It is a Saturday morning. You are standing in the bathroom, trimmer in hand, wondering if you are about to make a massive mistake or a great life choice. Honestly, most men have been there. The question of should guys shave their pubic hair isn't just about aesthetics anymore; it's about comfort, hygiene, and not ending up with a localized skin disaster.
Social media influencers might tell you it's mandatory. Your grandfather probably would have laughed at the idea. Somewhere in the middle lies the reality of modern grooming.
Let's be real. Grooming below the belt—often called "manscaping"—has become the norm for a huge chunk of the population. A study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology found that roughly 66% of men reported grooming their pubic hair to some degree. That is a lot of people wielding sharp objects in very sensitive areas. But "grooming" is a broad term. It covers everything from a light trim to going completely "nuclear" with a razor.
The choice is yours.
The big debate: Should guys shave their pubic hair for hygiene?
There is a common myth that shaving makes you "cleaner." This isn't strictly true in a biological sense. Pubic hair actually has a purpose. It acts as a friction buffer during exercise or sex, and it helps wick away sweat. However, hair does trap pheromones and bacteria. If you find that things get a bit swampy down there after a long gym session, trimming can definitely help reduce odors.
Dr. Evan Rieder, a dual-board certified dermatologist, often points out that while hair itself isn't "dirty," it provides a surface area for bacteria to cling to. If you live in a humid climate or work out twice a day, you'll probably feel a lot fresher with less bulk.
But don't mistake "shaved" for "sterile."
In fact, shaving can sometimes lead to more hygiene issues than it solves. When you shave, you create microscopic tears in the skin. These tiny nicks are basically open doors for bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. If you’ve ever had a painful, red bump that looks like a giant pimple after shaving, you’ve likely experienced a minor infection or folliculitis. It's not fun. It hurts.
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So, if you're asking should guys shave their pubic hair purely to be "clean," the answer is: maybe. A trim is usually enough to keep things breezy without the risk of infection.
The partner perspective and the "visual" factor
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Confidence.
Many guys choose to groom because they think it makes things look... well, bigger. It's the "optical inch" theory. By clearing the "underbrush," the "tree" looks taller. It sounds silly, but for many men, this boost in body confidence is the primary reason they reach for the clippers.
What do partners think? It varies wildly. Some people prefer the natural look, citing it as more "masculine," while others find hair distracting or even a bit of a turn-off during intimacy. Communication is usually better than guessing. If you're doing it for someone else, just ask. But if you're doing it for yourself, do what makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
The risks of the razor
If you decide to go totally smooth, you need to know the risks. Shaving is high maintenance.
- Ingrown hairs: These are the bane of every man's existence. Pubic hair is often coarse and curly. When you shave it down to the skin, the hair can easily curl back under and grow into the follicle.
- Itchiness: The "regrowth" phase is legendary for its discomfort. Within 48 hours, you might feel like you've sat in a patch of poison ivy.
- Razor burn: Using a dull blade or not enough lubrication leads to a red, angry rash that stings every time your jeans rub against it.
Why trimming is usually the winner
If you're undecided on the should guys shave their pubic hair dilemma, consider the middle ground. Most dermatologists and grooming experts suggest trimming over shaving.
Why? Because you get the aesthetic benefits without the skin trauma. Using a dedicated electric trimmer with a guard—set to maybe an eighth or a quarter of an inch—leaves the skin intact. You don't get ingrowns. You don't get the "prickly" stage that drives you crazy in your office chair. You just look tidier.
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How to do it right (if you must shave)
If you are dead set on the smooth look, do not just grab the disposable razor you use for your face and go to town. That is a recipe for disaster. You need a process.
- Trim first. Never try to shave long hair with a manual razor. It will clog instantly and pull the skin. Get it down to stubble first with clippers.
- Soak. Spend at least five to ten minutes in a warm shower. This softens the hair and opens the pores.
- Exfoliate. Use a gentle scrub. This removes dead skin cells that might trap hairs and cause ingrowns.
- Use a fresh blade. This is non-negotiable. A dull blade drags.
- Shave with the grain. Don't go against the direction of hair growth on your first pass. It won't be as close, but it will be much less irritating.
- Aftercare. Use an alcohol-free soothing balm or a light moisturizer.
The medical side of things: When to see a pro
Sometimes, grooming goes wrong. If you notice a bump that is getting larger, extremely painful, or oozing, you might have a cyst or a more serious case of folliculitis. Don't pop it. That's how you get scars.
There is also the matter of STIs. Interestingly, some research suggests that total hair removal might slightly increase the risk of certain skin-to-skin infections like Molluscum contagiosum or HPV, because the tiny cuts in the skin provide an entry point. It's a small risk, but it's something to keep in mind if you're active and shaving frequently.
Permanent options
If you hate the hair but also hate the maintenance, you aren't stuck with a razor forever. Laser hair removal is becoming increasingly popular for men. It’s not just for back hair anymore.
Laser treatment works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. After several sessions, the hair grows back much thinner, or not at all. It’s expensive, and yes, it’s a bit spicy in terms of pain, but for guys who suffer from chronic, painful ingrown hairs, it can be a genuine life-changer.
Electrolysis is another option, though it's much slower as it treats each hair individually. For most, laser is the "gold standard" if you want to be done with the whole thing permanently.
Finding your own style
At the end of the day, the question of should guys shave their pubic hair is deeply personal. There is no "right" way to look. Some guys feel most like themselves with a full, natural look. Others feel messy unless they are totally smooth.
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Most guys settle on a "neatened up" look. This usually involves:
- Trimming the top area to a uniform length.
- Clearing the hair from the inner thighs for comfort.
- Keeping the "equipment" itself clear for safety and sensitivity.
This approach offers the best of both worlds. It looks intentional and cared for, but it doesn't require you to spend 20 minutes in the shower every other day fighting with a razor.
Actionable steps for your grooming routine
Stop overthinking and start with a low-risk approach. If you’ve never groomed before, jumping straight to a razor is a bad move.
Start by purchasing a high-quality electric trimmer designed for "body" use. These often have rounded blades to prevent nicks on loose skin. Use a #1 or #2 guard. See how that feels for a week.
If you like the shorter length but want more, move down to the lowest guard. Only after you’ve mastered the trim should you even consider a razor for the "totally smooth" look.
Always keep a dedicated set of tools for this. Never, under any circumstances, use the same razor on your face that you used on your pubic area. Even with washing, you're just begging for a bacterial cross-contamination nightmare.
Focus on skin health over "perfection." A little bit of hair is much more attractive than a red, bumpy, irritated mess that makes you walk like a penguin. Keep it simple, keep it clean, and do what makes you feel most confident when the clothes come off.