# Revenge of the Pubes, or What Once Was Cut Shall Now Cut You, or How to stop itching? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 27, 2006, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376 "2006-09-27T15:57:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/1 "2006-09-27T15:57:47Z")
So I trimmed my chest and my manbits for the first time a couple of days ago, and last night everywhere I trimmed burned like a motherfucker all night. I’m OK this morning, but I need to figure out how to combat this menace when it rears its ugly head again, especially since I have a job interview tonight! Suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/2 "2006-09-27T16:21:42Z")
Use a depliatory cream instead of a razor. Razors - whether blades or electric - cut the hair at a sharp angle, making a sharp pointy bit which burns and itches like a mo-fo as it grows out. Creams disolve the hair just under the surface, but more importantly don’t make it sharp. Veet and Nair both make creams for men if you’re too embarrassed to buy the pink stuff. It’s the same stuff in a manlier bottle, and probably doesn’t smell like watermelons. I’ve used Nair on the outer girlybits with no problem, but it does say to avoid mucus membranes, so be careful around your anus. I don’t think guys have any other mucus membranes down there to worry about. ---
**Author:** ![FormerMarineGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/65b543/32.png) [@FormerMarineGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FormerMarineGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/3 "2006-09-27T16:25:17Z")
From shaving I have learned that it burns sometimes afterwards and have accepted it. Usually the first day is the worst and goes away later on. I try to avoid tight clothing if possible (boxer briefs, tight t-shirts) and learned to shave prior to going to bed (sleep naked or in loose pajamas). You probably shaved the wrong way or did not use enough proper lubrication when shaving, therefore causing some of this pain. If you did that, one of the best things to do is get a washcloth or loofah and scrub away where it hurts. It might not make total sense to do this, as it might hurt. However, it will help prevent ingrown hairs. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/4 "2006-09-27T16:27:05Z")
[QUOTE=WhyNot] Use a depliatory cream instead of a razor. Razors - whether blades or electric - cut the hair at a sharp angle, making a sharp pointy bit which burns and itches like a mo-fo as it grows out. Creams disolve the hair just under the surface, but more importantly don’t make it sharp. Veet and Nair both make creams for men if you’re too embarrassed to buy the pink stuff. It’s the same stuff in a manlier bottle, and probably doesn’t smell like watermelons. I’ve used Nair on the outer girlybits with no problem, but it does say to avoid mucus membranes, so be careful around your anus. I don’t think guys have any other mucus membranes down there to worry about. [/QUOTE] Don’t those burn/irritate sensitive skin? ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/5 "2006-09-27T16:28:02Z")
[QUOTE=WhyNot] I’ve used Nair on the outer girlybits with no problem, but it does say to avoid mucus membranes, so be careful around your anus. I don’t think guys have any other mucus membranes down there to worry about. [/QUOTE] That’s interesting to know. I use this ultra-sensitive 4 minute formula and I’ve often wondered if I could use it…elsewhere, provided I was very careful. I will havw to try. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/6 "2006-09-27T16:30:19Z")
[QUOTE=CandidGamera] Don’t those burn/irritate sensitive skin? [/QUOTE] I’ve never had a problem, but YMMV, and of course you should do a small patch test somewhere thin, like your inner elbow, first. The label says it’s not for the pubic area, but I’ve used it on the inner upper thigh/outer labia without a problem. I wouldn’t use it inside the labia, though! **FormerMarineGuy** , it doesn’t sound like razor burn to me, as it didn’t start burning until several days AFTER the shave. That’s why I think it’s pointy-growing-out hair. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/7 "2006-09-27T16:32:37Z")
Could also wax, of course. That will also prevent the pointy-bit problem. But me, I’d rather use cold chemicals than rip hot wax off my balls. Again, YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/8 "2006-09-27T16:32:55Z")
[QUOTE=CandidGamera] Don’t those burn/irritate sensitive skin? [/QUOTE] I am extremely sensitive and it doesn’t have to go on sensitive skin…even my arm burns with regular Nair. But the special stuff that I found doesn’t burn. It’s called Nair for Sensitive Skin or something, and it’s an ultra fast four minute formula because the faster you get it off your skin the better. My skin is just fine with this. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/9 "2006-09-27T17:46:19Z")
