A good below-the-belt routine shouldn't take longer than making a coffee. It comes down to four steps: wash, dry, trim, and let the skin settle. For the bigger picture on grooming down there, see our guide to manscaping.
Step 1: wash, gently
Once a day in the shower is enough. Warm water does most of the work; if you like a wash, choose a mild, fragrance-free one. If you have a foreskin, pull it back gently and rinse underneath, then return it. Rinse well: leftover soap or shower gel can irritate the skin and make it itch. There's more on choosing what to wash with in what is men's intimate skin care?
Step 2: dry properly
Pat, don't rub, with a clean, soft towel, and give the creases of your groin and the skin behind the scrotum an extra moment. Skin that stays damp under clothes is where chafing starts.
Step 3: how to trim pubic hair
Trimming is the kindest way to tidy up, because it leaves a little length and the hair is less likely to grow back into the skin. To trim without nicks:
- Use a body trimmer with a guard, and keep it just for this job. Our guide to choosing a trimmer for manscaping explains what to look for.
- On grooming days, trim before you shower. Dry hair stands up and cuts evenly, and the shower then rinses away the clippings.
- Start with a longer guard. You can always go shorter next time.
- Go with the direction of growth first, slowly, in short strokes.
- Around the scrotum, take your time. Hold the skin smooth with your free hand, without pulling it tight, and use the guard rather than the bare blade.
- Clean the trimmer afterwards, and let it dry before you put it away.
Trimmer, razor or wax: which is kindest to your skin?
| Trimmer | Razor | Wax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How close | Short, with a little length left | Smooth, right to the skin | Smooth, hair removed from the root |
| Chance of irritation | Low | Higher: razor burn and razor bumps are common | Higher: redness and ingrown hairs are common |
| Grows back | Whenever you choose to trim again | Stubble within a day or two | Usually a few weeks |
| Best for | Regular tidying, and skin that reacts easily | The occasional smooth finish | A professional appointment, not a home kit, for this area |
Hair removal creams are not in the table: check the pack, as many say not to use them on the genitals.
How to shave your pubic area without razor burn
A smooth finish is your call. If you go for it, shave after a warm shower, use a fresh blade and a fragrance-free shaving gel, shave in the direction the hair grows, and use as few strokes as you can, rinsing the blade after each one. Rinse with cool water, pat dry, and skip the aftershave: alcohol and fragrance sting freshly shaved skin. Try not to shave every day, so the skin can recover. For the scrotum, which needs the gentlest touch, our step-by-step guide to how to shave your balls goes into detail.
If your skin complains anyway, our guide to razor burn, razor bumps and shaving rash after manscaping explains what's going on and how to settle it.
Step 4: let the skin settle
Freshly groomed skin needs a breather. Wait at least 24 hours after shaving, trimming or waxing before using any leave-on intimate product, ours included (our how to use page has the full directions), and only use it on unbroken skin with no redness or soreness. Before you use anything new, do a patch test: a little on the inside of your forearm, then wait 24 hours.
Day to day: underwear, sweat and the gym
- Loose, breathable cotton underwear lets the area breathe.
- Change out of sweaty kit soon after exercise, and rinse off when you can.
- On long, hot days, a fresh pair of underwear goes a long way.
Check your testicles regularly
While you're in the shower, check your testicles for any lumps, swelling or changes in how they feel. It takes a minute. Most lumps are not serious, but the NHS advises seeing a GP about any lump or swelling, just to be sure. If you ever get sudden, severe pain in a testicle, go to A&E or call 999.
Common questions
How often should men trim their pubic hair?
Whenever it suits you: there is no right answer. Trimming is gentler on the skin than shaving, so it is the easier habit to keep up.
Can men use hair removal cream on their pubic area?
Check the pack first: many hair removal creams say not to use them on the genitals. If yours does, stick to a body trimmer with a guard.
Should I trim pubic hair wet or dry?
Dry, with a body trimmer. Dry hair stands up and cuts more evenly. Shower afterwards to rinse away the clippings.
Is it better to shave or trim your pubic hair?
Trimming is kinder to the skin: it leaves a little length, so there is less razor burn and fewer ingrown hairs. Shaving gives the smoothest finish but irritates the skin more often.
Can I use aftershave on my groin?
Best not. Alcohol and fragrance can sting freshly groomed skin. If the skin feels dry, use a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser instead.
When can I use an intimate cream or spray after shaving?
Wait at least 24 hours after shaving, trimming or waxing, and only use it on unbroken skin with no redness, soreness or bumps.
Sources
General information for adults 18+, not medical advice. If a skin problem doesn't settle, or you're worried, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
