If you are a guy trying to work out how to manscape your junk, you are in the right place. You wouldn’t cut your way through an untamed and wild jungle terrain without coming up with some kind of plan. And the same applies to clearing the wilderness between your legs!
The area in question has many names but to avoid any confusion, this article shows you how to shave your genital/pubic area. It also details the considerations that need to be made before you decide to “whack the weeds” of your own “private garden”.
Just the thought of bringing something sharp anywhere near your nether region can cause great anxiety. That bush is atop a sensitive terrain, where even the slightest mishap can be disastrous!
Why do men shave their private parts?
Reasons, why men manscape their junk, are varied but one of the main benefits is that it just looks better. It also feels cleaner but be warned, if you do not keep up the trimming duties, you will suffer from very uncomfortable and itchy balls.
Another reason for men shaving their genitals is pressure from partners. According to a recent survey, more than half of the men interviewed shaved their groin to please their partners. A surprising six in ten men said that they wouldn’t put up much fight before they had agreed to shave their pubic region.
Other reasons for removing your pubic thatch include;
- That it gives you an “optical extra inch”
- It reduces friction (especially when playing sports)
- It reduces any unpleasant odors
- You can feel more comfortable in underwear
- Trends in the media/porn industry
In another survey done by Gillette, a whopping 92% of women said they preferred a guy who was neat and tidy around his junk.
Pros and cons of manscaping your junk
- It’s quick (after the first few times and gives instant results
- Leaves you with soft skin
- Increases sexual pleasure/sensitivity
- Smells fresher as hair collects odor
- Your partner will probably prefer it
- No more pubes in your partner’s mouth
- Makes your wang look larger!
- Cheaper than waxing or laser hair removal
- Can cause skin irritation
- Razor burn is possible
- Nicks & cuts for beginners
- Hair regrowth can be painful
- Skin can be itchy
- Pimples can develop in some men
- Ingrown hairs are more likely
- There is a slight risk of catching an STI
Manscaping statistics
In a study published in JAMA Dermatology, out of 7,500 adults surveyed, about 67% of men (compared with 85% of women) had attempted to groom their pubic areas.
The study looked at injuries caused by novice groomers. Of the surveyed, roughly 4% admitted to getting professional help with their bush and approx 9 percent confessed that they had asked their partner to help to trim their pubes.
About 24% of men reported an injury relating to the removal of their genital thatch with the poor old ball bag taking the most damage. An eye-watering 67% of all injuries were to the scrotum with 38% to the penis itself! Blokes suffered burns from waxing incidents, as well as rashes, in-growing hairs, and razor nicks.
What manscape tool you’ll need
This depends if you want to go ‘old-school” with a manual razor or whether you want to speed up the whole process with an electric trimmer.
With a razor, you’ll need a top-of-the-line razor, a premium shaving cream/gel for sensitive skin, and a cooling body powder or moisturizer.
If you’re using an electric trimmer/groomer, you will need a reputable machine and a good quality body powder or moisturizer.
With both methods, you should use some form of scrubbing agents such as a body wash or shower gel to clean yourself thoroughly. Other things on the list for a fine trim are scissors, a fog-free mirror, exfoliating scrubs, and shaving oils.
Laying the groundwork
If your bush looks like Santa’s beard, you need to remove most of the hair with scissors or a trimmer/body groomer. Be careful though as some trimmers can be unsuitable for your nut sack so probably safer to use some scissors if you’re a novice.
Clean your body thoroughly with a good-quality shower gel. Some men like to exfoliate which gets rid of any dead skin for a really clean feeling. Make sure the area is hot and wet before moving on.
Now that the preparation is done, you’re ready to learn how to manscape your junk!
How to manscape properly
Don’t multitask with the tools that you intend to use in your pubic area. You should not use scissors or a trimmer that will be used on your head. That’s because bacteria, such as staph (Staphylococcus) can remain on old razors, etc.
How to shave your junk
- Lather up the area (including the scrotum) with shower gel/foam.
- Pull the area of skin (not including the scrotum) that you wish to shave as taught as possible. Use very light strokes (going with the grain). Rinse your razor each time you shave an area to expel excess hair.
