How to Shave Your Butt Safely Without Razor Burn

How Do I Shave My Buttocks?

Having hair on your buttocks — including the area around the anus — is completely normal. If you buy into evolutionary science, you already know that millions of years ago, humans were a much furrier species. We’re less hairy than our primate ancestors, but plenty of us still carry a healthy amount of hair south of the belt.

Body hair does serve a purpose. It helps regulate temperature, and the hair on your backside acts as a small buffer against friction and chafing. That may be part of why this particular area of skin is so sensitive — it’s genuinely delicate territory, and it deserves a careful, well-informed approach rather than a rushed one.

I started writing about this topic because male grooming and personal appearance come up regularly with my clients — particularly athletes and bodybuilders who want to remove body hair for competition, and guys who simply want it gone for their own comfort and confidence.

Related: How to shave your pubic area for men

Rather than fielding the same questions over email, I decided to put the research in one place, written the way I’d actually explain it to a client. This is a men’s blog, and I promised readers early on that I wasn’t going to hold anything back — including topics most sites won’t touch.

I’ve been writing about men’s grooming and wellness for years, and this guide has been updated to reflect current products, current safety guidance, and a few more options than “grab a razor and hope for the best.”

Why Do Guys Shave Their Buttocks?

Plenty of men are perfectly happy with their natural body hair, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But a lot of guys want to feel smoother “back there,” and the reasons tend to fall into a few categories.

For bodybuilders, athletes, and anyone who trains hard, less hair often means less trapped sweat and less odor — something anyone who hits the gym regularly already understands. For others, it’s about a partner’s preference, similar to how some guys keep a clean-lined goatee because their partner likes it. And for some men, it’s simply about feeling clean, fresh, and put-together — the same reasoning that leads guys to trim other parts of the body to show off muscle definition or tattoo work.

There’s also a practical, non-cosmetic reason a lot of men don’t talk about: hygiene. Excess hair in this area can trap moisture and sweat, which creates the kind of warm, damp environment bacteria and yeast tend to thrive in. Removing or trimming that hair can make it easier to stay clean and dry, particularly for men who sweat heavily during the day or spend a lot of time in athletic gear.

Whatever your reason, the goal of this guide is the same: help you do it safely, with the right tools, so you don’t end up dealing with razor burn, ingrown hairs, or worse.

Buttocks Shaving: What Supplies Do I Need?

It might seem like all you need is a decent razor, but a proper, low-irritation buttocks shave actually calls for a small kit. Here’s everything on the list before we walk through the steps.

Electric Body Groomer

Your first tool should be an electric body groomer. You’ll use it to shave the round, outer part of the buttocks — the “cheeks” — before you ever pick up a manual razor. An electric groomer is faster, more forgiving on curved terrain, and lower-risk than going straight in with a blade. It should not be used directly around the anus; save that area for the manual razor step later.

Mangroomer Platinum Pro Body Groomer

The Mangroomer Platinum Pro is one of the best-known names in this space for a reason. Its shock-absorber flex neck follows the natural curve of your body, which matters a lot when you’re working around the contours of the buttocks. It’s fully waterproof, works wet or dry, and doubles as a groomer for your back, chest, underarms, and groin — so it’s not a single-purpose purchase.

It’s a longtime bestseller on Amazon, and the current Platinum Pro generation offers multiple trimmer settings, so you can dial in exactly how much length you want to leave behind rather than going straight to skin.

Detail Trimmer

If you don’t have a lot of hair back there, or you’d rather concentrate on the area immediately around the anus without a blade, a smaller detail trimmer is a smart addition. The ConairMAN Cordless 2-Blade Personal Trimmer is compact, travel-friendly, and built with two blade widths so you can handle broader trimming and finer detail work with the same tool.

A lot of guys pair this with the Mangroomer above — the body groomer for the cheeks, the detail trimmer for anything closer or more sensitive. It’s also the safer option if the manual-razor step later in this guide feels like more than you want to take on.

Manual Razor

There’s no getting around it: if you want a genuinely smooth result, you’ll need a good manual razor for the final pass. Go with a high-quality, multi-blade razor rather than a bargain-bin disposable. A five-blade cartridge system like Gillette Fusion5 is a solid, widely available choice that catches hair other razors miss on the first pass, which matters when you’re trying to minimize the number of passes over sensitive skin.

Buying replacement cartridges in bulk online is usually cheaper than picking them up one at a time at the drugstore, and you’ll go through them faster than you would shaving your face, since you should never reuse a blade in this area (more on that below).

Shaving Gel or Cream for Sensitive Skin

A good shaving cream is arguably the single most important item on this list — it’s what stands between your razor and a bad case of razor burn. Anthony’s Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin is formulated with squalane, eucalyptus, and rosemary extract, and it’s free of parabens and other common irritants. It’s easy to apply, rinses off cleanly (which matters when you’re checking your work in a mirror), and works well on skin that isn’t used to being shaved.

Shaving Mirror

You can’t shave what you can’t see, and a handheld mirror is non-negotiable for the crack area later in this guide. Any basic handheld mirror from a drugstore or big-box retailer will do the job. Check your bathroom cabinets first — there’s a decent chance one is already in the house.

