure the salon uses fresh wax and clean equipment for each customer. [18] X Research source
Although laser treatments work well for most people, they may prove ineffective in removing your pubic hair. The procedure may be mildly painful, but likely less so than waxing. You may notice some redness and swelling after each session. If needed, ask for recommendations on soothing the area, possibly by soaking in the tub or applying a soothing balm or lotion.
You may experience mild pain during each session. You might also have temporary redness or irritation, which may require the application of a soothing balm or lotion. This is likely to be the most expensive option, especially since it requires so many visits to a dermatologist (or similar professional) office.
