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If you're a man looking for information about genital shaving and pubic hair removal, you know that most of the information you'll find on the internet intended for women. The fact is that most people assume men know how to shave. They forget just how sensitive we are about our genitals. I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, but I have learned a thing or two about the subject in the time that I've been shaving my pubic hair.

You may have balls of steel, but if you're anything like me, a few layers of very sensitive skin cover them. There are a lot of products out their that will limit irritation and ensure a more comfortable shave, but nothing is more important than limiting the number of times your run that razor across your skin. Do you remember why pop didn't want your mom to shave her legs with his razor? That's right; a dull blade meant tissue paper all over his face. Unless you have a tissue fetish, don't use a dull blade on your balls. Currently the Gillette Fusion is my favorite for shaving my face and genitals. Since I prefer a steady touch, I use the manual version.

As far as electric shavers go, I've used the Philips Norelco BodyGroom, and the Seiko Cleancut. From the standpoint of receiving an irritation free shave, the Seiko Cleancut is the better of the two shavers, if you use it right. The Cleancut is a nice quiet maintenance shaver. I have mixed feelings about the fact that it runs off a C battery. I'd like to see rechargeable version. If you use the Cleancut, remember to tilt the razor while making small circular motions. You should also use it on skin that is dry and lightly powdered with talcum, feminine deodorant powder, or even cornstarch. Use of such a powder will facilitate smooth movement across the skin, and will provide better results.

If you choose the Philips Norelco BodyGroom, take your time and be careful; especially when you first start using the product. You'll want to make sure that the micro-screen maintains constant contact with your skin, and that the leading trimming blade is slightly elevated. Chances are that running the trimming blades into the soft skin of your testicles will result in cuts. Nobody likes to see his scrotum bleed. The BodyGroom is a bit more versatile than the Cleancut, and it is designed for men. You can use the BodyGroom to shave and trim, and it includes several snap on trimming combs to facilitate trimming.

If you use a blade, you have a few options when it comes to lubricant. Coochy Cream is a popular shave cream for shaving pubic hair. Despite its awful name, Coochy Cream lives up to its name and provides a rash free shave. To be honest, I've also used whatever I happen to be using to shave my face with equal results. I've recently started shaving with silicone lubricant. Yes, the kind of lubricant sold in sex shops for sex. Using silicone lubricant, I comfortably shave daily and have experienced no signs of irritation. The silicone seems to moisturize my skin, and there's no need to wash off the thin layer of lube that remains after I finish shaving. I leave it on, and it provides a comfortable barrier between my skin and clothing. It's also fun to apply.

You may want to experiment with what feels best for you. Blade or electric, it doesn't matter which option you chose; certain basic rules apply to both. Again, as stated above, fewer passes means less chance of irritation. Make sure your blades are sharp, and your electric shavers are well maintained. Do not use an electric shaver with a damaged shaving screen.

Before you begin, trim any pubic hair that you plan on shaving to stubble length (Two or three day growth max). Generally, if you can trim it with a trimmer, it's too long. Remember, shaving your balls is no different than shaving your face. The main difference is that your face can take a lot more hacking than your balls can. Long hair will clog razor blades, and most shavers generally won't cut longer hair until you rub yourself raw in the process.

Have you ever noticed how loose your skin tends to get on a hot day? Especially if you're over 40, you know what I mean. Like your face, you'll need to draw your skin tight before you can shave it. If your skin is loose enough to give you trouble, try taking a shower before shaving. I've noticed that my genitals tend to retract a bit after a shower, and it is also easier to shave after a shower because more of the hair tends to stand on end.

Pay attention how the hair is laying. You'll want a blade to lift and cut. You'll be less successful running in the direction the hair lays. Many areas will require passes in multiple directions. The fact that the skin around your genitals expands and contracts often creates a problem. I like to shave close. An itch typically means that I missed something, so I try not to miss anything. I've often thought that I got everything only to discover that I missed a lot later on when the landscape changes.

