How to shave your balls safely: A beginner’s guide

Shaving your balls: How to prep the skin for shaving

Preparation helps soften coarse pubic hair and creates a cleaner, smoother surface. If you choose to remove hair from testicles, you should avoid grooming hurriedly or in poor lighting.

Before you start shaving...

1. Trim long hair first: If the hair is long, start by trimming it with a body groomer or trimmer fitted with a guard. Reducing the length beforehand helps prevent hairs from clogging the razor and reduces uncomfortable pulling during shaving.
2. Wash the area: Wash your hands and the external intimate area with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. This helps remove sweat, oil and bacteria while preparing the skin for grooming.
3. Soften the hair with warm water: A warm shower is one of the easiest ways to prepare for intimate shaving. Warm water helps soften coarse pubic hair and relax the skin, making shaving more comfortable.
4. Apply a shaving gel or cream: If you're using a manual razor (or wet & dry shaver), apply a generous layer of shaving gel or cream to create a protective barrier between the blade and your skin. This can help improve glide and reduce friction.
5. Prepare your shaving environment: Before you begin, make sure you:
   1. Stand somewhere stable with good lighting and a mirror if needed.
   2. Use your own clean grooming equipment.
   3. Check the skin for cuts, spots, rashes or painful ingrown hairs.
   4. Test any new shaving product on another area of skin first.
   5. Choose a tool intended for body or intimate grooming.

Avoid shaving if the skin is inflamed, infected, sunburnt or broken. Giving the area time to heal first can help prevent further irritation and discomfort. If irritation, pain or skin symptoms persist, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Safe shaving techniques for sensitive areas

When learning how to shave your scrotum, the main challenge is creating a smooth surface. The skin on the scrotum is thin and naturally folded, so always work slowly and carefully. Use one hand to gently pull a small section of skin taut while guiding the grooming tool with the other. Never shave over loose, wrinkled skin.

Using a manual razor

For a close shave, follow these steps:

1. Apply a generous layer of shaving gel designed for sensitive skin.
2. Gently stretch the skin to create a smooth surface.
3. Use a clean, sharp blade and shave with the direction of hair growth.
4. Take short, controlled strokes rather than long sweeping movements.
5. Rinse the blade after each stroke to remove hair and product build-up.
6. Reapply shaving gel before making an additional pass if needed.

Avoid pressing hard or repeatedly shaving the same area. Applying more pressure will not produce a closer shave, but it can increase irritation, razor burn and the risk of cuts.

Using an electric shaver

An intimate electric shaver can be a beginner-friendly option, particularly if your goal is to keep the area neat and well-groomed rather than completely hair-free.

The Philips OneBlade Intimate is designed for sensitive intimate and underarm skin. Its SkinProtect blade provides an additional protective layer, while rounded tips and edges are designed to move comfortably over curved areas. It can be used wet or dry and includes an attachable 3 mm comb for trimming.

For best results:

• Keep the skin gently stretched and taut.
• Use light pressure and let the device do the work.
• Move slowly, especially around contours and folds.

Even when using a dedicated intimate grooming tool, care is still required, and no device can completely eliminate the risk of nicks or cuts.

Preventing irritation, cuts and ingrown hairs from testicles shaving

The best way to shave balls comfortably is to minimise unnecessary contact between the blade and skin.

If your skin tolerates exfoliation, gently exfoliate the surrounding pubic area before shaving to help release trapped hairs and remove loose skin cells. Avoid abrasive scrubs on the scrotum itself, as its skin is more delicate. Never exfoliate skin that is already sore or immediately scrub freshly shaved areas.

To reduce irritation²:

• Soften the hair with warm water.
• Use shaving gel with a manual shaver.
• Shave in the direction of growth.
• Avoid blunt razors
• Make as few passes as possible.
• Rinse the razor after every stroke.
• Finish with a cool, damp cloth.
• Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturiser.

Avoid picking or squeezing bumps that form after shaving, as this can damage the skin and contribute to infection.²

Maintaining hygiene and long-term care

Use this checklist to keep your grooming routine hygienic:

• Wash the area regularly and dry it carefully.
• Wear clean, breathable underwear after grooming.
• Avoid tight clothing if the skin feels irritated.
• Rinse waterproof tools and allow them to air-dry fully.
• Store blades somewhere dry rather than in a wet shower.
• Replace blunt, damaged or worn blades.
• Never share shavers or intimate grooming equipment.
• Trim regularly if this helps you avoid frequent close shaves.
• Stop shaving if you notice persistent redness, swelling or broken skin.

How to remove hair from balls: FAQs

What if your skin feels itchy after shaving?

If you develop itchy testicles after shaving, the cause may be dry skin, friction, irritation or short regrowing hairs.³ To help soothe the area, wear loose-fitting clothing, avoid scratching and apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to the external skin. If you notice painful, swollen, hot or pus-filled bumps, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP as these could be signs of infection or another skin condition.

How do you shave your scrotum if you have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, it may be best to start with a guarded intimate groomer rather than a manual razor. Leaving a small amount of hair length can reduce friction and irritation while still keeping the area neat and well-groomed.

Tools designed specifically for intimate grooming, such as the Philips OneBlade Intimate, can also provide a gentler alternative. Whatever method you choose, work slowly, use light pressure and monitor how your skin responds before attempting a closer shave.

Is testicles shaving safe?

Shaving your balls can be done more safely with preparation and careful technique, but there is always some risk of cuts and irritation. Stop immediately if the process becomes painful or the skin is caught by the tool.

Knowing how to shave your testicles safely is really about learning how to groom the surrounding scrotal skin without rushing. Prepare with warm water, shorten long hair, use a suitable tool and keep the surface gently taut. Finish by rinsing, drying and moisturising the area.

Whether you choose a close shave, a short trim or no hair removal at all is personal. Comfort, hygiene and healthy skin matter more than achieving a completely smooth result.

Want more intimate grooming advice? Read our guide to bum shaving.

Sources

¹Physical Development in Boys: What to Expect, Healthy Children

²Ingrown hairs, NHS

³6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologists, AAD