- Shaving under the scrotum is best achieved by crouching down with legs apart and holding a hand mirror directly under you. You can rest on the shower floor (with the shower off), grab your sack and pull upwards with one hand. Using your other hand, carefully take the razor and slowly shave with gentle and light pressure.
- After you have successfully shaved the area, use a good quality anti-bacterial soap to wash in cool water which will help close hair and skin follicles.
- Use a fresh towel to gently pat yourself until dry. Avoid rubbing the area you have just shaved as this could irritate.
- Hydrate the area by applying a light, unscented lotion or you can rub in a little of your pre-shaving oil. Some men like to be super-cautious and use an antiseptic gel. Be wary if you have sensitive skin, try a very small amount to test how it feels first.
- After the area has dried, you can also use a little body powder on the shaved area. This is popular with guys that are active at the gym or involved with sports. This helps with drying and makes you feel fresher.
Dealing with nicks or cuts
Even if you’re careful when you manscape your junk, you may still get the odd cut. According to a 2012 study from the University of California at San Francisco, cuts were the most common injury sustained during pubic hair grooming.
If the worst happens and you draw a little blood, don’t panic. Just clean the area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then use an antiseptic as required.
If it’s just a superficial cut, you should apply pressure with a damp piece of toilet paper to allow the blood to clot. Apply firm pressure to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. In extreme cases, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, call your doctor as you may need stitches.
The gear you need to manscape your junk
Best trimmers for manscaping
The MANGROOMER Ultimate Pro is the ultimate Do-It-Yourself electric hair shaver. It was built after more than ten years of research and development.
Remington’s PG6157 Head to Toe Trimmer Kit is a complete grooming kit. The premium trimmer features titanium-coated stainless steel blades for maximum precision.
The Remington PG525 Head to Toe Body Groomer Kit is powered by a long-lasting Lithium Power battery. This head-to-toe trimmer has all the attachments to take care of unwanted hair.
Best razors for shaving your bush
The VIKINGS BLADE Chieftain Safety Razor is endorsed by the Vikings of Valhalla!!!
Gillette’s Fusion ProGlide features a razor handle with FlexBall technology which responds to contours and gets virtually every hair.
The Schick Hydro 5 shaves, edges, trims, and hydrates to provide an awesome shave.
Best shaving cream for your privates
The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream is rich in glycerin, coconut oil, and essential oils which leave your skin smooth and moisturized.
Neutrogena Razor Defense Shave Gel not only helps prevent razor bumps and cuts but also boosts skin’s resistance to razor irritation.
Bump Patrol Cool is a dermatologist-recommended shaving gel and can be used anywhere on the body. It contains menthol for a more comfortable shave.
Best post shave for your wedding tackle
AHAVA Soothing After Shave is quickly absorbed into your skin to enrich, moisture, and provide effective antibacterial action for a fresh, soft feeling.
Shaveworks – The Cool Fix helps reduce ingrown hairs, razor bumps, razor burns, and redness. The Cool Fix also helps release trapped hairs from underneath the skin, kill bacteria, and prevent ingrown hairs from reoccurring.
Grooming Lounge – The Shavior is loaded with botanicals to provide needed moisture, antioxidants, and a tad of sun protection.
Best powders for soothing your nether regions
Balla Powder Talc is a fine Italian talcum powder with a subtle fragrance. It leaves your entire body feeling dry, comfortable, and smelling great.
Grooming Lounge Super Powder can help reduce itching and scratching on private areas and it absorbs sweat too. Its very fine consistency goes on light but still absorbs sweat to prevent chafing.
Gold Bond Ultimate Comfort Body Powder is specially formulated to provide the ultimate in freshness,
odor protection, and moisture control.
Other top manscaping necessities
Baxter of California’s Exfoliating Body Bar uses a rich, hydrating formula that exfoliates dead skin cells with pumice, jojoba meal, and crushed olive seeds.
The Deluxe Fog-free Shower Mirror’s surface equalizes to create a long-lasting, fog-free reflection for the duration of your manscaping activities.
The Pro Barber/Salon Razor Edge Hair Cutting Scissors are made from stainless steel and tempered with precise blades. They have a hand-sharpened cutting edge.
If you enjoyed this manscaping for beginners guide, you might also like to know how to grow a beard fast from our wellness section.