First Question! First Answer!

Hi Bethany,
I'm writing to inquire what are some good, relatively easy, and definitely pain-free ways of cleaning up the hair from the genital area.
I have read that shaving isn't the best per se due to abrasions and an uncomfortable feel.
I have used the old-fashioned tweezer approach (good tweezers) and do a little bit every day or other day and after awhile, it's pretty good. But, it is time-consuming of course, and the pain isn't bad, but at the lower scrotum areas, it seems to pinch a bit more. Another advantage is that the re-growth doesn't really get itchy. I wanted to get any suggestions, comments, advice for an easier time with this.
-Anonymous

Anonymous,

Thanks for your question! When it comes to removing body hair, I feel like I've tried practically every method on the market, with exception to laser removal. Each method has their pros and cons, and it's up to you to decide which is best for you. I personally prefer shaving above all other methods. It's not as painful or costly as waxing, it is more effective than depilatory creams, and it is quicker than tweezing.

With shaving, there is the possibility for nicks and ingrown hairs, but if you take care and use the appropriate products, removing the hair from the area around your genitals can be easy to add to your personal grooming routine.

Before you're even in the bathroom (or wherever you like to shave), make sure you have a clean and fresh razor (dull ones are more likely to cause nicks and ingrown hairs) and the proper pre-shave products. When I say "proper pre-shave products", I don't mean your everyday shaving cream. The skin around your genitals is very sensitive and fragrances found in regular shaving cream can be irritating to the skin, causing razor burn. The best shaving cream to use will be unscented, free of irritating chemicals, such as alcohol and benzocaine, and it should be moisturizing. There are many different formulas, both affordable and ridiculously priced, but compare and contrast the different benefits of potential shaving creams before purchasing them.

Now that you've got your shaving cream, check out your razor. Is it clean and have a fresh blade? Great. Is it an electric razor? Maybe not so great. If your razor vibrates a lot, it could cause skin irritation, which can lead to razor burn and ingrown hairs. You may want to invest in disposable razors for shaving around your genitals - at least you'll know you're getting a fresh and clean blade each time if you throw them out after each use!

Okay, NOW let's get down to the shaving. Taking a warm shower or bath before shaving is always helpful because it softens the hair and makes it easier to remove. Be sure to use gentle strokes while shaving - first in the direction of hair growth and then against the direction of the hair growth. Do not shave the same area too many times or it will become irritated.

Okay, so you're done shaving, but you're not finished yet! After-shave care is just as important as the pre-shave care. Apply an after-shave balm or lotion that will moisturize your freshly shaven skin, as well as help prevent ingrown hairs. Now you're done!

(I know many people are annoyed by the itchiness that the regrowth of hair can bring, but allow me to reassure you that the annoying itchiness comes with practically every temporary hair removal method. More often than not, your skin is dry, and applying some lotion to the itchy areas will help ease the itchiness.)