Best Pubic Hair Styles for Men: A Practical Guide (2026)
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I've been grooming my pubic hair for years, and my own routine is fairly simple.
I keep the top short and tidy for most of the year. In summer, I often go closer. I also shave the balls completely smooth because, for me, it feels fresher, more comfortable and more sensitive. That is my personal preference, not a rule.
And that is really the point of this guide.
There is no single correct pubic hair style for men. Some men prefer a natural trim. Some want everything short and tidy. Others like the completely smooth look. What matters is choosing something that suits your body, your comfort level and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do.
This guide covers the main pubic hair styles for men, the tools you need for each one, how to do it properly, and the pros and cons I think actually matter in real life.
No awkward nonsense. No fake grooming advice. Just a practical guide from a man who has tried most of it.
The 6 Styles at a Glance
| Style | Look | Maintenance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural, neatened | Natural but cleaner | Every 1–2 weeks | Easy | Low-maintenance grooming |
| Short and tidy all over | Clean, neat, practical | Every 7–10 days | Easy–Moderate | The best starting point |
| Smooth balls, short on top | Tidy top, smooth underneath | Trim weekly, shave every 2–4 days | Moderate | Fresh feel without full shave |
| Landing strip | Defined, styled, tidy | Every few days for edges | Moderate | Shaped look without full removal |
| Sculpted triangle | Sharp, styled, intentional | High — touch-ups every few days | Hard | Men who enjoy the grooming process |
| Full shave | Fully smooth and bare | Every 2–4 days with razor | Moderate–Hard | Smoothest feel, highest maintenance |
Do Most Men Groom Their Pubic Hair?
Yes. Pubic hair grooming is no longer unusual.
A US study published in the American Journal of Men's Health found that just over half of men surveyed reported regular pubic hair grooming. Other research has also shown that younger men are more likely to groom than older men, and that trimming is generally more common than removing everything.
The UK picture is similar. YouGov data found that many younger British men either trim or remove their pubic hair, while older men are more likely to prefer leaving it natural.
But this is where I think men need to be careful. Survey numbers can be interesting, but they should not decide what you do with your body.
The most useful takeaway is simple: if you groom, you are not unusual. If you do not groom, you are not wrong. And if you go fully smooth, you are in a smaller but very real group of men who simply prefer that look and feel.
There is also a safety point worth making. A JAMA Dermatology study found that grooming-related injuries are fairly common, especially cuts, irritation and rashes. So whatever style you choose, technique matters.
The Pubic Hair Styles for Men
I have broken these down in the way most men actually think about it: how much hair you keep, how short you go, and whether you shave the balls or leave them trimmed.
You can also mix styles. That is what I do.
1. Natural, Just Neatened Up
This is the easiest option. You keep the hair, but reduce the bulk and tidy the edges so it does not look overgrown or poke out of your underwear.
It is a good choice if you want to look groomed without looking shaved.
Tools needed: Body trimmer, 6–10mm guard, comb or scissors if the hair is very long
Best for: Men who want low-maintenance grooming with minimal irritation
Maintenance: Every 1–2 weeks
Difficulty: Easy
Look: Natural but cleaner
How to do it
Start with dry hair. Use a body trimmer with a 6mm to 10mm guard, depending on how natural you want it to look.
Trim slowly and evenly. If the hair is long, comb it through first so the trimmer does not pull. Focus on reducing bulk rather than creating a sharp shape.
You can also tidy the edges around the underwear line, but keep it soft. This style should look natural, not sculpted.
Pros
This is quick, easy and has the lowest risk of irritation. You are not shaving directly against the skin, so razor burn and ingrown hairs are much less likely.
It is also the easiest style to live with if you do not want to think about grooming every few days.
Cons
It does not give you the smooth, fresh feeling of shaving. In hot weather, it can still feel warmer and less comfortable than a closer trim.
It is also less defined visually. If you want a sharper, cleaner look, this may feel too relaxed.
2. Short and Tidy All Over
This is probably the best starting point for most men.
