Unlock the Secret to Perfect Pubic Grooming: Experts Reveal What You’re Doing Wrong and How to Fix It Now

Ever found yourself mid-conversation, fumbling to explain how to tackle the often awkward yet oddly essential task of trimming your pubic hair? You’re definitely not alone. As a grooming editor in my early thirties, I’ve noticed a surge in friends casually lobbin’ questions about skincare and haircare concerns they’ve long ignored—from the sudden revelation of crow’s feet to finally getting serious about their beards. But nothing quite matches the sheepish looks and half-hearted gestures that come with inquiries about “down there” grooming. Trimming pubic hair isn’t exactly dinner table talk or a skill passed down from dad, yet it doesn’t have to feel like navigating a minefield. With the right prep and mindset, this surprisingly straightforward grooming ritual can be mastered without mishaps or moments of sheer panic. Ready to go from zero to hero in your intimate grooming game? Let’s dive right in. LEARN MORE

AS A GROOMING editor in my early thirties, I’ve been getting more and more questions from friends about hair and skincare concerns they have traditionally overlooked. To counter the sudden emergence of crow’s feet and fine lines, they’ll ask about the best eye creams and night creams. Other dudes in my life who’ve decided to finally take their facial hair seriously will demand the best beard trimmer to get the job done. Most of this comes with the confident air of masculine obligation—save for one topic. After an impromptu game of charades involving faint gesturing downward and minimal eye contact, I usually figure out they’re asking how to trim pubic hair.

I get it, this is an intimate task. Unlike how to trim your beard or shave, it’s not exactly something your dad shows you how to do growing up. But this process doesn’t need to be daunting (or painful). Not unlike trimming your beard or cutting your own hair, all it takes is proper foresight. With a short step-by-step plan, you can avoid any uneven cuts or sliced skin, and avoid future awkward conversations. It’s actually one of the simpler grooming jobs to execute.

Step One: Prep

Just like trimming hair anywhere on your body, the first step is to cleanse the area. Not only will washing your groin first soften hair, making it easier to cut, but it will also provide a more comfortable and safe trim, while boosting your hygiene. I don’t need to tell you that your genitals can get funky, but it’s worse than you probably think.

Given that the pubic region tends to be warm and (apologies in advance) moist, it’s a hotbed for bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. All of this significantly increases the chances of ingrown hair, razor burn, and other irritation from trimming or shaving. Simply cleaning the canvas beforehand will greatly reduce the risks of it all.

Now, you can use your standard body wash or bar soap; however, I recommend a dedicated groin wash. Similar to your face, the skin on your package is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body. Plus, it has a different pH, which can result in itching, redness, dryness, and of course, odor when you use a body soap. There are two options here that stand above the rest: Manscaped Crop Cleanser and Every Man Jack Below the Belt Foaming Cleanser. Both offer gentle washes boosted by aloe vera to soothe skin.

Step Two: Determine Length

Again, what’s important here is the plan. Putting a razor to your balls is not the time to let Jesus take the wheel. Decide on a desired length before turning on your pubic trimmer. Are you taking a little off the top or going full buzz cut? If you’re not sure or haven’t trimmed in a while (or ever), start with a longer guard adjustment and work your way down until you get somewhere you like.

It’s much easier to go shorter if you initially leave it too long than the other way around. I wouldn’t recommend going fully bald, as this can result in a much higher risk of irritation and chafing. But if you insist, trimming hair on the lowest guard before shaving it with a razor will help minimize skin issues—you’ll still want to stock up on anti-chafing sticks, though.

Step Three: Pick the Right Tool for Your Tool

Your desired length will determine what to use. In general, I recommend a trimmer designed and reserved solely for pubic hair. These will never get you fully bald, but to reiterate, that’s not the best idea. If I still haven’t swayed you, use Gillette Intimate Pubic Hair Razors made specifically for shaving sensitive genital skin, or BIC Flex5 Sensitive on the disposable front. For those looking to trim, it’s crucial you don’t use your beard trimmer or a device you’re using anywhere near your face. You can get away with using your body groomer from time to time, assuming you wash thoroughly after, but I’d advise having a dedicated tool just for the crotch. You don’t want to help that bacteria migrate.

My pick for the best overall pubic trimmer is the Gillette Intimate Pubic Hair Trimmer. It offers the two most important aspects of a device you’re using on the family jewels: precision and safety. With closely spaced blades and a protective attachment that helps prevent nicks and irritation, its design makes trimming this delicate area easy and comfortable.

Close second is Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra, a 100 percent waterproof trimmer featuring ceramic blades, a wireless charging dock, and an LED spotlight showing where you’re trimming that makes grooming safer and easier. With multiple comb lengths and an intuitive design, it delivers a smooth, close trim with comfort and convenience—even in the shower.

Step Four: Move Slowly

Before you go near your pubes with a trimmer, slow down—this isn’t a job you want to rush. Block out some time, set yourself up in front of a well-lit mirror, and get your device ready. Use short, gentle strokes, and go slow—hair down there grows in all directions. For the scrotum and shaft, stretch the skin flat to avoid nicks. If you’re trimming your perineum, use a hand mirror on the floor or prop one leg up for better visibility.

Step Five: Go with the Grain

If you’re going all the way and shaving, apply a generous layer of shaving cream and use a sharp, clean razor. Be sure to shave with the grain in slow, steady strokes, keeping the skin taut to reduce irritation and the risk of cuts. Rinse your blade often to avoid clogging, and reapply cream as needed. For tricky spots, like behind the sack, rely on your mirror and go one section at a time. When trimming, you can get away with going against the grain, but still prioritize going with the grain. It’s safer and will create a more even trim job.

Step Six: Aftercare

After trimming or shaving, rinse the area with warm water and your groin wash to remove any loose hairs and reduce the risk of irritation. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel—don’t rub, this can cause irritation—and follow up with a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer or body lotion to calm the skin. Also a good idea to avoid tight clothing for a few hours, or days if you went completely bald, to let your skin breathe and prevent friction.

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Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.

Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.