If you think you can run around with untamed pubic hair and your partner/s will be totally fine with it… think again. That’s the official word from men and women around the world in a message that screams ‘clean it up lads’.
A 2017 survey of hundreds of thousands respondents found that 70 per cent suggested that they preferred their man trimmed his pubic hair in an effort to maintain hygiene, appearance, and ease of access (if you know what we mean). The data was collected on behalf of Cosmopolitan, asking their followers along with Esquire and Ask Men fans.
And while the results speak for themselves, how does a bloke even begin to clean up his pubic area? We all know how tender the situation gets, and trimming around your balls can be equivalent to dismantling an atomic bomb. You need to be calm, collected and have the steady hand of a neurosurgeon. One small slip could be a catastrophe. (Dramatic or accurate? Dramaccurate.)
Given that our potential partners have told us in no uncertain terms how they prefer our hair-down-there, we went in search of some expert advice to keep you fresh where it matters the most. Bryan Tiska, Master Barber and Philips Shaving and Grooming ambassador is the man in the know, and happily provided us with 7 tips to manscaping the most delicate of groomable regions; your pubic hair (without ending up with ingrown hairs).
Before manscaping, have a quick comb through to remove any knots
While most shavers can tackle almost any length and thickness of hair, it’s worth having a quick comb through if you’ve not groomed down below for a while. Let’s be honest, things could get messy very quickly and you can’t afford to play around when it comes to the family jewels.
Use the right tools
Use a trimmer designed for manscaping, such as the Philips Bodygroom Series 7000. This body groomer has bi-directional trimmers that cut longer hairs, which are shaved by the foil for a closer result. The added flexibility of the contour system follows every angle and surface of your body for precisely the look you want. With an integrated trimmer and adjustable comb you can chose the length you feel most comfortable with, from a close 3mm cut to a more natural looking 11mm.
Jump in the shower
A product such as the Bodygroom is also showerproof, giving you the perfect excuse to groom in the shower and keep the bathroom from looking like a barber’s basement! The water from the shower will work as a natural lubricant and will help to avoid hairs pulling in your shaver. As an added bonus, the hot shower will also allow your skin to soften and loosen dirt and oils.
Stretch your skin
Stretching your skin will allow you to get into all the hard-to-reach spots. Consistency of hair length is key, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. With your free hand, carefully stretch the area you want to shave and allow the trimmer’s bi-directional blades work their magic. Take your time on this one, there’s no need to rush!
Be thorough, but not too thorough…
Don’t go overboard! It’s best to go for short and light strokes with a sensitive region. Avoid going over the same area too many times as this can cause unnecessary irritation of sensitive skin. Of course, use shaving cream when needed, especially if you want to give razor burn a miss.
Aftercare is key
Once you’ve finished, rinse with cool water, pat dry with a soft towel and apply a simple sensitive or hypoallergenic moisturiser to your pubic area, because there’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable down below. Cold water should help settle any skin irritation and the moisturise will set you up for the day.
Remember: trim, shave, moisturise, repeat. Routine and consistency is key. Repeat this groin grooming every 7-12 days for optimum results.