Everything is trimmed short: the pubic mound, the base, and usually the balls too. You are not fully shaved, but nothing is long or messy.
This is my default style for most of the year on the top area.
Tools needed: Body trimmer, 2–4mm guard, mirror, good lighting
Best for: Men who want a clean look without full shaving
Maintenance: Every 7–10 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Look: Clean, neat and practical
How to do it
Use a body trimmer with a short guard, usually around 2mm to 4mm.
Trim the top area first. Go slowly and use different directions to catch the hair evenly. Around the base and sides, use a mirror if needed.
For the scrotum, be more careful. Pull the skin gently taut with one hand and use the trimmer slowly with the other. Do not press hard. Let the trimmer do the work.
Pros
This is the best balance between comfort, appearance and maintenance. It looks clean, feels better than leaving everything long, and does not require shaving every few days.
Because you are not using a razor directly on the skin, there is much less risk of razor burn.
Cons
It still leaves texture. If you want completely smooth skin, this will not give you that.
You also need a decent trimmer. A cheap or rough trimmer can pull, catch or leave the area uneven.
3. Smooth Balls, Short on Top
This is close to my personal routine.
The top area stays short and tidy, while the balls are shaved smooth. For me, this is the best compromise: it feels cleaner and more comfortable, especially in summer, without making the whole area look completely bare.
Tools needed: Body trimmer, razor, shaving gel, fragrance-free moisturiser
Best for: Men who want a fresher feel without going fully shaved
Maintenance: Trim weekly, shave every 2–4 days if you want to stay smooth
Difficulty: Moderate
Look: Tidy on top, smooth underneath
How to do it
First, trim everything short with a body trimmer. This makes the shaving part much easier and reduces pulling.
For the balls, use warm water and shaving gel. Pull the skin gently taut, then shave with short, light strokes. Rinse the blade often because it clogs quickly.
Do not rush this part. Loose skin folds easily, and that is where most cuts happen.
After shaving, rinse with cool water and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser.
Pros
This is the style where I personally notice the biggest comfort difference. It feels fresher, especially in hot weather, and there is less hair trapping sweat.
It can also improve sensitivity because there is less hair between skin and skin.
Cons
The first few times, regrowth can itch. That usually improves once your skin gets used to the routine, but it can still be annoying.
You also need to keep on top of it. Smooth does not stay smooth for long with a razor.
4. The Landing Strip
The landing strip leaves a narrow vertical strip of hair above the shaft, while the rest is trimmed or shaved around it.
It is more styled than a simple trim, but not as bare as a full shave. Done well, it looks deliberate and tidy. Done badly, it can look uneven very quickly.
Tools needed: Body trimmer, razor, shaving gel, mirror, eyebrow pencil if needed
Best for: Men who want a shaped look without removing everything
Maintenance: Every few days for the edges
Difficulty: Moderate
Look: Defined, styled and tidy
How to do it
Trim the whole area first so the hair is easier to manage.
Decide how wide you want the strip. If you are not confident, use an eyebrow pencil or your finger as a guide. Keep the strip centred.
Shave or trim everything outside the shape. Then trim the strip itself shorter so it looks neat rather than bushy.
Take your time with the edges. Symmetry is what makes this style work.
Pros
It gives a groomed look while still keeping some hair. It can also make the area look more defined without going completely bare.
For some men, it feels like a good middle ground between natural and fully shaved.
Cons
It needs maintenance. The edges grow out quickly, and once the shape starts to blur, it can look accidental rather than intentional.
I would not choose this as a first-time grooming style. Learn the basics first.
5. Sculpted Triangle or Wedge
This is a more defined version of shaping. Instead of a strip, you leave a small triangle or wedge of hair above the shaft, with the surrounding area trimmed or shaved.
It is the most styled look on this list.
Tools needed: Body trimmer, low guard, razor, shaving gel, mirror, optional stencil
Best for: Men who like a deliberate, groomed look
Maintenance: High — touch-ups every few days
Difficulty: Hard
Look: Sharp, styled and very intentional
How to do it
Start by trimming the whole area short. Then decide the shape before you shave anything.