People often talk about itching. Itching means that the hair is growing back, and the sharp edges created by cutting the ends of the hair poke against your skin. The faster your hair grows, the sooner you'll itch. My rule of thumb is that it's time to shave at the first time of itching. Itching may also direct you to something you missed. Touch up the spot that itches and you'll be fine. I generally notice itching after going three or four days without shaving, but that's just me.

It's up to you whether you shave in or out of the shower or tub. You can use the BodyGroom wet or dry. For best results, use the Seiko Cleancut on dry skin. Of course, it's best if you can get somebody else to shave you. They'll get to all those areas you can't see.

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.

I've been shaving with silicone lubricant for the better part of two weeks, and I have to say that I am sold on the concept. Switching to silicone has allowed me to shave more often without irritation. My skin feels great, and I haven't noticed any increase in irritation or razor bumps since I stopped using Coochy Cream. Coochy Cream is still a great product that I have no problem recommending, but for now, I think I'll stick to the silicone lubricant.

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.

Despite my recent purchase of the Philips Norelco BodyGroom (BG2020) and my occasional use of the Seiko Cleancut for touchups, a manual razor continues to be my preferred tool for shaving my genitals. Despite assurances from Uther, I continue to be more than a little hesitant to use depilatory creams (Nair) on such sensitive skin. My fear of chemical burns and the warning labels telling me not to use the Nair on my genitals is enough to scare me away.

Speaking of sensitive skin, despite its horrible name, Coochy Cream is probably one of the most widely recommended body shave creams on the internet. In addition to its primary use for shaving your most intimate parts, Coochy Cream's label suggests you use it as a hair conditioner. While I've always suspected that it really is nothing more than hair conditioner with a freaky name, I have to admit that it works really well at preventing rashes and razor bumps.

I recently bought a bottle of Coochy After Shave Protection Mist at my local couples friendly sex shop. You know the kind of place. They typically have a female staff, sell lingerie in the front, lotions and massage oils somewhere in the middle, and porno DVD's near the sex toys in the back. I must confess that stores like these are one of my guilty pleasures. Where else can you ask a complete stranger about her favorite vibrator without getting your face slapped?

Coochy After Shave Protection Mist is the perfect compliment to the Coochy Shave experience! A silky-smooth after shave mist forms a protective barrier between skin and clothing as it moisturizes and shields newly shaven skin. Pure botanical extracts provide a naturally fresh fragrance, while their soothing properties soften akin and tighten pores - discouraging possible irritation to sensitive areas!

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While I was paying for my purchase, I asked the woman who rang me up if she has received any feedback about Coochy After Shave Mist from other customers. She replied that she has received some positive feedback, but doesn't use the product herself. Instead, she prefers to shave with a silicone lubricant. She explained that silicone lubricant is an effective skin moisturizer and shaving with it produces a just waxed smoothness. Shaving with a silicone lubricant sounded like a good idea so I added a 30ml bottle of Pjur Eros Original Silicone Lubricant to my order.

Since I'd recently shaved, I tried the Coochy After Shave Protection Mist without shaving when I got home. The Coochy folks make a big deal about the spray nozzle working from any position. I wasn't very impressed. The product itself appears to function as advertised. The after-shave mist effectively moisturized and lubricated my skin.

While I normally would have waited at least another day before shaving, this morning I noticed just enough stubble to consider testing the saleswoman's suggestion and shave with silicone lubricant. I decided to start with my armpits. I applied a small amount of silicone to my left armpit, spread it out, and reached for my trusty Gillette Fusion razor. The results were impressive. I haven't been shaving my pits very long, and I haven't enjoyed much success. Either I don't shave close enough and the stubble irritates me as I work, or I over do it and the ensuing skin irritation proves to be a source of discomfort. The silicone lubricant worked like a charm. I was able to achieve a close shave with zero irritation. Since shaving the pits went well, I tried it down below with equal success.

I typically try not to shave more than once every three days; however, I may step that up using the silicone lubricant. The lubricant worked so well with the Gillette Fusion that I'm planning to test it with the BodyGroom in a few days. Stay tuned for the results.

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.