NothingToDread.com

Before I continue let me remind my readers that I am not a shaving expert. I'm not an expert about anything. I like to talk and write about things that I do or find interesting. Regardless of any tone of authority that may be detected in my words, what works for me may not work for you. That said, I've written a couple of articles on this site drawn from my experiences in the area of personal genital grooming. I'm not sure if I mentioned a couple of things that may or not be important to someone who is shakily reaching for that razor the first time. I'm not going to go over what I've already covered for sure, but if you're interested clicking on a any of the shaving "tags" in the left hand sidebar will take you to those articles.

Regardless of how you choose to shave, its important that you are aware of your own anatomy. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with those strange bumps, seems, and wrinkles. A mirror can come in handy or you can have some fun with a digital camera. I've discovered all sorts of things that I would have never known about myself playing with a camera. Fortunately for you, I won't be sharing those pictures. Note that certain times of day or weather conditions have a dramatic affect on the male scrotum. If you're going to shave that area, pick a time when things are relatively smooth and tight. Usually bath time can result in an appropriate metamorphosis. If your skin is dry, irritated, or you have other issues, try another time. It's better to have an assistant, but if you're shaving alone, remember to use any sense you have available. Feel out those out of sight areas. Figure out which way the hair is laying and shave appropriately. Take your time and be patient. Remember to pull your skin tight, but don't forget that pulling loose skin tight may move the hair you're trying to shave. You may find yourself repeatedly shaving smooth skin because you keep moving your target away from the blade.

How you choose to shave is your choice. The BodyGroom is a fine product that has grown on me over time. It takes some time to get used to, but it does a great job. Be careful. I've cut myself with that electric shaver several times. Electric does not always mean that you're less likely to cut yourself. On the other hand it doesn't seem possible to get cut with the Seiko Cleancut. It does take more time to use. I alternate between the BodyGroom and a Gillette Fusion five bladed razor. Believe it or not, I almost never cut myself with the razor. Remember, using an electric razor means shaving more often if you maintain your look. Electric razors cut the hair just above your skin's surface. My understanding is that blades cut just beneath the skins surface by tugging as they cut. The hair is pulled just above the surface, cut, and then snaps back beneath the surface.

Itching tends to start when the hair grows back. The sharp little edges you created when you cut the hair poke adjacent skin and cause the itch. Itching can also be caused by tiny nicks and cuts. Be careful. Condition your skin, and of course don't dry shave. I've used several skin conditioners for shaving including the shaving cream I use on my face. Despite its name, Coochy Cream works great, as does silicone lubricant. Yes the stuff people use for sex and sex toys. If you use a blade, make sure its a sharp blade. If you've dropped it, or have any reason to believe that the blades are nicked, don't use it on your balls. I can't be more direct than that.

I've mentioned silicone lubricant on the site on several occasions. Since some readers may be new to more than one topic covered here at nothingtodread.com, let me remind you novices not to use silicone lube on silicone toys. I say again, don't use silicone lube on silicone toys. The silicone in the lubricant may act as a solvent and destroy your expensive toy. It's melting, it's melting... Generally a water based lube will be appropriate for silicone. Also, women should stay away from any lube containing sugar, glycerol, glycol, etc. This probably eliminates many of the tasty, lickable, and edible products, but products like Astroglide also pose a danger. Maybe danger is too strong a word. For all I know there maybe women out there who actually enjoy yeast infections. When in doubt, the place you bought your toy should be able to recommend an appropriate lube. If not, you're shopping at the wrong place. Regardless, read the label. Any reputable toy or lube should list all the information you need.

In a recent article, I complained that the Philips Norelco BodyGroom (BG2020) is too bulky and awkwardly designed to use as a male genital shaver. My primary complaint was that the trimmer blades positioned on both sides of the shaving head had a tendency to cut my scrotum.

Since writing that article, I've spent a little more time testing the BodyGroom. Despite my original assessment, I've found that most of the problems I experienced with the BodyGroom resulted from pilot error (i.e. improper technique). I resolved the negative issues that I experienced with the BodyGroom by following the following three simple rules:

1. Tilt the BodyGroom so that you are mostly shaving with the "heel" or back part of the curved micro-screen shaving head. This will keep the forward trimming blade elevated and away from your skin.


2. Maintain constant contact between the shaving head and the area you are shaving. This will prevent you from tipping the BodyGroom so far back that the rear blade makes contact with your skin.


3. Slow down and pay attention.

Since pilot error was the cause of most the problems that I experienced with this product, I'm upgrading the BodyGroom to an A- as a genital shaver. Just take it slow the first few times you use the BodyGroom and you should be fine.

Update: As a result of further testing, I've decided to upgrade the BodyGroom to an A- rating as a genital shaver for men. Click here to read my updated review and instructions for safely shaving male genitals with the Philips Norelco BodyGroom (BG2020).

I've been using the Philips Norelco BodyGroom (BG2020) off and on for a more than two weeks now, and I honestly have to say that I would not recommend the product for male genital shaving. After testing it on my upper arms and biceps (An area that I don't normally shave), the BodyGroom does appear to be appropriate for general body shaving (Arms, back, legs, chest, etc.), but it is too large and awkwardly designed to use anywhere near the penis and testicles. The problem is magnified by the placement of the dual trimmers mentioned in my original review.

I've cut my scrotum far too many times in the brief time that I've used the BodyGroom. Most people purchase electric razors for safety and convenience. I'm sure that with trimming combs attached the product functions fine as a trimmer, but the amount of time and caution necessary to avoid shaving injuries renders the BodyGroom virtually unusable as a male genital shaver. I previously gave the BodyGroom a C for shaving the scrotum. Unfortunately, I 'm now downgrading the product to an F rating as a genital shaver.

I've had the opportunity to use my Philips Norelco BodyGroom (BG2020) a couple of times since UPS dropped it off on my front porch five days ago while I was in the bathroom shaving. I've used the BodyGroom primarily for touch up purposes both in and out of the shower. Before we continue, I'd like to share the infamous internet video that first introduced me to the Philips Norelco BodyGroom. In addition to being funny, it will introduce you to the intended uses of the Philips Norelco BodyGroom.