Use a mirror and good lighting. If you are new to shaping, keep the triangle simple and not too small. The smaller and sharper the shape, the harder it is to maintain.
Shave outside the shape carefully, then trim the remaining hair short.
Pros
This can look very polished if done well. It is the most designed option and gives a sense of intention.
If you like grooming and do not mind maintenance, it can work.
Cons
It is easy to get wrong. Uneven lines show quickly, and regrowth softens the shape within a few days.
For most men, this is more effort than it is worth. I would only recommend it if you genuinely enjoy the grooming process.
6. Full Shave
The full shave removes everything: top, base, balls and, if you want, the area behind.
This gives the smoothest feel and the cleanest visual result, but it is also the highest-maintenance option.
Tools needed: Body trimmer, razor, shaving gel, mirror, fragrance-free moisturiser
Best for: Men who prefer a completely smooth feel
Maintenance: Every 2–4 days with a razor, or every 3–5 weeks with professional waxing
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Look: Fully smooth and bare
How to do it
Do not start with a razor on long hair. Trim everything down first with a body trimmer.
Take a warm shower or use warm water to soften the hair. Apply shaving gel, then shave in small sections. Go with the grain first. If your skin tolerates it and you want a closer finish, you can do a second gentle pass, but be careful.
Around the scrotum, pull the skin taut and use short strokes. Around the base and upper area, do not press too hard. Let the razor glide.
After shaving, rinse well and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser.
If you want the result to last longer, professional waxing is the better option. I would not start with waxing if you are completely new to pubic grooming, but for men who like the bare look, it can make maintenance easier over time.
Pros
This gives the smoothest finish and the freshest feel. In hot weather, it can feel very comfortable.
It also makes the area look more open and defined. Hair can visually hide shape and length, so removing it can make everything look cleaner.
Cons
This is the most maintenance-heavy style. Regrowth starts quickly, and stubble can feel rough within a couple of days.
It is also the style most likely to cause irritation, razor burn or ingrown hairs if you rush it.
And not everyone likes the fully shaved look. YouGov preference data suggests trimmed styles are more widely liked, while fully shaved male pubic hair is more divisive. So if you go fully smooth, do it because you like it, not because you think everyone else expects it.
The Tools You Need
Pubic Hair Trimmer
A good body trimmer is the most important tool for any style on this list. You want something designed for body grooming — not a beard trimmer. The skin around the groin is thinner and looser, so a trimmer with rounded guards and a gentle blade makes a real difference.
Affordable option: Meridian Trimmer Original. This is a solid entry-level body trimmer that handles basic maintenance well. Ceramic blades, comfortable grip, and a price that doesn't make you wince. Perfect if you're just starting out or you just want to keep things neat without spending too much.
Premium option: Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra. If you want more precision, a closer trim, and the ability to experiment with different styles, this is the one. Dual-blade system (trimmer + foil), LED spotlight, waterproof, and the safest trimmer I've used below the belt. Worth the extra if grooming is part of your regular routine.
Manual Razor
If you want a completely smooth shave — especially on the balls and around the base — you need a razor designed for intimate grooming. The Gillette Intimate Labs razor is built specifically for below-the-belt use. The blade geometry is designed to handle coarse, curly hair without tugging, and the spacing reduces clogging. Use it with warm water and shaving gel, go slowly, and let the blade do the work.
Shaving Gel
Dry shaving down there is a terrible idea. The Manscaped Crop Cleanser Shaving Gel is formulated specifically for intimate grooming — it's clear so you can see what you're doing, it reduces friction, and it helps the razor glide without irritation. Apply a generous layer before shaving and rinse the blade often.
Hair Removal Cream (Alternative to Shaving)
If you don't want to use a razor but still want smooth results, hair removal cream is an option. The No Hair Crew Intimate Hair Removal Cream is formulated specifically for the groin area. Here's how to use it properly: apply a thick, even layer over the hair you want to remove — do not rub it in. Leave it on for the time stated on the packaging (usually 5–10 minutes, but always follow the instructions). Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away the cream and hair. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Do a patch test on a small area first to check for skin sensitivity, and never leave it on longer than recommended.