Post-Shave Antiseptic

A lot of guys avoid shaving this area because they’re worried about irritation or infection — and that’s a fair concern if you skip this step. Shaving with a dirty razor and skipping antiseptic afterward is genuinely asking for trouble.

To cut down on irritation and lower your infection risk, use a witch hazel-based or alcohol-free post-shave antiseptic spray afterward. Look for one that’s marketed for sensitive or intimate skin rather than a standard aftershave, since standard aftershave products are often too harsh (and too alcohol-heavy) for this part of the body.

Body Powder and Exfoliating Cloth

Two more items round out the kit. A talc-free body powder helps keep the area dry and comfortable after shaving, which matters more here than almost anywhere else on the body — moisture and friction are exactly what you’re trying to avoid post-shave. Gold Bond’s Ultimate Comfort Body Powder with Aloe is a widely available, talc-free option built for exactly this kind of use.

An exfoliating cloth or mitt is your best defense against ingrown hairs down the road. Regular gentle exfoliation — a couple of times a week, not daily — clears away the dead skin cells that trap regrowing hair beneath the surface, which is the single biggest cause of the itchy red bumps that make people swear off shaving this area entirely.

Prepping Your Skin Before You Start

Good prep work does more for your end result than any single tool on this list. Give yourself 20 to 30 uninterrupted minutes — this isn’t a step to rush through before you’re already running late. Make sure the bathroom is warm; shaving in a cold bathroom tightens the skin and makes hair stand less upright, which works against you.

If it’s your first time shaving this area, do a quick patch test with your shaving cream on your inner forearm the day before, just to rule out a reaction to the product itself. It only takes a minute and can save you from discovering a sensitivity in the worst possible spot.

Lay out everything from your checklist within arm’s reach before you get in the shower: groomer, razor, gel, mirror, antiseptic, powder, and towel. Hunting for a dropped razor mid-shave is how nicks happen.

Step 1: Take a Hot Shower

Start with a warm-to-hot shower and a good antibacterial soap. Thoroughly clean the entire buttocks area, including around the anus. Warm water softens hair and opens pores, which makes for a noticeably closer, less irritating shave.

Skip the bath for this step. If you’re sitting in bathwater with soap dissolved in it, you’re not actually rinsing bacteria away — you’re soaking in it. A shower is the more sanitary choice, full stop.

Step 2: Shave the Cheeks with a New Razor

Open a fresh razor. Never shave this area with a used blade — a dull or previously-used razor drags instead of cutting cleanly, and it raises your risk of a bacterial infection like staph. Rinsing an old blade under alcohol or soapy water does not reliably kill that risk. Start fresh.

Under the hot shower, apply a small amount of shaving gel to one cheek at a time. Shave in an upward motion, against the direction of hair growth — bottom to top — working in sections. Most guys need four or five sections per side, depending on size.

Rinse the razor under the showerhead after every single pass. You don’t need to press hard; a gentle, slow, low-pressure stroke is what actually prevents cuts and nicks. Pressing harder does not get you a closer shave — it just increases irritation.

Step 3: Shave Between the Cheeks with a Second New Razor

Once the cheeks are done, move on to the area between them. This is the most technically demanding part of the process, so use a second fresh razor — the one you were using for the cheeks is already dulled and clogged.

Get the area thoroughly wet in the shower and apply a small amount of gel. Then step out of the shower, place your handheld mirror flat on the floor, and crouch over it so you can actually see what you’re doing.

Working slowly and with very light pressure, shave the hair around this area. Take your time — this is not a step to rush. If a blade this close to the anus feels like more risk than you want to take on, switch to the detail trimmer instead. A slightly less complete result is a much better trade than a cut in a spot that’s genuinely difficult to treat.

Step 4: Rinse Off

Once you’re satisfied with the result, step back into the shower and rinse thoroughly. Use antibacterial soap again to clean out any newly opened hair follicles. A cool-water rinse at the end helps close pores and calm the skin.

Step 5: Pat Dry

Grab a clean, dry towel and gently pat the area dry. Don’t rub — freshly shaved skin is more sensitive than usual, and rubbing motions can cause irritation you’d otherwise avoid entirely.

Step 6: Apply Antiseptic

Apply your post-shave antiseptic liberally. A brief tingling sensation is normal; if it’s genuinely painful, you’re either using a product that’s too harsh for this area or you have some irritation that needs a break from shaving. Test a small amount first if you’re using a new product for the first time.

Step 7: Apply Body Powder

Once the antiseptic has fully dried, apply a light dusting of body powder. You don’t need much — just enough for even coverage.

For the first week after shaving, use the powder daily. It helps keep the area dry and comfortable while your skin adjusts, and reduces the friction and moisture buildup that leads to irritation.

What to Expect the First Time

Your first attempt will almost certainly take longer than every attempt after it — plan on 30 to 45 minutes rather than the 10 to 15 minutes a maintenance shave eventually takes once you know your own contours. Some mild redness immediately afterward is normal and typically fades within an hour or two; it’s a sign of freshly exposed skin and gentle irritation from the blade, not necessarily a problem.

