How to Shave and Trim Your Pubes Safely for Men

Q: Should I trim first before I shave?

Yes, always. Razors don't handle long hair well, which increases irritation. Trim down to a shorter, even length with an electric trimmer first, then follow up with a manual razor for the final pass.

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Shave Your Pubic Area Men Step by Step

Are you a man trying to figure out how to shave your pubic area? Let’s be honest — the very thought of bringing a sharp instrument anywhere near your privates can cause real anxiety. One wrong move and you can cut yourself. That anxiety is normal, and it’s exactly why a careful, step-by-step approach matters more here than almost anywhere else on the body.

The good news is that with proper preparation, you can shave the hair around your pubic area safely. Done right, the end result can make you feel cleaner, more comfortable, and more confident.

Some guys reading this may be wondering why any man would want to take a razor to his pubes in the first place. The answer is simple: it’s part of good male hygiene. The less hair you have in that area, the less likely you are to deal with trapped sweat and odor.

There’s nothing unusual about trimming and manscaping this part of your body. Athletes have been doing it for years, because they know that hair follicles trap sweat, and trapped sweat contributes to unpleasant odor and skin irritation.

Part of the reason I decided to write this piece is that the topic of male grooming comes up regularly with my clients. I work with a lot of bodybuilders and fitness professionals who want to remove excess hair before a meet or competition.

Rather than send these guys a bunch of links to different websites, I thought it made more sense to write something substantive myself — right here on Guy Counseling.

What follows is a detailed, honest walkthrough of how to shave your pubic area the right way. There’s other information out there, but much of it skips important steps — and I recently read one article on the topic that I’m fairly sure wasn’t written by a guy.

Why Shave or Trim Your Pubic Area?

If you decide to shave or trim your pubic area, you’ll likely notice a few concrete benefits:

Less friction and chafing around the groin
Reduced sweat odor
A more comfortable feeling in briefs or athletic gear
An overall sense of freshness and cleanliness

The decision to shave or trim your genitals really isn’t that different from a guy choosing to shape his goatee. The goal in both cases is an end result that looks intentional and feels good — form and function together.

A Quick Word Before You Start

This is a grooming guide, not medical advice. Genital skin is some of the most sensitive on the body. If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, a current rash or infection, varicoceles, or any other concern affecting the area, talk to a doctor or dermatologist before shaving. The same goes if you’re immunocompromised, prone to keloid scarring, or have had a bad reaction to shaving this area before. When in doubt, sit this one out — or check with your physician first.

Male Genital Shaving: What Supplies Do I Need?

It might seem like all you need is a can of shaving cream and a razor. Sorry to break it to you, man — it’s a bit more involved than that if you want to do this safely and comfortably.

Below is the full list of supplies worth having on hand if you’re serious about shaving your genitals. Several of these link directly to Amazon so you can order with privacy and ease. Many of the same grooming tools also show up on my stocking stuffer ideas for men page.

Your Pubic Area Shaving Checklist

Electric body groomer (for the initial bulk trim)
Precision hand trimmer (for ongoing shaping between full shaves)
Fresh, sharp manual razor
High-quality shaving gel for sensitive skin
Fog-free hand mirror
Post-shave antiseptic
Body powder
Exfoliating cloth
A clean, dry towel

Genital Shaving Hair Removal Tools

One of the most useful tools you can pick up is an electric razor, also called a body groomer. You’ll use it to trim down the “bushy” part of your pubes — the main crop of hair — before you ever touch a manual razor to skin.

men's hair clippers — Body groomers help a lot

Based on a lot of research, including reviews from guys who regularly manscape, the Mangroomer Platinum body groomer (Amazon) does a genuinely good job here.

What’s great about this product is its multi-functional flex neck, which gets into tight spots with relative ease — useful when you’re shaping your pubes rather than just mowing straight lines. It’s also a strong seller on Amazon, partly because it doubles as a groomer for other parts of the body, like the chest and back. It comes with 7 different length settings, so you can dial in exactly how much to leave behind.

Hand Trimmer by Braun

Shaving your genitals requires ongoing upkeep. Between full shaves, you’ll want something simple on hand for shaping and touch-ups.

A good option is Braun’s Precision Trimmer (see Amazon). It’s excellent for leveling and reducing the hair right next to your main asset, without the commitment of a full electric-groomer session.

It’s light and easy to pack for travel, and it comes with two trimming combs you can set to your preference. As a bonus, you can also use it to shape a beard or goatee, so it’s not a single-purpose purchase.

