How to shave your pubic hair

Photos EON Productions

Words Matthieu Morge-Zucconi

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While it's likely that you already have a handle on facial hair, chest hair, and even how often you should cut the hair on your head, it's time to learn about an essential issue: shaving your private parts.

The question has divided men since the dawn of time, without any consensus having appeared - apart from those who have made these private parts a work tool. For some, the idea seems very incongruous, and will be ignored. For others, modernity requires making a certain effort on this point, or even opting for full shaving. While it would undoubtedly be a little presumptuous to invite you to try a clean shave, you should know that a little maintenance can’t do you any harm.

Be careful though: there are a few basic rules to know when it comes to taking care of this particularly sensitive area. It wouldn't occur to you to tackle Everest without preparation, right?

First of all, take the lead

The first step before any business of shaving your private parts is simple. This involves questioning the people who are usually brought to see the said parts. Ask your partner about their preferences, and follow their advice. Some people have nothing against pubic hair, while others particularly like “all shaved”. Adapt. You don't want to risk a scream of horror the moment you take off your underwear, do you?

Of course, the question doesn't arise if you're single. In this case, do whatever you want. Or almost. Please don’t, however, recreate Paul Pogba's pokéball on your pubic hair.

Shaving your bikini line: start with a hot shower

As with your beard or scalp, the first step in shaving pubic hair begins with a hot shower. Hot water softens the hair, making it easier to shave with the razor. You are tackling a fragile area: anything that can make the exercise easier is therefore essential. You can also, if you want to be sure, exfoliate use a gentle exfoliating cleanser, which will lift the hair away from your skin. Then dry your hairs as little as possible, so that you can shave them more effectively than if they were wet.

Prepare yourself: the hardest part is yet to come.

Prepare your tools: clippers, scissors or razor?

The choice of tools to support you in this exercise is particularly important. There are several clans, again: some swear by clippers to remove their pubic hair, while others prefer to cut it with scissors. Others, finally, prefer to take care of it with a razor.

Scissors allow quick trimming, without any particular risk. They are particularly useful if you plan to keep your hair but want a little maintenance. They allow easy pruning.

An electric shaver is the easy choice. It ensures an easy shave but does not shave as close as a traditional razor. Sometimes, the light passage of a clipper is enough to differentiate the well-groomed man from the unkempt, all with little effort. This is the safest technique, and the one we recommend here at Horace.

Some, however, prefer the most difficult exercise, and do it with a razor, allowing a precise but perilous shave. If you opt for this questionable choice, still keep the clipper close at hand. It will be a valuable trimming tool.

When it comes to products, if you plan to use a razor, choose ones suitable for sensitive skin. The skin on your private parts is more sensitive than that on your face. Thus, a moisturizing shaving formula such as a shaving cream for example (rather than a gel) will make it smoother to shave, and also soothe your skin during shaving to avoid burn. It is a safe choice for this perilous exercise. Next, you will need a razor.

If you can of course use your usual safety razor, a razor with several blades could be a good choice here. Do not under any circumstances use a straight razor. Good heaven.

Shave the area for the first time

This step concerns those who have chosen to shave with a razor or clipper. If you have left this area neglected for a long time, do not hesitate to use the clippers for the first time to shorten the hairs before shaving. Just like when you shave a long beard, you trim it with a clipper before getting down to business. This will limit the risk of irritation and razor burn. And cutting. Of course.

Keep skin tight

Tight skin ensures a close shave, which you are probably looking for if you have opted for razor shaving. You will be forced to engage in some acrobatics, but this is essential to ensure precise passage of the razor. Certain areas are particularly difficult to shave: this is the case of the testicles, much more dangerous than the pubic area for example. On this part, tight skin is essential to avoid injury.

Don't flinch

A trembling hand could cause you to make mistakes. Take our word for it: you don't want to cut yourself. Not now. You have chosen the razor. Handle it like an adult. Only teenagers cut themselves while shaving. When using an electric shaver, the risk of cutting yourself is obviously less, but you still have to remain vigilant to prevent things from going wrong. Don't go into this business drunk or first thing in the morning.

The safest way: waxing?

Some say that salon hair removal of this part of the body is one of the least painful for a man. If we have not been able to verify this information, we can only advise you to find a trusted salon and leave your genitals to a professional, especially if you are one of these men choosing the full Brazilian. Don’t forget to leave a tip for the person who had to take care of this dirty job.

Beware of ingrown hairs on the pubis

An ingrown hair in this area could have a tragic outcome, and that’s an understatement. This is definitely the last thing you want to experience. So take care of your skin before and after using a razor. Exfoliate with the right product and use soothing aftershave will help you avoid this problem. Follow our guide to avoiding ingrown hairs. If it works on your face, it will probably work on your testicles.

The final tip on shaving pubic hair

Avoid shaving too closely. Our duty was obviously to inform you how to do this, but we advise you not to play with fire. Or razors. Just as no one can force you to climb Everest, note that no one can decently force you to eradicate all hair marks from your pubic area. You are the only captain on board.

One last thing: never try to write the name of a conquest with a razor on your pubic hair. How old are you, twelve?