If it fits with your purposes, you may have better luck with cutting the hair with an electric clipper set to zero length. It won’t be razor-smooth, but the cut ends of the hair will be just above the surface of the skin, so itching should be greatly reduced, if not entirely eliminated. Plan B is to keep shaving daily - you’ll eventually get used to the itchies, and/or the frequent shaving will keep the hair to the point where it won’t irritate the skin. This, of course, assumes you’re shaving properly so the shaving itself doesn’t tear up the skin. Dirty minds want to know - was the shaving related to the job interview? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hirundo82](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/919ad9/32.png) [@Hirundo82](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hirundo82)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2006, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/10 "2006-09-27T23:53:28Z")
[QUOTE=CandidGamera] Don’t those burn/irritate sensitive skin? [/QUOTE] I had a friend who wound up in the ER with chemical burns “down there” from Nair. Of course, he apparently left it on for far longer than it is supposed to be left on. He has always been stupid. This incident just added to his legend. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/11 "2006-09-28T00:49:17Z")
If you’re just interested in getting rid of some of the jungle rather than the so-called “smooth effect” (yeah, smooth for about 3 hours until the bristles start to come in!), you can trim short with scissors or a trimmer rather than shaving or waxing or depilating. Takes a bit longer but doesn’t have to be repeated so often, and doesn’t itch while regrowing! ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/12 "2006-09-28T00:50:38Z")
[QUOTE=WhyNot] I’d rather use cold chemicals than rip hot wax off my balls. [/QUOTE] Given the choice, I’m sure I’d much prefer ripping hot wax off your balls. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/13 "2006-09-28T00:51:41Z")
😉 ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/14 "2006-09-28T01:15:34Z")
[QUOTE=Cervaise] 😉 [/QUOTE] 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/15 "2006-09-28T01:31:35Z")
[QUOTE=WhyNot] I wouldn’t use it inside the labia, though! [/QUOTE] IANAOB/GYN, but I didn’t think most women had a problem with hair in that particular area. ---
**Author:** ![Malienation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4af34b/32.png) [@Malienation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malienation)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/16 "2006-09-28T03:08:45Z")
Put some talcum powder on it, that’s all I got; otherwise, you just gotta wait the itchy period out. Once it stops itching, etc., wait a couple of days then trim again. After the initial itchy period, subsequent trimmings won’t have the same itchy effect. Don’t be discouraged and let it grow out. That’s suffering for nothing. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/17 "2006-09-28T03:09:46Z")
[QUOTE=Suburban Plankton] IANAOB/GYN, but I didn’t think most women had a problem with hair in that particular area. [/QUOTE] Oh, we have hair growing on the inside surface of the labia majora, especially at top, under the mons pubis - at least further in than I’m comfortable Nairing. Trust me, it’s there. It’s really annoying to get rid of because of both the very small angle of approach and the mooshiness of the labia - and because the hairs angle in opposing directions where they meet in the center. I think it’s because of them that the Landing Strip remains more popular than clean shaven. ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/18 "2006-09-28T03:19:50Z")
I shave Down There and can only recall “stubble burn” maybe once in a long time. No chemicals. Use a trimmer or scissors to clear away the jungle as best you can. Personally I don’t like a trimmer because I managed to nick myself once. Jumped like a startled cat I did. No way to avoid some awful puns so to heck with it. Get thee to a long, hot shower or bath. Go nuts with the soap and/or shampoo. Get the hair really warm and wet. Now lather up (I use plain old Dove), take a new safety razor and go to work. This will take a while - even with a lot of prework (trimmer) your razor will clog with every stroke so stop and rinse it off frequently. I found that a 2-blade razor works better than those 3-5 blade models (more blades=snags). Some parts are easier to shave than others. If your partner wants to watch it ain’t gonna be graceful or sexy, more like watching someone work on the interior of a car engine with all the bending and stretching. As when shaving your face, go with the grain and don’t use more strokes than absolutely necessary. This will help avoid any burn. In addition to rinsing the razor rinse your wedding tackle and re-lather frequently. This is either a really great way to do it or I have Balls Of Steel but I’ve never cut myself. Personally I have found that witchhazel makes a decent aftershave if you do experience razor burn. Gold Bond Powder (talc with some other stuff) works well after you’ve dried off. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/19 "2006-09-28T03:21:12Z")
_Why_ would you trim your “manbits”? ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2006, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376/20 "2006-09-28T04:53:42Z")
Compliance with Leviticus 12:3? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-pubes-or-what-once-was-cut-shall-now-cut-you-or-how-to-stop-itching/374376.md?page=2)