When it comes to male grooming, and dealing with man hair, it seems that no place is free from a bit of topiary. Women have been keeping their lady bits hair free for years, so shouldn’t men keep downstairs a bit more tidy?
Porn stars have been shaving their balls for years, and the “sack and back” wax is becoming a staple on a lot of waxing and beauty salons. So why would you want to shave your balls, and more importantly, how.
Reasons You Might Shave your Balls
There are numerous reasons and many claimed benefits for shaving your balls. But ultimately nature grows hair around our balls for a reason, so why are we to question million of years eveloution. Well, like many things, it is down to aesthetics. Some people prefer the look of tidy tackle, and it seems popular with women. Porn stars have been doing it for years, and that is for one obvious reason. Shaving your balls gives the visual sense of adding some extra length you yur manhood.
There are claims that it is healthier, by I’m not so sure. I think ultimately it is a lifestyle choice, maybe taken inconjunction with your partner, who may prefer the look. But whether you just trim to tidy up the appearance, or go for the full shave it is a matter of personal taste. But just be warned. Once you start, you have to maintain it, as it can be itchy if left too long.
How Do You Shave Your Balls?
The thought of bringing a razor blade close to your crown jewells is enough to put any man off. But should you make the decision there are a number of approaches you can take.
If you are going to use a razor, then, it goes without saying be very careful, and take your time. You need to trim off the hair with a trimmer, DON’T USE your beard trimmer. That’s not just hygenic. There are plenty of “man groomers” specially designed for shaving bits of the body below the neck line. Invest in one of these to manage you body hair, and have a separate beard trimmer.
Once you’ve trimmed the area, apply a good shaving gel or cream. Then make sure you have a brand new blade (again, not one you’ve used on your face, or intend to use on your face. Yuk!) .Pull the skin tight, to flatten out the bumps etc, and gently take the balde across the hair, using short, light strokes. Take your time. Don’t push hard, and let the razor glide gently over. Here it helps if you use a good quality shaving cream, to help lubricate the smooth journey of the blade across the balls. Make sure you rinse the blade regularly. The whole piont is to make the blade glide gently across, and not get caught or drag.
Once done, splash with cold water to clear the residue shaving cream, and pat dry (don’t rub!). It is worth applying some moisturiser (as you would your face). Voila.
As stated before, you will have to keep on top of this, and once you decide to shave your balls it is something you will need to keep doing on a regular basis, as when it grows it can be itchy.
Alternatively, you can go for the old “sack n crack” wax. This is more painful, but the results will last much longer. Check out your local wax salon, especially those that cater specially for men. See if they have it on the menu. This is a bit personal, so is not for everyone, and ultimately you might like some stranger waxing your bollocks!
Whatever method you use, there is no harm in trying it once, and see how it feels. And ultimately, what response you get from your partner. You never know, you might both be pleasantly surprised.
I’m luck enough to live near this shop and they give a proper old school style shave, it feels like a real luxury. This guys is a qualified barber and knows what he’s talking about.
They’ve some great shaving for men products, including great DE Razors I’ve blogged about previously.
Shaving for Men has been a requirement since the first man found the idea of getting mammoth soup stuck in his beard an inconvenience. We’ve come along way since the Ancient Romans, who use to use iron blades. Razor technology is a multi billion dollar business, with the main companies constantly striving for the better razor. But what is the best way to get that perfect close shave. In general men have to shave everyday, and this demand has been met by the rise in disposal razors and replacement cartridges. Back in the day, the only way to get a real close shave was to rely on your trust gentleman’s barber, who would set to work with his finely sharpened steel open blade. The best shave is with a cut throat razor, but this is best avoided unless being wielded by a professional barber. The next best thing is the DE razor for men (the Double Edge Safety Blade) – and are much more portable than the straight cut throat blade. This are far superior than the myriad of disposable and replacement cartridges on the market nowadays.
This is the sort of blade you see being used in those old Black and White films from the 50′s and 60′s, or something maybe your Grandfather (or Father) may have used. The iconic image of a man shaving, is shaving with a DE razor. In old traditional barbers (when I was a kid) I could see packs of replacement blades piled high on the shelf. The blades last longer, and are usually made from steel. Unlike the replacement cartridge blades in modern razors which stretch the skin with their rubber strips to get that close shave feel, the DE blade is less harsh on the skin. You will find that if you switch you will get a much closer smoother shave, with less irritation. In addition, the using a DE razor is the cheapest option, as the individual blades last a lot longer than modern disposables. They are particular good with men with tough, thick hairs, or who suffer from ingrown hairs, since the blade cuts the hairs, and doesn’t scrape the skin The key to the DE razor is the main handle, and you can spend a lot of many on this, but it will last a lifetime. It needs to have weight, yet feel comfortable in the hand. One of the main manufacturers of these is the German company Merkur. They make a range of safety razors, and whilst they may seem expensive the main handle part is for life, and can take pride of place on the discerning gentleman’s bathroom shelf. Some come with a slanted blade and others utilise an adjustable screw that allows you to set how much of the blade is shown.
It takes a little getting use to but the benefits far out weight the initial effort required. You’ll get a closer shave, and the whole experience will feel much more of an enjoyable process. Check out the various videos and advice on using the DE razor before you start. But once you take the plunge you’ll never look back. After all, it is what real men use.
