Body hair removal

The popularity of body hair removal is rising with men of all ages, sizes, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds and professions.

You're in good company whether you're thinking of getting rid of body and/or pubic hair because of temperature ..... because your partner suggested it ..... for ease of cleaning the area (when lice, fleas and other human parasites were common, removing all body hair was a way to discourage a seriously unpleasant infestation) ..... or because you're just plain curious about how you would look with less hair.

Body hair removal methods:

• Waxing - involves spreading hot wax, then placing a cloth strip on that wax and pulling it - to literally rip the hairs out. (Perhaps NOT the best method for the pubic area.)

• Tweezing also pulls out hairs, but one by one rather than in a group, which is less painful but can take a great deal of time. It may be a good choice when there's only a few hairs to remove.

• Trimming - shortens hairs as much as any kind of trimming tool can. Scissors may be better than an electric device for trimming the pubic area.

• Hair removal creams (Depilatories) take a bit of time to break down the hair, but overall work fairly quickly. It's as easy as applying the cream, waiting, then wiping the hair off along with it.

It’s painless IF it’s not left on too long or your skin isn’t very sensitive. It's harmless IF it's chemical-free.

There are depilatories available that contain no harmful chemicals, are based on natural plant extracts AND have no bad smell (the smell can be ferocious).

• Shaving is a good option especially if you follow a few important guidelines - particularly if you have sensitive skin or are working in sensitive areas.

1. Search out and use the best sharp razor and the best quality shaving cream (preferably one for sensitive skin).

2. Take a hot steamy shower to soften the hairs.

3. Work up a good thick lather of shaving cream and spread it around the area you plan to shave.

4. If you're shaving the pubic area, lather the base of the shaft and around it, as well as the scrotum. Start shaving at the shaft - in a downward motion then continue to shave around the upper pubic area.

If you want a completely clean-shaven look, remove all the hair around the shaft as well. Continue to stroke down into the hairline around the testicles, then carefully shave them with a smooth upward motion. Rinse and dry area carefully and thoroughly.

Moisturize with a good quality, chemical-free moisturizer. After that, add a light dusting of powder to prevent possible chafing.

Note: Avoid any creams, lotions, moisturizers or powders which contain chemicals, colors or fragrances.

Body hair removal by means of lasers or electrolysis involves going to a professional. If you have the time, money and inclination, you can investigate these options further on line.

Tips about body hair removal

• Body skin, especially that in the pubic area, is quite sensitive and may take a while to adjust to a razor. A perfectly smooth shave takes time to achieve.

• Rinse your razor after each stroke to keep it from clogging with hair.

• Exfoliate both before and after shaving (this means in the pubic area, too). Do this by rubbing LIGHTLY and GENTLY with a washcloth, sponge or loofah to prevent blocked pores and ingrown hairs.

Hair grows back, so you get stubble on your body or in your pubic area the way you do on your face. Ingrown hairs/shaving bumps/folliculitis can happen anywhere on your body. Take all the steps you can to prevent them.

Body hair removal needs to be repeated regularly. Or, you can let the hair grow back to the way it was.

Click here to ask a question about body hair removal

Anonymous

credit: AshkeJ

Shaving

Shaving brush

Shaving cream

Straight razor

Skin types

Untreated ingrown hairs

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