How to Remove Male Pubic Hair Safely Without Shaving

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Get rid of your pubic hair correctly with these proven methods
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Your pubic area is sensitive, and removing the hair there can feel like an impossible feat, especially if you don’t want to bring a razor down there. But what if we told you it wasn’t? There are plenty of safe and effective ways to correctly remove your pubic hair without shaving. From depilatory creams to waxing and trimming, there’s an option for everyone! We’ll go over everything you need to know for each hair removal method in this article, so keep reading to learn more.

What is the best way to remove hair from male private parts?

The best way to remove hair from male private parts is to first try using a depilatory cream. Depilatory creams designed for the pubic area are gentler on the skin and can prevent hair from growing for up to 2 weeks. Simply follow the instructions on the product.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Depilatory Creams

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  1. Purchase a depilatory cream safe for your pubic area. Depilatories have chemicals that dissolve the hair just below your skin so it doesn't grow back as quickly. [1] There are multiple depilatory creams on the market, so ensure you choose one that’s safe for intimate or private areas.
    • Depilatories designed for the pubic area contain gentler chemicals that can cause less irritation.
    • Depilatory creams are usually painless and effective but have a strong and unpleasant odor. They also don’t permanently remove hair. [2]
  2. Dab a quarter-sized amount of cream somewhere on your skin and leave it on for the amount of time listed on the package. Rinse the cream off once the time runs out or if you feel any burning or stinging. Keep an eye on your skin to see if you develop any irritation (redness, itchiness, etc.) over the next day. [3]
    • Some people have allergic reactions to the chemicals in depilatory creams, so it’s important to try it before applying it around your pubic region.
    • If you don’t notice any skin reactions, then the cream is safe for you to use. If you develop redness or a rash, find a different product or try a different method.
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  3. Spread the cream evenly over your skin so it completely covers your pubic hair. Avoid rubbing the cream into your skin since it won’t be as effective. Immediately wash your hands right after applying the cream. [4]
    • Do not apply depilatory cream on irritated skin or areas with cuts, scars, or moles since it can cause even more irritation.
    Kelli Dunham, Puberty Expert and Gender Specialist

    For men seeking to remove pubic hair without shaving or waxing, depilatory creams formulated specifically for sensitive areas can be an effective alternative. Test a small patch first and follow all directions to avoid skin irritation. Apply the cream in thin layers, leaving it on for the recommended time before gently wiping away hair.

  4. Look at the cream’s packaging to find out how long you need to leave it on your skin. While the cream sits on your skin, it will kill the hair so you can easily pull it away from your skin. [5]
    • Times will vary depending on the brand you bought, but depilatory creams usually take 3 to 4 minutes to work.
    • If you feel any burning or irritation, rinse the cream off immediately.
  5. Take a clean tissue and slowly drag it across your skin to remove the cream. Your pubic hair will easily wipe off, leaving your skin nice and smooth. Keep wiping your skin until you remove as much cream as possible. [6]
  6. Hop in the shower or bath and rinse the area with lukewarm water to clean off any leftover cream. Your skin may feel a little sensitive, so gently pat the area dry with a towel. [7]
    • You don’t need to use any lotion or moisturizer after depilatory cream.
    • Hair typically doesn’t grow back for 2 weeks when using depilatory creams. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Waxing

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  1. Use hard wax since it’s less painful. Soft wax requires cloth strips and it could feel more painful once it dries on your skin. Hard wax doesn’t require any strips, so it can be applied directly and removed as soon as it dries. [9]
    • Waxing removes the hair down to the root, so it takes the longest for your hair to grow back, but it’s also the most painful method since you’re ripping the hair out. It may be a good choice for the area around your genitals, but not to use directly on them.
  2. Cut your hair to 1 ⁄ 4 – 3 ⁄ 4  in (0.64–1.91 cm) with trimming scissors . Waxing works best with shorter pubic hair since it won’t pull your skin as much. Use trimming scissors or an electric trimmer to cut your pubic hair closer to your skin. Just work slowly and carefully so you don’t accidentally nick yourself. [10]
    • Avoid using the same trimmers or scissors you use on your face since you could easily spread bacteria.
  3. Since waxing can be painful, take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen before you start. Follow the dosage instructions on the package and wait about 30 minutes for the medication to kick in. While you’ll still feel some pain and irritation, it won’t be as intense. [11]
    • You could also use ice packs to help numb your skin before you start waxing.
  4. Wax grips your hair better when it’s clean, so hop in your shower and gently clean your pubic area. Pat yourself completely dry with a towel to get the best results. [12]
  5. Heat the wax until it’s warm and easy to apply. Read the label on the wax you bought to find the best way to heat and soften it. You can usually put the wax on the stove or in the oven until it’s melted, but follow the instructions they give you. Test a small spot of wax on your wrist to make sure it’s warm but not so hot that it hurts or burns you. [13]
  6. Spread wax over a section of pubic hair with popsicle sticks and let it harden. Dip the end of the popsicle stick in the wax and scoop some onto a small section of your pubic hair. Spread the wax following the direction that your hair grows for the smoothest application and results. Leave the wax on your skin for a few minutes until it dries completely. [14]
    • Use popsicle sticks to apply your wax so you don’t get it all over your hands.
    • While it may take more time to wax your pubic hair in sections, it causes less irritation later on.
  7. Hold your skin tight with one hand. Pinch the wax along the edge of the wax. Take a deep breath to prepare, and quickly pull the wax in the direction opposite of your hair growth. It might sting or feel painful for a moment, but it will go away soon. [15]
    • If you’re having trouble pulling the wax on your own, ask a friend you trust to help.
    • It typically takes 3 to 6 weeks for your hair to grow back before you need to wax again.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Trimming

