How to shave down there for the first time: Dos and don’ts

First time shaving pubic hair for men: Why do it?

There is no requirement or expectation to remove pubic hair. Some adults choose to groom down there for personal preference, appearance, comfort, or simply because they prefer how trimmed or shaved skin feels.

The main difference is how much hair you remove:

• Trimming shortens the hair while leaving some visible length. It can be a good option if you want a tidier appearance without aiming for completely smooth skin. It can also be a sensible first step if you’re unsure how your skin will react to intimate grooming.
• Shaving cuts the hair much closer to the skin, creating a smoother appearance. However, because shaving involves direct contact with the skin, it can also cause irritation, small cuts or ingrown hairs if done too aggressively.¹

For a first attempt, there is nothing wrong with trimming pubic hair and deciding later whether you want to shave closer.

How to shave down there for guys: Preparation

Good preparation is one of the simplest ways to make intimate grooming more comfortable.

If you’re starting with longer hair, shorten it first. Trying to take long hair straight down to bare skin in one go can make the process more difficult and encourage repeated passes over the same area.

Before grooming pubic hair:

1. Trim longer hair first if necessary.
2. Clean the area gently with warm water and a suitable cleanser.
3. Make sure your grooming tool is clean and in good condition.
4. Make sure you have enough time to groom without rushing.
5. Choose a comfortable position where you can clearly see the area you’re working on.
6. Use good lighting so you can see what you’re doing.
7. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re using an electric intimate groomer.

Wetting the skin with warm water and using shaving gel when shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs.² Grooming advice also recommends shaving in the direction of hair growth and using as few strokes as possible.

Most importantly, don’t treat your first attempt as a race. Give yourself time to work carefully around contours and sensitive areas.

How to shave correctly down there: Dos

If you’re learning how to shave pubes for the first time, focus on control rather than speed:

• DO start gradually

You don’t need to remove every hair the first time you groom. A shorter trim can help you get used to the process before deciding whether you want a closer shave.

• DO use a suitable grooming tool

Choose equipment designed for the area you’re grooming. A tool specifically designed for intimate areas can be easier to control around curves and sensitive skin than a general-purpose device.

The Philips OneBlade Intimate is designed specifically for sensitive intimate areas. Its SkinProtect blade is designed to provide an extra layer of protection for sensitive skin, while the device can be used for both trimming and shaving.

For someone learning how to shave for the first time down there, the ability to trim before deciding whether to shave closer can be particularly useful. An attachable trimming comb comes with OneBlade Intimate models, allowing you to leave some hair rather than going straight for a close shave.

The device is also designed for wet or dry use, giving you flexibility around how you prefer to groom. Always follow the instructions for your specific device.

A suitable tool won’t eliminate the need for careful technique, but a device designed with sensitive areas in mind can make it easier to take a measured approach.

• DO use light pressure

Let the blade or cutter do the work. Pressing harder does not necessarily produce a better result and can increase friction against sensitive skin.³

• DO make fewer passes

If one pass doesn’t remove every hair, resist the urge to repeatedly go over the same patch. Use as few shaver strokes as possible to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation.²

• DO pay attention to your skin

Some mild temporary sensitivity can happen after grooming, but persistent or worsening redness, swelling, pain or other changes deserve attention. Stop grooming if the skin becomes significantly irritated rather than trying to shave through it.

• DO give yourself time to recover

You don’t have to groom again immediately. Allowing your skin time to settle can be particularly helpful if you’re still working out which method and frequency suit you.

How to shave correctly down there: Don’ts

Knowing what not to do is just as useful as knowing what to do:

• DON’T shave in a hurry

Rushing any kind of hair removal makes it harder to control the tool and see what you’re doing. Intimate areas have curves and folds that require more care than relatively flat areas of skin.

• DON’T use excessive pressure

A closer shave isn’t worth sacrificing comfort. Pressing firmly against the skin can increase friction and the risk of small cuts or irritation.¹

• DON’T keep going over the same area

Repeated passes can make already-sensitive skin increasingly irritated. If a small amount of hair remains, decide whether it is really worth pursuing a completely smooth finish.

