There’s a right way and a wrong way to remove your pubic hair. The wrong way causes cuts in delicate spots, ingrown hairs, and even chemical burns. Ouch. And not very sexy. The right way leaves you with a well-groomed pubic area, smooth in all the places you want to be. Do this yourself, or put on some sexy music and ask your partner to be the master of ceremonies.

Electric Pubic Shavers

In acknowledgment of the fact that millions of North Americans, male and female, shave some or all of their pubic hair, a couple of manufacturers have come out with electric and battery powered shavers that are specially designed for the pubic area. There are various devices (look for the term Intimate on the shaver’s description—it’s code for pubic).

Depilatory Creams

They are easy to apply, but they irritate sensitive skin and there is no skin more sensitive than your pubic region, so you are probably better off keeping depilatory creams way from your genitals.

Waxing & Sugaring

You can get it done professionally (pricey but you get the expertise) or you can buy a specialty ‘intimate’ area home kit. You need a high pain tolerance level or determination if you go this route. If you put on too much wax or sugar solution or leave it for too long, you may end up taking off skin along with your pubic hair. Ingrown hairs and inflamed follicles are another drawback to this method.

Shaving

Shaving foam designed for the face or legs will not work on your pubic area—it can irritate the skin and clog pores, resulting in pimples, rashes, and itchiness. Instead, use a shaving gel or shaving oil that is especially formulated for intimate areas.

Splurge on a good quality razor (not disposable) with multiple blades and a guard. Now is not the time to get old school and use a straight razor.

Use a pair of small scissors (like nose hair or nail scissors) to trim your pubes as much as possible. The less hair, the less likely your razor is to become clogged and blunted. Now take a bath or hot shower for at least 15 minutes to soften your hair follicles and open the pores of your pubic area. Then soften the hair follicles even more by applying a generous helping of shaving oil or gel and letting it sit for a few minutes before you start shaving. The more shaving gel or oil the better, as it helps you avoid cutting or scraping your skin.

Shave in the same direction that your hair grows, not against it (this helps prevent infected ingrown hairs). Once you’ve removed the hair by shaving in the same direction of growth, you can shave in the reverse direction to remove all stubble. In necessary, apply a bit more shaving gel or oil before doing this, as it makes it less likely you will cut yourself. When you have shaved as much pubic hair away as you want, clean off the gel/oil with cool water. Gently pat dry and apply baby lotion or a sensitive skin lotion.

Female genital shaving tip

Every woman’s labia is shaped and sized differently. But they are all intricate enough to make shaving around them with a razor designed for the face or legs a potentially painful proposition. If you plan on shaving this area, it is a good idea to use a specially designed bikini or intimate places razor. Stretch out the labia skin, apply lots of shaving gel/oil and pull the razor towards your inner thigh.

Male genital shaving tip

Follow the general pubic area shaving guidelines and, once you are ready to apply the razor, stretch out your penis and shave in the direction of hair growth. To shave your balls, pull out the skin and bring the razor in the direction of your inner thigh.