Should Men Shave Their Balls? Pros & Cons

Should Men Shave Their Balls? Pros & Cons

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Article updated: April 26, 2023
  

Men’s grooming trends have evolved over the years, encompassing a wider range of personal hygiene routines and choices.

One such trend that has gained popularity is the shaving or trimming of the balls and surrounding region.

A blue razor on a white surface

While personal grooming is subjective, most men have different preferences and motivations for opting to shave their balls.

In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons associated with ball shaving so that you can decide if having a clean shaven sack is right for you. Let’s get into it.

Benefits of Shaving Your Balls

Like every personal grooming choice us men encounter, there are going to be pros and cons associated with our decisions.

From the grooming products we use to the way we style our facial hair, how we present ourselves to the world says a lot about us as men. Believe it or not, ball shaving isn’t much different.

If you’re on the fence when it comes to shaving your balls, the following list of pros and cons should help you make a decision.

Pros of shaving your balls:

1. Hygiene

One of the most commonly cited reasons for shaving or trimming pubic hair is improved hygiene. Removing excess hair reduces the chances of retaining sweat, moisture, and bacteria that can accumulate in the genital area. This can help in preventing fungal or bacterial infections, unpleasant odors, and other related discomforts.

2. Increased Sensitivity

Some men report increased sensitivity and heightened pleasure after shaving their balls and pubic region. With less hair acting as a barrier, the skin becomes more receptive to touch, leading to heightened sensations during intimate encounters. This effect can enhance sexual experiences for both partners.

3. Enhanced Appearance

Looking for a little boost in confidence? Shaving or trimming of pubic hair can actually make your package look bigger and more aesthetically pleasing. Removing bushy pubic hair exposes the full length and girth of the penis, making some men feel more comfortable and satisfied with their appearance.

A yellow banana

4. Improved Skill and Precision

The process of shaving or grooming your pubic hair can cultivate better manual dexterity and attention to detail. This skill development can extend to other areas of personal grooming, such as shaving facial hair or maintaining a well-kept appearance overall.

Disadvantages of Shaving your Balls

While the pros list might make shaving your balls sound like the obvious decision, there’s always a cons list to help bring us back to reality.

Cons of shaving your balls

1. Irritation and Discomfort

Shaving a sensitive area like the balls and groin may cause irritation, redness, and itching, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or coarse hair. These issues can be further exacerbated during the regrowth period, leading to discomfort until the hair grows back.

2. Increased Risk of Ingrown Hairs

Ball shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, which occur when the hair strand curls or grows beneath the skin. This can cause inflammation, pain, and small red bumps. In rare situations, ingrown hairs can even become infected and require medical treatment.

3. Time and Maintenance

Achieving a clean-shaven look or maintaining a well-groomed appearance requires ongoing maintenance. Regular shaving or maintaining a trimmed appearance involves time, effort, and careful attention to avoid nicks and cuts in sensitive areas. This daily or frequent routine may not be suitable for everyone due to personal preferences or a lack of time.

4. Infection Risks

While removing pubic hair can enhance hygiene for most individuals, there is still a potential risk of infection if proper precautions are not taken. Shaving can create micro-abrasions, creating an entry point for bacteria or viruses, thereby increasing the risk of skin infections or sexually transmitted infections.


In conclusion, shaving your balls can be pretty awesome, but…. it can kind of suck too.

A man with a confused look on his face

At the end of the day the choice is yours to make. Consider the pros and cons outlined above to make an informed decision.

While enhanced hygiene, increased sensitivity, and improved appearance are nice pros, potential disadvantages such as irritation, ingrown hairs, the requirement for ongoing maintenance, and infection risks kind of suck but also must be taken into account.

Ultimately, the decision to shave or trim pubic hair is a matter of personal preference.

If you do decide to go the clean shaven route, It is recommended to explore proper tools and techniques, and always remember to take your time. Shaving your balls is not a race!

Thanks for reading! If you have any experience or input of your own regarding balls shaving feel free to drop me a line in the comment section below.