Razors

As you probably already know, a good manual razor is essential for shaving your genitals. It might be tempting to grab something cheap from the drugstore, but quality genuinely matters more here than it does shaving your face.

Many men find Viking razors to be among the most effective options on the market for genital hair removal. Beyond the quality of the shave itself, Viking razors include a built-in micro-comb as a safety feature, and they’re built with real steel rather than cheap metal that nicks and cuts easily.

Viking Razor with Micro-Comb Guard

Real steel blade, built-in safety comb, and a design made specifically for close, low-irritation shaves in sensitive areas.

Check Price on Amazon

Men’s Shaving Gel

A high-quality shaving gel is one of the most important supplies on this list. If you’ve read elsewhere that a bar of soap is good enough, you’ve been misled.

The reason to use a proper gel is simple: this area needs genuine, non-abrasive lubrication. A good gel helps prevent nicks and cuts and leads to a noticeably smoother result. Bar soaps often contain harsh chemicals and exfoliating granules that tear at sensitive skin — exactly what you don’t want here.

Nicel’s Shave-in-Shower Gel is a solid pick — it’s built specifically for use in the shower, lathers easily on wet skin, and rinses clean without leaving residue behind.

If you’d rather compare options,Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel is another well-reviewed choice worth a look (see Amazon for price). It’s formulated along similar lines — non-foaming, cushioning, and gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin — so either of these two is a reasonable place to start.

Hand Mirror for Shaving

You’ll need to actually see what you’re doing down there anytime you bring out a razor. An easy fix is to pick up a hand mirror from your local drugstore, or order one online.

Save yourself a headache and opt for a fog-free mirror — you’ll be using it in the shower, and a fogged-up mirror at exactly the wrong moment is not a situation you want. The Honey Bull mirror is a solid pick for this specific use case.

Honey Bull Fog-Free Hand Mirror

Built to resist fogging in shower steam, with a comfortable handheld grip — exactly what you need for the crack-area step later in this guide.

Check Price on Amazon

Post-Shave Antiseptic

Once you’re done shaving your pubic area, using an antiseptic isn’t optional. In a pinch, some guys reach for rubbing alcohol — don’t. Imagine how much that’s going to burn on freshly shaved genital skin.

A better option is The Cool Fix by Shaveworks (see Amazon). As the name suggests, this gel cools the skin on contact while also acting as a disinfectant — a combination that matters a lot in an area this sensitive.

Make no mistake: if you’re taking a razor to your privates, disinfecting afterward is essential. Skipping this step is asking for trouble — including conditions like folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles that’s uncomfortable at best and genuinely painful at worst.

Body Powder for Men

After shaving and trimming, a quality body powder helps absorb excess moisture. This also reduces odor and keeps sweat from building up against freshly shaved skin.

This fragrance-free, talc-free option is built specifically for post-shower use and does a good job with absorption without adding a heavy scent on top of it.

If you want something with a bit more character, Happy Nuts (Amazon) is another strong choice. It absorbs moisture just as well and adds a light, masculine scent that isn’t overpowering — a nice option if you’d rather your powder do double duty as a subtle cologne layer.

Exfoliating Cloth

Freshly trimmed hairs have a way of clinging to skin, and regrowing hair is prone to curling back under the surface if it’s trapped by dead skin cells. An exfoliating cloth used a couple of times a week is your best defense against this. These are inexpensive and usually sold in bulk multi-packs online.

Prepping Before You Start

Give yourself 30 uninterrupted minutes for your first attempt — this isn’t something to squeeze in before you’re already running late. A warm bathroom helps; cold air tightens skin and makes hair lie flatter, which works against you.

If this is your first time using a new shaving gel in this area, patch-test it on your inner forearm the day before to rule out a reaction. It takes a minute and can save you from discovering a sensitivity in the worst possible place.

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

How to Shave Your Genitals (Men) Step by Step

1. Evenly Shape Your Hair

Grab the body trimmer and a comb. Using an outward motion, comb your pubic hair until it’s loose and fluffed rather than matted. Once that’s done:

Set the body trimmer to roughly 1 inch.
Comb through your pubic hair to the desired length, working slowly. Shape both sides evenly so the end result looks intentional rather than lopsided.
The first time you do this, remember: less is more. You can always go a second round shorter if you want.
Do not use the body trimmer directly on your scrotum. That skin is far too sensitive and thin for a bulk trimmer and is prone to nicks.
Power the trimmer off and set it aside — you won’t need it again for the rest of this process.