When it comes to shaving for men, if you are going for that nice smooth shave, then a long with the right razor and correct preparation, you need the right shaving cream. It is worth searching out for a shaving cream or gel that suits you. As we are all individuals, and certain applications work better with certain skin types.
At the basic level you are looking at a lubricant to help the razor glide smoothly over the face. This is the function of the shaving cream or gel. The smoother the shave, the less chance of causing razor burn, bumps or nicks. Also a good shaving cream or gel will help keep the skin moisturised, which is key, as shaving can dry out the skin.
So what are the options when it comes to shaving. Whether you shaving cream comes out of a can, a tub, or a tube, the quality and texture is key.
Shaving Gel
For a while shaving foam from a can was the main quick convenience source for shaving. It saved on having to work up a lather with a cream, and was easily dispensed for maximum convenience. The shaving gel is the new kid on the block, and a long with his even younger brother, the gel foam. Some of this maybe just marketing gumpf, but is a popular choice – and works on the basic principal of the convenience a can. Usually this comes out initially as a gel, and then works it self up into a creamy lather. Some gels remain clear and can be advantage if you are precision shaving a beard, as you can see where you are going through the gel.
I would avoid the aerosol can shaving foam, as this tends to make the skin very dry, and can clog up a razor very quickly, and doesn’t offer a smooth lubed shave. These also tend to be alcohol based, which drys out the skin, and full of nasty chemicals that are best not putting on the face everyday. It might be convenient, but in the long run it is not healthy for the complexion and drys out the skin. Ultimately this is not a true wet shave in the traditional sense. If you take your shaving seriously, you need to be moving on from the mass produced, all convenient shaving foam or gel in a can. You need a to be using something that gives you the necessary lubrication and moisturises the skin.
Shaving Cream
The shaving cream that you get from a tub or a tube, tend to not be alcohol based and their base is from a glycerin soap. These tend to be much easier on the skin, and help prepare the beard by softening up. This is what the true shaving for men expert needs to be looking for. Some can be applied straight to the skin, and some require working up more with the shaving brush. The fact that you use a shaving cream that needs to be used in conjunction with a brush is a good thing, as the brush has the added benefit of lightly exfoliating the skin and lifting the hairs. A proper moisturising shave cream will help protect the skin, and keep in the moisture. They tend to be good for all skin types as they do not contain some of the more harsh chemicals and alcohol that foam from a can does. A luxurious cream can give you that real gentleman’s barber feel, and make the skin feel soft, smooth and pampered after a shave. You will end up with a much closer shave and a lot less irritation.
Ultimately if you don’t have a shaving cream then a good quality facial soap can be used, and is still better than the stuff from a can. However, if you want to invest in your face, which after all is your main feature, then you want to be using a good quality shaving cream. So go a head and treat your face to a bit of luxury.
Some recommended shaving creams:
If you are new to proper wet shaving – then this is a great starter kit:
How many times have you had to reuse a blade one more time than you would really like, and of course end up having a rough shaving for men experience. So a new company is proposing razors for men by subscription.
Subscriptions are very much part of life, from magazines, organic fruit and veg, DVDs and Video games by post. All because you forgot to get some razor blades on that last trip to the supermarket or drugstore. Well no more, joining the ever burgeoning list of subscprtion delivered household items is the razor for men. Thanks to Belgium company Raz*War you will never be short of blades again. You can subscribe to an annual plan, and then sit back and relax has you receive a regular supply of razor blades by post, meaning you will never be caught out short.
There are three subscription levels, to suit all shaving for men types, to the regular heavy shaver to the more casual shaver. The blades are delivered quarterly, right to your front door, and the start kit comes with razor (handle) and travel bag is included in the first shipment. Prices start at Euros 27.50 for 30 blades a year, up to Euros 75.00 for 90 blades a year, for the hardcore shavers out there.
Another advantage is that Raz*Wars want to take the fight to the big blade manufacturers. They dominate the market and you tend to be locked into one brand over the other, hence the monumental heavy weight marketing slug-fest Wilkinson and Gillette have. So far the only brand I know trying to challenge their dominance is King of Shaves, who have designed a new razor for men with the obligatory “ergonomic handle”.
Would you get your razors for men by subscription? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Why buy your razors for men from the local drug store or your supermarket – when you can have them delivered. Revolt against the big brand named razors – and get the convenience of having your replacement blades delivered direct.
Is this the future – viva la revolution at RAZ WARS
Shaving for Men has been a requirement since the first man found the idea of getting mammoth soup stuck in his beard an inconvenience. We’ve come along way since the Ancient Romans, who use to use iron blades. Razor technology is a multi billion dollar business, with the main companies constantly striving for the better razor. But what is the best way to get that perfect close shave. In general men have to shave everyday, and this demand has been met by the rise in disposal razors and replacement cartridges. Back in the day, the only way to get a real close shave was to rely on your trust gentleman’s barber, who would set to work with his finely sharpened steel open blade. The best shave is with a cut throat razor, but this is best avoided unless being wielded by a professional barber. The next best thing is the DE razor for men (the Double Edge Safety Blade) – and are much more portable than the straight cut throat blade. This are far superior than the myriad of disposable and replacement cartridges on the market nowadays.
