Happy trail hair: What is a happy trail, and how do I get rid of it?

What is a happy trail? This strip of hair runs vertically from the belly button to the pubic area and can grow slightly above or around the belly button. Also referred to as a snail trail, it’s particularly common to see happy trails on men, though plenty of women have them, too. While perfectly normal, if you’re considering how to get rid of a happy trail, read on for advice on how to do it safely and with the right tools.

Should I shave my happy trail?

 

There’s no medical reason to shave your happy trail hair. Hair growth on your abdomen is usually caused by genetics and hormones, and is perfectly normal. Whether you choose to shave yours is down to personal preference; some people let their hair grow, while others carry out happy trail manscaping or grooming, or get rid of their abdominal hair completely.

If you do choose happy trail removal or grooming, it’s important to choose a method that’s right for you.

What you choose to do is entirely up to your personal preferences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. There’s no medical reason to remove a happy trail on your stomach, though you might want to get rid of the hair for hygiene reasons, such as to better wash the skin beneath the hair.

If you do choose happy trail removal or grooming, it’s important to choose a grooming method that’s right for you. 

Best way to get rid of happy trail hair

 

We’ve answered the question, ‘what is a happy trail?’ and whether you should get rid of yours. Now, let’s take a look at your grooming options.

There are a few different methods you can try to either neaten a happy trail on your stomach or get rid of it completely. Make sure you align your choice with your personal grooming goals and skin type. Sensitive skin, for example, might need a gentle, non-abrasive choice for happy trail grooming, like trimming the hair rather than shaving it.

To learn more about your options, here are different methods of how to get rid of a happy trail:

 

• Shaving: Leave the skin completely smooth and hair-free by shaving your happy trail. It’s a quick method that can be done at home, but without the proper skincare before and afterwards, it can cause irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. The hair will grow back quickly, too, so you’ll need regular touch-ups.
• Trimming: This is the option that’s kindest to your skin and works well for happy trail manscaping or grooming. You can neaten the edges and cut back the length, without removing the hair completely, for a quick, inexpensive method that avoids irritation.
• Plucking: This is a more precise way of completely removing a happy trail on your stomach, and the results last longer than shaving alone. It’s time-consuming, though, and can be quite painful and irritating to your skin. For a thick happy trail, it’s not a very efficient hair removal method.
• Waxing: This removes hair from the root and can prevent quick regrowth for longer-lasting happy trail removal. The trade-off is that many people find it painful, it irritates sensitive skin, and costs more if done professionally. It also requires waiting for regrowth before your next session.
• Hair removal cream: Hair removal creams remove a large amount of hair in one go. If your skin tolerates it, it’s a quick and painless method that you can do at home. Some people, though, find hair removal creams to be painful and irritating, with the possibility of allergic reactions making it crucial you patch test before use.

Wondering ‘should I shave my happy trail or trim it?’. Try both with the new Philips Bodygroom  tool. Designed for sensitive areas, it offers options for both trimming and shaving your happy trail, so that you can work out the best way to get rid of happy trail hair for your skin and style. The round tips and hypoallergenic foil make it perfect for cutting through long, thick hair while reducing irritation. Use it for happy trails and shaving your pubic hair, making it your go-to grooming tool for intimate areas. 

Tips for happy trail grooming

 

Happy trails on men and women are completely normal. If you choose to remove yours, reduce irritation by maintaining a good grooming routine. Follow these steps for hygienic and gentle happy trail manscaping:

 

1. Wash your stomach area with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria. This softens the hair for a smoother shave.
2. If trimming the hair, make sure the trimmer you’re using is clean and adjusted to the right length.
3. If you plan on shaving your happy trail, use a clean, sharp blade. Avoid going over the same area multiple times and keep the process as quick as possible to reduce irritation.¹
4. Glide the blade gently in short strokes, following the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation and razor bumps.²
5. After grooming, pat dry. You can prevent dry skin after shaving  by applying a fragrance-free moisturiser.

If you also use your Philips Bodygroomer to trim pubic hair, make sure to wash it thoroughly between uses. 

Whether or not you get rid of your happy trail is up to you. The non-negotiable? Following good personal grooming hygiene, if you do go ahead with happy trail removal, and always use the best tools for your hair and skin.

If you’re looking for more manscaping advice, check out our article covering everything you need to know about how to shave your bum.

Sources:

¹ Innovative Approaches to Avoid Electric Shaving-Induced Skin Irritation, Wiley Online Library
² Pseudofolliculitis, British Association of Dermatologists