Should Men Shave their Pubic Hair?
Similarly to armpit and head hair, your pubic hair is known as terminal hair, and is thicker and coarser than the vellus hair found on the rest of your body.
There is a growing popularity for removing pubic hair, which is particularly the case amongst women, although men are increasingly following the trend.
So, should you shave your pubic hair? We have taken a look at the various pros and cons, at the things you did and maybe didn't know, to help you make up your mind:
What is the Point of Pubic Hair?
Firstly, what is the purpose of pubic hair, why is it there and is there any reason why we shouldn't get rid of it?
Well, as with just about everything we are blessed with naturally, pubic hair has some pretty important reasons for growing where it does.
So before you rush in there with your razor, bear these in mind:
Taking all this into account, it would seem that shaving your pubic hair is not such a good idea, so what are the reasons why you might?
Why Shave your Pubic Hair?
There are several reasons that men generally cite for wanting to have bald genitals:
So are these actually good reasons to take to the razor and remove all your pubic hair? Let's have a look:
Aesthetics
Do the majority of women actually want their man to be bald down below? Do they really find it more attractive?
Well, not necessarily - there may be some ladies who prefer it of course.
However what is usually far more important is a man who exudes confidence and masculinity, with a fair sprinkling of sensitivity thrown in.
Personally, I don't find it particularly attractive in a man to be too preoccupied with their own looks, so long as they are clean and tidy looking!
I think a completely bald set of genitals is in danger of looking rather immature, perhaps even hinting at inexperience, so a tidy trim is far preferable in my book.
To Look Bigger?
Okay, so it may be that you feel insecure about the size of your penis and shaving will make it look bigger.
If this is the case, and it helps your self-confidence then it may well be a good reason for you to go for it.
However, do take the time to consider all the downsides first and your other hair removal options, before you embark on shaving down below.
Why not try a good trim first, and see how that looks?
Cleanliness
It is simply a myth that it is more hygienic to banish your pubic hair - it's not as though it does away with the need to wash down there!
In fact, as previously mentioned, it affords a level of protection against bacteria and other infections as it is a barrier between skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse.
Sensitivity
Some men have mentioned that they have increased sensitivity in the area when free from hair, but over time this benefit seems to wain.
I think you really need to weigh up this benefit with the level of irritation you are likely to feel as the hair grows back!
To Please
Now, if your girlfriend or partner has asked you to do it because they find it attractive, then you may have a good reason to try.
Personally, I think it is more sensible to go for it if you actually know that it will increase your attractiveness to them, rather than to do it in the hope that it might.
I am also not sure that shaving it completely bald is best, trimming back the vitals and perhaps shaving around the anal area could be a good compromise.
On the other hand, it has to be your personal choice and I am sure that if your relationship is any way lasting and/or meaningful, none of this will be a deal breaker.
Is Shaving Pubic Hair Safe?
Anytime you put a sharp blade near a delicate and sensitive area such as your penis and scrotum, there is likely to be a level of risk.
You have probably gathered by now that I am not a fan, however if you take your time and are very careful, the actual act of shaving should be relatively safe.
There are some possible consequences though, that you should take into account before you decide to shave yourself bare:
Side Effects of Shaving Male Pubic Hair
How Long Will it Take for Male Pubic Hair to Grow Back?
Put simply, hair all over your body follows a life-cycle of 3 stages, growing, resting and shedding.
How long regrowth takes depends on the area of the body and your individual genetic make-up.
To give you an idea, the average life-cycle of pubic hair from start to finish varies from around 30 - 44 days.
So if you are asking how long it will take to get the full bush back, probably after a month or so, but it will start to grow back way quicker than that.
To keep your bits stubble free, bald and smooth, you will more than likely need to shave every few days.
What's the Best Way to Shave Men's Pubic Hair?
So having decided to go for it, then what is the best way to go about it?
As with shaving generally, if you want a very close shave then a razor is best, however an electric razor/trimmer may be easier and safer if you are a shaving novice.
Make sure that the hair has been trimmed down to a very short length, ideally with a safety trimmer or if not, a pair of sharp scissors.
It is best to have a bath or shower first, to soften the hair and skin, and use a pre-shave oil to help the razor glide smoothly.
Be very generous with your lather, using a shaving cream or foam that is recommended for sensitive skin
Use short strokes, with minimum pressure, in the direction of the hair's growth whilst holding the skin very taut with your spare hand.
Take your time and go very slowly and carefully, trying not to go over the same area again and again.
When you have finished, splash with cold water to tighten the skin and remove any excess products, then pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
Use a soothing, alcohol free balm to help reduce irritation.
Ideally wait to shave until night time when you are not planning to go out, and you can steer clear of any clothing that might irritate the area, for as long as possible.
Shaving Pubic Hair - Pros and Cons
Pros of Shaving Pubic Hair
- DIY - can be done yourself in the privacy and comfort of home
- Pain free - as opposed to waxing, for example
- Size - Can make your penis appear bigger
- Attraction - can be attractive and aesthetically pleasing to some women
- Sensitivity - can increase sensitivity during sex
Cons of Shaving Pubic Hair
- Short lived results - you will have to shave very regularly.
- Regrowth - can be stubbly, itchy and irritating
- Side Effects - risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn, also nicks and cuts. In a few cases can lead to severe consequences
- Infection - increased risk through skin to skin contact
- Ongoing Cost
- Time - you need to shave regularly to maintain, which is time consuming and not something to rush
- Unattractive - to some women, reduces masculinity.
Conclusion
My opinion is that the disadvantages of shaving your genitals bald outweigh the advantages.
Having said this, if it is what you really want to do, why not? So long as you are completely aware of the possible issues and are doing it for the right reasons - it's your body, your choice.
I just hope this article has helped you to weigh up the pros and cons so that you can make a well informed decision.
