THE BEARDED DRAGON
TO SHAVE OR NOT TO SHAVE
By BULGE & BUM
Yep, that is the question. And to be clear, we’re referring to shaving down south. Manscaping the gardens of the Forbidden City. Or, to continue the Chinese analogy, unmasking your “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” by removing your pubic hair. Manscaping is officially a thing. Our female counterparts have been tending to their lady gardens for decades, but enlightenment is a double-edged shaving blade, so to speak. Isn’t it time for the gents to step up too? But don’t feel like you need to groom at all. Pubic hair maintenance is totally up to you. If you are fed up with your usual unkept manscape and decide it is time for a trim, be sure you’re well-versed in safety, upkeep, and aftercare before you start.
If you’re considering grooming your pubic hair, you’re not alone. According to a study by the US Institutes of Health, 50.5% of men reported regular grooming. In their 2019 State of the American Penis Survey, Men’s Health magazine reported that 62% of men shave below the belt. The case for shaving, or not shaving your pubic hair, is diverse. A lot of people remove their pubic hair for aesthetic reasons; to make it look more attractive. For others, partner or personal preferences drive their grooming habits. People who prefer to remove their pubic hair often cite comfort, routine, and sexual confidence as motivating factors. Most people, however, cite hygiene as the motivating factor in removing pubic hair. But pubic hair isn’t actually unhygienic. Like other hair on your body, your pubes trap sweat, oil, and bacteria. So, they might have a slightly stronger odour than other areas of your body. If you wash regularly, this shouldn’t be cause for concern.
Shaving may not be the right word, or rather, the only word to use when considering personal grooming. There are various ways of taming your mane to consider, each with its own pros and cons. Shaving may be the most common way to clear pubic hair, but it is also the most dangerous. Pubic hair grooming has been associated with injury and infection. It is estimated that about one in four groomers has had at least one-lifetime injury due to pubic hair grooming, according to a 2017 study. If shaving is your method of choice, shave in the direction that your hair grows to minimise irritation. Pull your skin tight to get all of the hairs. Remember to always disinfect your razor before use. As with your facial hair, dampen your pubes to soften the hairs and make them easier to cut. Use shaving cream and after your grooming session, cortisone cream to minimise post-shave irritation.
Hair removal creams are also common, but it’s best to avoid them if you have sensitive skin. These products weaken keratin in the hair so that it loosens from its follicle and can be wiped off, but they can contain chemicals or other substances that cause allergic reactions or breakouts. The skin on your penis and testicles are much more sensitive than anywhere else on your body. If you are up to it, waxing and threading are perfectly safe when done by a trained professional, but if done improperly, can cause some uncomfortable side effects. For a more long-term option, laser hair removal and electrolysis are both considered “permanent” methods to denude pubes: both eliminate hair follicles, so hair doesn’t grow back. Complete pubic hair removal is also not the only option, and many men prefer a good trim. Mowing the lawn and trimming the edges, so to speak.
When it comes to Ball Care, given how thin and precious the skin is, one should take special care. Typically, there’s not a ton of hair growing there, as opposed to the robust mane above your penis. But if it is smooth billiard balls you seek, remember the golden rule: take it slow. Clippers are the best option to remove the sparsely covered balls, and preparation is key. Trim, soak, and apply a shaving agent. And aftercare is just as important. Use an after shaving balm and remember to lotion daily for a super smooth sack.
Are you a smooth operator, or do you prefer your pubic mane more au naturel? If you do trim, what style do you prefer? Billiard Balls, which means trimming or shaving hair from your balls and leaving the rest? Or perhaps Thighs the Limits, where you remove any low-hanging groin hair from your thighs? The Boyzilian is an all-over trim, tidy, and detangled, leaving very short hair. Or are you more adventurous and artistic? Apparently, the Zeus (a lightning bolt) is all the rage nowadays! We at Bulge and Bum would love to hear from you guys! Drop us a line below.