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  1. Invest in a pair of trimming scissors or an electric body hair trimmer . Small trimming scissors are a lot easier to handle, especially around your pubic area. Alternatively, you can use a trimmer made for body hair that’s less likely to snag or pull while you’re trimming. Just be sure you use a guard to avoid pinching your skin. [16]
    • Use a different trimmer or scissors than what you’d use on your face so you don’t expose yourself to any bacteria.
  2. When you have wet hair, it gets a little harder to see what you’re trimming, so you could accidentally cut off too much hair or hurt yourself. If you just bathed or showered, dry off with your towel completely before you start trimming. [17]
  3. It might seem easier to trim your pubic hair while lying down so you don’t have to crane your neck as much, but you won’t be able to see as well. You can get a better view of what you’re doing when you’re standing up and raising one leg, so try that instead. [18]
    • Stand over a wastebasket while trimming so you don’t have to clean up as much when you’re finished. Otherwise, trim in a room with hard floors so your hair is easier to sweep up.
  4. Snip or trim your pubic hair as close to your skin as you want. If you’re using scissors, pinch a few strands of pubic hair between your fingers and gently pull it taut. Slowly snip the hair to the length you want. Work your way around your pubic area, carefully trimming the rest of your hair. If you have electric trimmers, put on the guard for the length you want. Pull your skin tight and guide the trimmers in the same direction as your hair grows to reduce irritation. [19]
    • The length of your pubic hair all depends on your personal preference.
    • It might help to have a hand mirror if you’re trimming the hair around your testicles so you can get a better view of where you’re cutting.
    • Trimming doesn’t completely remove your pubic hair, but it’s a good way to clean up any long or stray hairs.
  5. Sterilize your scissors or trimmer with rubbing alcohol afterward. As soon as you finish trimming, wet a cloth with some rubbing alcohol and wipe down your scissors or trimmers. This will kill any harmful bacteria on the surface and prevent any infections when you use the scissors or trimmers in the future. [20]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Professional Treatments

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  1. If it’s your first time or you just don’t feel confident waxing yourself, search for salons that offer pubic waxing in your area. Salon professionals can help you wax so you feel the least amount of pain and have the least risk of infection. [21]
    • When an esthetician applies wax, they should use a new wooden stick each time. If they use the same stick multiple times, it could contaminate the wax and spread bacteria. [22]
  2. During electrolysis, a dermatologist inserts a thin needle into your hair follicle that sends a small electric current to destroy the cells. While it’s usually painless, you may feel a pinch from the needle. You’ll typically need appointments every week or every other week for up to a year and a half to completely remove your hair, but it varies depending on how thick or coarse it is. [23]
    • Electrolysis appointments usually last 15 to 60 minutes.
    • There are only slight risks of infection or scarring if the electrolysis is done incorrectly, but it’s very safe if you’re getting a professional treatment.
  3. Dermatologist Adarsh Vijay Mudgil explains that laser hair removal kills hair follicles with intense light so it doesn’t grow back. [24] You’ll usually need to make an appointment with a dermatologist or laser hair removal specialist every month until all your hair is gone since the lasers only work during the active growing cycle. However, sessions can be pretty pricey. [25]
    • Laser hair removal is only meant to target your pubic line and not your genitals, so it may not be the best option if you want to remove all of your pubic hair.
    • Sometimes, you may still have some stray hairs grow in and have to make a maintenance appointment once a year to control them.
    • Mudgil recommends getting laser hair removal done under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. [26]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why is it essential to find an experienced person for laser hair removal?
    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
    Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.
    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
    Expert Answer
    Laser hair removal must be under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can assess your risk and give you some post-treatment, prescriptions, or advice.
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  • Question
    Does laser hair removal have any side effects?
    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
    Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.
    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
    Expert Answer
    The significant side effect of laser hair removal is that you might get a burn from the laser. The way to prevent that is to make sure that your provider has adequate experience.
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      Warnings

      • Removing your pubic hair could lead to itching or ingrown hairs, but there are no proven health risks to removing pubic hair. [27]
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • Avoid sharing hair removal products so you don’t spread any bacteria or viruses. [28]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sideburns.html
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/r6hrYM8ALPg?t=66
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/r6hrYM8ALPg?t=79
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/r6hrYM8ALPg?t=85
      8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hair-removal.html
      9. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/sugaring-vs-waxing-which-one-should-you-pick
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/y8IFbXGDXYc?t=12
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/y8IFbXGDXYc?t=65
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/y8IFbXGDXYc?t=95
      7. ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/shaving-pubic-hair-avoiding-razor-burn-and-ingrown-hairs
      8. ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/shaving-pubic-hair-avoiding-razor-burn-and-ingrown-hairs
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/trimming-pubic-hair
      10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/trimming-pubic-hair
      11. ↑ https://greatist.com/health/pubic-hair-removal#prevent-ingrown-hairs
      12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      13. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/trimming-pubic-hair
      14. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8306-electrolysis
      15. ↑ Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist. Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.
      16. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-at-home-laser-hair-removal/
      17. ↑ Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist. Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.
      18. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving-query.html
      19. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/trimming-pubic-hair

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