2. Step Into a Hot Shower

Once you’re done shaping, it’s time to shave. My recommendation is a hot shower for this step — the warm water opens pores and softens hair, which makes shaving noticeably easier and gentler on skin.

Before touching any part of your body with a razor, wash your privates with an antibacterial soap. This clears away microscopic bacteria and lowers your infection risk.

If you’ve read elsewhere to take a bath for this step, skip that advice. Bathwater carries whatever’s been sitting on your tub’s surface, no matter how well you scrubbed it beforehand. A hot shower is the safer, more sanitary choice, full stop.

3. Grab the Razor, Mirror, and Gel

Once you’re in the shower, it’s time to start shaving. The single most important thing to remember: use a new razor. Never reach for one you’ve used before — bacteria like staph (staphylococcus) thrive on old blades.

If you’re thinking a quick rinse under soapy water will clean an old blade well enough, it won’t. Don’t be cheap here — use a fresh razor every single time you shave this area.

Shaving the Bush

Lather your privates thoroughly with shaving gel, including underneath the scrotum.
Pull the area you’re shaving taut with your free hand.
Use very light strokes, shaving with the grain — especially the first time you do this.
Rinse the razor under the showerhead regularly to clear away hair buildup.
Trim to about half an inch rather than shaving completely bald, unless a fully bare look is specifically what you’re going for — full removal here is harder to maintain and carries more irritation risk.

Shaving Under the Scrotum

This step requires extra care and a slower pace than anywhere else in the process.

Lather the area thoroughly with gel first.
Crouch down with your legs semi-far apart for stability and visibility.
Place your hand mirror flat on the shower floor directly beneath you (turn the water off temporarily if that’s easier).
Gently grab and lift with one hand to create a flat, stable surface to work against.
Using your other hand, slowly shave toward the area you’re lifting, using gentle, light pressure — never rushed strokes.
Rinse the razor under water several times throughout this step to keep the blade clean and effective.

Shaving Around the Scrotum

To handle the curvature of the scrotum itself:

Stand up straight in the shower.
Lather the area with gel.
Gently pull the side you’re working on taut.
Shave with a downward motion, following the contour of the skin.
Move slowly and use extra caution on the sides, where the skin folds and the surface is less predictable.

Safety Note

Never shave over broken skin, an existing rash, a mole, or a skin tag. If you nick yourself, stop immediately, rinse with cool water, and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops before continuing anywhere else. Persistent pain, swelling, or discharge after shaving warrants a call to your doctor rather than waiting it out.

4. Rinse Off

Once you’ve shaved the areas you wanted, it’s time to rinse thoroughly. A few things to keep in mind for this step:

Use antibacterial soap again to wash the freshly shaved areas.
Finish with semi-cool water to help close pores and hair follicles.
Bend forward in the shower to make sure any trimmed hair is fully rinsed away from the crack area.

5. Pat Dry Yourself

Grab a clean towel and gently pat yourself dry. Avoid rubbing motions, particularly around the area you just shaved — patting rather than rubbing goes a long way toward reducing bumps and irritation.

6. Apply the Antiseptic

Using the antiseptic gel recommended earlier, apply it liberally to the shaved areas. If you have especially sensitive skin, test a small amount first and see how it feels before applying more.

apply antispectic in bathroom shower — Apply the antispectic

7. Use the Powder

Once the antiseptic gel has dried, apply a light dusting of the body powder mentioned earlier.

Apply powder to the shaved area every other day, and more frequently if you’re active at the gym or playing sports. This helps with ventilation and keeps you feeling fresh throughout the day.

8. Repeat as Needed

Here’s the reality: once you start shaving your genitals, you’ll need to keep it up. Hair grows back at different rates for different guys, but most men find they need to repeat this process a couple of times a week to stay ahead of regrowth.

Over time, you’ll figure out your own rhythm — how often you actually need to shave versus trim, and what routine keeps you comfortable without over-shaving the same skin repeatedly.

Quick tip: use the hand trimmer between full shaves for general shaping and upkeep, so you’re not reaching for a fresh razor every single time.

Aftercare: The First 48 Hours Matter Most

Most irritation shows up in the first day or two, so give this window a little extra attention. Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear rather than anything tight or synthetic. If you can, avoid intense workouts or anything that causes heavy sweating for the first 24 hours — sweat trapped against freshly shaved genital skin is one of the most common triggers for irritation and folliculitis.

Starting on day three or four, light exfoliation two to three times a week does more than anything else to keep regrowth from turning into ingrown hairs. Follow up with a light, unscented moisturizer if the skin feels tight or dry. Most guys find that shaving every few days to twice a week keeps things manageable without constantly re-irritating the same patch of skin.