• DON’T use blunt or damaged equipment

Keep blades and grooming tools clean and properly maintained.

• DON’T shave directly over irritated skin

If you already have cuts, inflamed bumps or significant irritation, give the area time to recover. Shaving over compromised skin can make discomfort worse.³

• DON’T pick at bumps afterwards

If you develop an ingrown hair, resist squeezing or picking it. Scratching, picking or squeezing ingrown hairs can damage the skin and contribute to infection.²

How do you shave your pubes for the first time: Step-by-step

If you’re searching for how to properly shave down there, the basic technique is simple:

1. Work in small sections. Focus on one area at a time so you can keep control of the tool and see how the skin is responding.
2. Keep the skin as stable as possible. Gently holding the skin taut can help create a smoother surface and reduce dragging.
3. Use gentle pressure. Let the blade or cutter do the work rather than pressing firmly into sensitive skin.
4. Follow the direction of hair growth where practical, particularly if you’re prone to ingrown hairs. This can make the shave feel less aggressive than repeatedly shaving against the grain.
5. Use as few passes as possible. Going over the same patch again and again can increase friction, so avoid chasing a perfectly smooth finish.
6. Rinse the blade or cutter regularly according to the equipment’s instructions. Clearing away hair and shaving products helps the tool move more cleanly.
7. Slow down around curves and folds. These areas need extra care, so adjust your angle and take shorter, more controlled movements.
8. Stop if the skin becomes irritated. If the area starts to feel sore, look red or become uncomfortable, pause and give the skin time to settle.

For anyone wondering how to shave down there for the first time, this controlled approach is more important than achieving a perfectly smooth result.

And remember: you don’t necessarily need to shave every area completely. A combination of trimming and shaving can give you the appearance you want while reducing how much skin is subjected to close shaving.

What to do after shaving down there

Once you’ve finished shaving down there:

• Rinse the area gently.
• Pat the skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing it.
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or soothing balm to the shaved skin.
• Wear comfortable, breathable clothing if the area feels sensitive.
• Give the skin time to settle before grooming again.
• Avoid picking, scratching, or squeezing bumps.

If you develop an ingrown hair after shaving public hair, avoid trying to dig it out or squeeze it. Seek medical advice if the area becomes very painful, hot or swollen, or if you develop signs of infection such as pus or a high temperature.

Shaving my pubic hair for the first time FAQs

Should you trim before shaving?

Yes, trimming longer hair first can make a close shave easier and reduce the need for repeated passes. It is particularly useful when you’re grooming for the first time and are still getting used to your equipment and technique.

How can you prevent irritation after intimate grooming?

Use gentle technique, avoid excessive pressure and repeated passes, and don’t shave over already-irritated skin. After grooming, keep the area clean, avoid products that cause stinging and give your skin time to settle.

How to shave down there for guys without getting bumps?

Start by trimming longer hair, then use gentle strokes and avoid shaving unnecessarily close. Shaving in the direction of hair growth and using as few strokes as possible can help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

What if I don’t want a completely smooth result?

You don’t need to shave completely. Trimming to a shorter length can create a neat, groomed appearance while leaving some hair, and an intimate trimmer with a comb like the Philips OneBlade Intimate can make this easier to achieve.

Your first experience doesn’t have to determine your entire grooming routine. Pay attention to how your skin responds and use that information to decide how often you groom, how close you shave and whether trimming might suit you better.

If you’re learning how to shave for the first time down there, remember the basics: prepare properly, shorten longer hair first, use suitable equipment, take your time and keep pressure light. Avoid unnecessary passes, don’t shave over irritated skin, and give yourself time to recover afterwards.

Intimate grooming should feel like a choice, not a challenge to overcome. Start gradually, learn what works for you and let comfort guide the routine.

Wondering if there’s a particular age you should start shaving? Check out our dedicated guide to find out.

Sources 

¹Prevalence of Pubic Hair Grooming-Related Injuries and Identification of High-Risk Individuals in the United States, NIH 

²Ingrown hairs, NHS 

³6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologists, AAD