It’s also normal for hair to grow back with a slightly different texture the first few times — often a bit coarser or more upright — before settling into a more predictable pattern with regular maintenance. This is the same regrowth pattern you’d notice shaving any other part of the body for the first time, and it’s not a sign anything went wrong.

Aftercare: The First 48 Hours Matter Most

Most irritation shows up in the first day or two after shaving, so treat that window with a little extra care. Wear loose, breathable underwear rather than anything tight or synthetic — cotton is your friend here. Skip intense workouts or anything that causes heavy sweating in the first 24 hours if you can help it, since sweat trapped against freshly shaved skin is a common trigger for irritation and folliculitis.

Starting on day three or four, light exfoliation two to three times a week will do more than anything else to keep regrowth from turning into ingrown hairs. Use your exfoliating cloth with a gentle circular motion, and follow up with a light, unscented moisturizer if the skin feels dry or tight. Most guys find that maintenance shaves every one to two weeks keep things manageable without constantly re-irritating the same skin.

Common Mistakes That Cause Irritation

A few habits are responsible for the majority of bad experiences guys report with this kind of shaving. Here’s what to avoid.

Alternatives to Shaving

Shaving isn’t the only option, and it’s worth knowing the alternatives if a razor isn’t the right fit for your skin or your patience level.

Trimming only. If full smoothness isn’t the goal, an electric groomer set to a longer guard length gets you tidy without the irritation risk of a blade. This is the lowest-maintenance, lowest-risk option on this list.

Depilatory cream. Chemical hair removal creams dissolve hair at the surface rather than cutting it, which some guys find gentler than a blade. That said, this is genuinely delicate skin, so always patch-test on your inner forearm 24 hours before using any depilatory product back there, and follow the product’s timing instructions exactly — leaving it on too long is a common cause of chemical burns.

Professional waxing. Waxing pulls hair from the root, which means smoother results for longer and, over time, finer regrowth. It’s also more painful and carries its own ingrown-hair risk, so this is best left to a professional esthetician who has experience with this specific area rather than attempted at home.

Laser hair removal. For guys who want a long-term solution, laser treatment at a licensed clinic offers the most durable results, typically requiring several sessions spaced weeks apart. It’s the most expensive option upfront but the lowest-maintenance option over time, and unlike shaving, it doesn’t carry ongoing nick or ingrown-hair risk once treatment is complete.

Buttocks Shaving Video

For a visual walkthrough of body grooming technique, this video covers some useful additional context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for men to shave their buttocks?

Yes, for most men it’s safe when done with a clean razor, proper lubrication, and antiseptic aftercare. Men with hemorrhoids, skin conditions, or existing irritation in the area should check with a doctor first.

How often should I shave this area?

Most men find every one to two weeks works well for maintenance, giving skin time to recover between shaves and reducing the chance of irritation from over-shaving.

Should I use an electric trimmer or a manual razor?

Both, ideally at different stages. An electric groomer handles the cheeks efficiently and safely; a manual razor gets you closer for the final result. If you’re not comfortable using a blade near the anus, an electric trimmer alone is a perfectly reasonable choice.

How do I prevent ingrown hairs after shaving?

Exfoliate two to three times a week starting a few days after shaving, avoid tight clothing that traps regrowing hair against the skin, and always shave with a sharp blade in the direction of hair growth rather than against it.

Why does my skin itch a few days after shaving?

Itching during regrowth is common and usually means hair is growing back in and occasionally curling beneath the surface. Gentle exfoliation and a light, unscented moisturizer usually resolve it. Persistent itching, redness, or pus-filled bumps can indicate folliculitis, which is worth a quick check with a doctor.

What’s the best shaving cream for sensitive skin in this area?

Look for a fragrance-free or lightly scented cream formulated specifically for sensitive skin, free of common irritants like added dyes and harsh sulfates. A cushioning, non-foaming gel tends to perform better here than a heavily foaming cream.

Can I use the same razor for my face and my buttocks?

No. Keep a dedicated razor for this area, clearly separated from your facial razor, both for hygiene reasons and because a blade used on coarser body hair dulls faster and shouldn’t go anywhere near your face afterward.

Is it normal for the skin to feel raw or tender after shaving?

Mild tenderness for a few hours is normal, especially the first time. Ongoing pain, swelling, or tenderness that lasts more than a day usually means the skin was over-worked — too many passes, too much pressure, or too little lubrication — and is a sign to ease off technique next time and let the area fully heal before shaving again.

Do I need to shave in the shower, or can I do it at the sink?

The shower is strongly recommended for this area. Warm running water keeps skin soft and hair pliable throughout the process, rinses your razor clean between passes, and is simply more hygienic than working at a sink for a part of the body this close to the anus.

Buttocks Shaving Poll

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Related Reading

If you’re building out a full body-grooming routine, these guides pair well with this one:

• How to Shave Your Pubic Area for Men
• Short Beard Styles and Goatees in 5 Easy Steps
• What Is Aftershave and How Do You Use It?

Body grooming is a personal choice, not an obligation — do what makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, and take the time to do it safely if you decide it’s for you.