Common Mistakes That Cause Irritation

A handful of habits are behind most of the bad experiences guys report with genital shaving. Here’s what to avoid.

Shaving dry, without gel. This is the fastest route to razor burn on skin this sensitive.
Reusing a razor. A used blade drags and tugs instead of cutting cleanly, and it raises infection risk significantly.
Rushing the scrotum steps. This is not an area to move quickly through — slow, light strokes matter more here than anywhere else in this guide.
Skipping exfoliation during regrowth. This is the leading cause of ingrown hairs and razor bumps in this area.
Going straight into tight underwear or workout gear. Friction on freshly shaved skin invites irritation.
Shaving over broken or irritated skin. Let anything inflamed or healing settle before shaving again.

Alternatives to Shaving

Shaving isn’t the only path to a groomed look, and it’s worth knowing the alternatives if a razor doesn’t feel like the right fit for you.

Trimming only. If full smoothness isn’t the goal, an electric trimmer set to a longer guard length keeps things tidy with essentially none of the nick risk that comes with a blade. This is the lowest-maintenance, lowest-risk option on this list, especially for the scrotum area.

Depilatory cream. Chemical hair removal creams dissolve hair at the surface instead of cutting it. Genital skin is genuinely delicate, so patch-test any depilatory product on your inner forearm 24 hours before using it here, and follow the product’s timing instructions to the letter — leaving it on too long is a common cause of chemical burns in this area specifically.

Professional waxing. Waxing pulls hair from the root, giving smoother results for longer and finer regrowth over time. It’s more painful and carries its own ingrown-hair risk, so this is best left to a professional esthetician experienced with this specific area rather than a DIY job.

Laser hair removal. For a long-term solution, laser treatment at a licensed clinic offers the most durable results, usually over several sessions spaced weeks apart. It’s the highest upfront cost but the lowest-maintenance option over time, and it removes the ongoing nick and ingrown-hair risk that comes with regular shaving once treatment is complete.

Yes, Lots of Men Groom Down There

If you have ever wondered whether other guys shave or trim their pubic hair, the answer is yes. In a nationally representative study of 4,198 American men ages 18 to 65, just over half reported regularly grooming their pubic hair.

Men reported grooming for several reasons, including sexual activity, personal preference, hygiene, and routine care. The most commonly groomed area was the hair above the penis, followed by the scrotum and penile shaft.

Bottom line: Manscaping is a common personal-grooming choice. Whether you shave everything, trim lightly, or leave your pubic hair alone is entirely up to you.

Source: A nationally representative study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health.
Read the study.

Pubic Area Shaving Myths and Men

There are a surprising number of myths floating around about guys who shave their genital area. A few of the “biggies” are worth debunking directly:

“Only gay men shave their genitals.” Not true. Men of every orientation shave or trim this area for hygiene, comfort, athletic performance, and personal preference.
“Only white men shave their pubic area.” Grooming habits here cross every racial and ethnic background — this isn’t tied to any one group.
“Only American men shave their privates.” Genital grooming is common practice across many cultures worldwide, not a uniquely American habit.
“Shaving your genitals causes gray hair to grow back.” Shaving doesn’t change hair color or pigment at the follicle level. Any change in regrowth texture or color over time is coincidental, not caused by the razor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for men to shave their pubic area?

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

How often should I shave this area?

Most men find a couple of times a week works for maintenance, with a hand trimmer used for light shaping in between full shaves. Your own regrowth rate will ultimately dictate the right rhythm for you.

Should I trim first before I shave?

Yes, always. Razors don’t handle long hair well — it gets pulled and yanked instead of cut cleanly, which increases irritation. Trim down to a shorter, even length with an electric trimmer first, then follow up with a manual razor for the final pass.

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 in the direction of hair growth rather than against it.

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

Mild tenderness for a few hours is normal, especially the first time. Ongoing pain, swelling, or tenderness lasting more than a day usually means the skin was over-worked, and is a sign to ease off technique and let the area fully heal before shaving again.

Can I use the same razor on my face and my genitals?

No. Keep a dedicated razor for this area, separate from your facial razor, both for hygiene reasons and because a blade used on coarser body hair dulls faster.

What’s the best way to shave close to the scrotum without cutting myself?

Work slowly, use a fog-free mirror so you can actually see what you’re doing, keep the skin pulled taut with your free hand, and use light, short strokes rather than long ones. If it ever feels rushed, stop and slow down — this is not a step to power through quickly.