Aftershave / Post-Grooming Care
After shaving or trimming, your skin needs something to calm it down. The Manscaped Crop Soother is a fragrance-free post-shave lotion designed specifically for intimate grooming. It reduces redness, soothes irritation, and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Apply a small amount after shaving or trimming, and let it absorb before putting underwear on.
Aftercare: Do Not Skip This Part
Aftercare matters more than most men think.
The skin around the groin is sensitive. If you shave badly and then put tight underwear on, sweat all day, or use a heavily fragranced product, you are asking for irritation.
Here are the basic rules I follow:
Trim before shaving. Long hair clogs the razor and makes everything harder.
Use warm water first. It softens the hair and makes shaving easier.
Use shaving gel, not dry skin. Dry shaving down there is a terrible idea.
Go slowly. Short strokes are safer than long, confident ones.
Pull loose skin taut, especially on the balls.
Rinse the blade often.
Moisturise afterwards with something fragrance-free.
Avoid heavily fragranced products. This is not the place for aftershave.
Wear looser underwear after shaving if your skin feels sensitive.
Keep your tools clean and dry between uses.
If you get a small cut, keep the area clean and leave it alone while it heals. If you notice swelling, increasing pain, pus, or anything that looks infected, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
My Honest Take
For most men, I would start with "short and tidy all over."
It is clean, simple and easy to maintain. It gives you most of the benefits of grooming without the irritation risk of a full shave.
If you like that and want to go further, try shaving the balls smooth while keeping the top short. That is the style I personally come back to because it gives me the best mix of comfort, freshness and practicality.
A full shave can feel great, but you need to accept the maintenance. The smooth look is not difficult to achieve, but keeping it smooth is the work.
The main thing is not to overthink it. Try one style, live with it for a couple of weeks, then adjust. Pubic grooming is not a personality test. It is just grooming.
Choose what feels comfortable, looks right to you, and does not turn into another chore you hate doing.
Why You Can Trust This Guide
I've been grooming my own body hair for over 25 years. Before becoming a full-time blogger, I worked as a healthcare assistant in pharmacy — so I understand skin sensitivity, infection risk, and the difference between safe grooming and bad advice.
This guide is based on real, personal experience — not research from other websites. Every style described here is something I've either tried myself or have enough experience with to explain honestly. I don't tell men what to do with their bodies. I just share what I know.
FAQ
Should men shave their pubic hair?
Only if they want to. There is no rule that men should shave their pubic hair. Some men prefer the natural look, some prefer trimming, and some prefer full removal. The best option is the one that feels comfortable and is easy for you to maintain.
Is trimming better than shaving?
For most men, yes. Trimming is easier, faster and less likely to cause irritation. Shaving gives a smoother result, but it needs more care and more maintenance.
What length should men trim pubic hair?
A good starting point is 3mm to 6mm. If you want a natural but neater look, use 6mm to 10mm. If you want a closer, cleaner finish, use 2mm to 4mm.
How often should men groom pubic hair?
For a simple trim, every one to two weeks is enough for most men. If you shave and want to stay smooth, you may need to shave every two to four days. Waxing lasts longer, usually around three to five weeks.
How do you shave your balls without cutting yourself?
Trim the hair short first, use warm water and shaving gel, pull the skin gently taut, and shave with short, light strokes. Do not rush. A clean razor and good lighting make a big difference.
What is the easiest pubic hair style for men?
The easiest style is natural but neatened up. Use a body trimmer with a 6mm to 10mm guard and trim every week or two. It is quick, low-risk and easy to maintain.
What is the best pubic hair style for men overall?
For most men, short and tidy all over is the best balance. It looks clean, feels comfortable, and avoids most of the irritation that can come with full shaving.
About the Author
Jerome is the founder of Dapper & Groomed. He's been grooming his body hair for over 25 years and reviewing men's grooming products since 2013. With a background in pharmacy, he brings a practical, safety-conscious approach to every guide. This one is based on real experience — not research from other websites.
