How to Shave Your Butt

Why Shave Your Butt? (Or Why Not?)

Many men have hair on their buttocks and around their anus–it’s quite normal and natural. The hair on your butt does serve a purpose; it helps minimize friction and chafing while also keeping the area ventilated and dry.

However, a growing number of men are removing their body hair, including their tail feathers.

Some people ask, why would someone want to do this? There are a number of horror stories about pubic shaving, but for men who can master the art, it is well worth the reward.

Removing body hair can make you look and feel clean, plus it can also be sexually arousing and stimulating not only to you, but to your partner (that is of course if your partner prefers a smooth bum–some don't).

How To Shave Your Butt

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1 - Shower & Dry Yourself Jacob J. Morris

Step 1 - Shower and Dry Yourself

You want to make sure you don't introduce any new bacteria to your skin while you are shaving, so thoroughly clean your body and then completely dry off.

A hot shower or bath is recommended—this will help soften the hair and prepare your skin. Be sure to dry off with a fresh towel as a re-used towel may contain bacteria.

Step 2 - Clean & Disinfect Your Razor Jacob J. Morris

Step 2 - Clean and Disinfect Your Razor

While I recommend you start with a fresh razor, if you happen to be using a razor that's relatively new, then you first want to make sure you remove any existing debris and bacteria.

You can remove hair lodged between the blades by running the blade under a heavy stream of water or gently tapping the razor on the base of the sink. Once you've cleaned the razor, pour a little rubbing alcohol over the top of the blades to kill any bacteria.

If you're using an electric groomer, you can clean the unit by opening the razor and removing stray hairs. To disinfect the unit, dab some alcohol onto a cotton swab and wipe the blades.

Step 3 - Trim the Hair on Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 3 - Trim the Hair on Your Buttocks

If the hair on your butt is long, you are going to need to trim it down so you can effectively use your manual razor or body groomer. A clogged razor will make your shaving more difficult and could create some painful snagging as hairs get stuck.

If the hair is thick, then I'd recommend using the Phillips Norelco Bodygroom Pro. If the hair is light and thin, then you should be able to use the Wahl Micro Groomsman.

Step 4 - Apply Shaving Gel to Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 4 - Apply Shaving Gel to Your Buttocks

Squeeze a small amount of shave gel into your palm, add a little water, and then apply to one of your buttocks (just one, not both); next, rinse hands clean and dry them. The reason you want to apply to just one cheek is so that you can easily pull them apart without your hands slipping—this will make it easier to shave.

Step 5 - Shave Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 5 - Shave Your Buttocks

Wet your razor blade with cold water and begin shaving the hair on your buttocks. If you're using a body groomer, then just begin shaving.

If you want a close shave, then shave against the grain; if you tend to be more prone to skin irritation, then you may want to shave with the grain.

Ideally, you should be standing up with your butt facing the mirror in your bathroom; this will make it easier for you to see what you're doing without straining your back too much.

As you shave, the razor will do the work, so it only needs to be pressed lightly against the skin. For those using a manual razor, rinse the blade frequently in cold water (cold water minimizes redness) to dislodge any hairs that are stuck. If you're using a body groomer, then frequently remove any excess hair from the blades and comb.

If by chance you nick yourself, you can use a styptic pen to stop the bleeding.

Step 6 - Shave Between the Cheeks Jacob J. Morris

Step 6 - Shave Between the Cheeks

Shaving between the cheeks is the trickiest part as it's the hardest to see. This is why you need a handheld mirror for this step.

Once you've shaved your butt cheeks, it's time to shave between the cheeks. To do this effectively, lay a handheld mirror on the floor, facing up. Then, squat above the mirror, and begin shaving.

Continue to rinse your razor frequently to prevent the cartridge from becoming clogged. If you have just a light amount of hair growth around your anus, you can use the Wahl Micro Groomsman personal trimmer instead.

Step 7 - Rinse Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 7 - Rinse Your Buttocks

After you’ve removed all the hair and are satisfied with your shave, rinse any excess shave gel and stray hairs off with cold water. You may also want to use a non-irritating body wash.

Step 8 - Dry Yourself Off Jacob J. Morris

Step 8 - Dry Yourself Off

Pat yourself dry with a fresh, clean towel; using an old towel may introduce bacteria onto the skin.

Step 9 - Apply Antiseptic to Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 9 - Apply Antiseptic to Your Buttocks

Apply a generous and even amount of antiseptic/razor bump treatment to your skin. This treatment is best applied right after you rinse your body. Allow the antiseptic treatment to dry before applying any body powder or putting on clothes.

Depending on your skin type, this may or may not burn a little. You should apply the antiseptic for the first few days after you shave, every day.

Step 10 - Apply Body Powder to Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 10 - Apply Body Powder to Your Buttocks

Now apply body powder to your bum; this will keep you dry and fresh, plus prevent any chafing or itching. You should re-apply the body powder every day.

Step 11 - Exfoliate Your Buttocks Jacob J. Morris

Step 11 - Exfoliate Your Buttocks

After a few days have lapsed, you will need to start to exfoliate your butt to prevent ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Using an exfoliating cloth will help loosen the hair and remove dead skin cells. You will need to do this every few days, but not every day in most cases.

Recommended Supplies for Shaving the Butt

Before you begin, you'll need to make sure you have all the things you'll need. Here are the recommended shaving supplies.

Shaving Tools

When it comes to shaving your buttocks, you're going to need a few tools.

For most body grooming you do, you can generally use just an electric groomer or a manual razor. But, in the case of shaving your buttocks, you really need both to achieve an effective shave. The electric body groomer is great to remove hair on the cheeks, but usually too big to get around the anus, so you need a manual razor for that area.

Philiops Norelco Bodygroom Pro Philips

Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro

The Norelco Bodygroom Pro is the #1 best selling body groom on Amazon—a huge favorite among well-trimmed men.

What I like about this unit is the dual end shaving it offers; the shaving head at the top is great for close shaves, and the trimmer at the bottom of the unit with the hair guard is great for trimming down hair.

You can use this unit to trim down the hair on your buttocks before shaving with a razor. If you just want to shave your cheeks, then you can use the shaving head to achieve a closer shave, but you won't be able to really use this unit "between the cheeks."

This unit retails for about $70 and is a great investment for all your body grooming needs.

Wahl Micro Groomsman Wahl

Wahl Micro Groomsman

If you don't have a lot of hair on your buttocks or you are in between trims, then you can use something as simple as the Wahl Micro Grooms to cut down the hair.

This unit is great when there is just a little hair that needs to be trimmed but if the hair is thick and long, then you're going to want to use the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro above.

This unit is also small enough that you can use it around the anus. If you're wanting to avoid a manual razor altogether, then you should pair this with the Bodygroom Pro, and both should be able to fulfill all your grooming needs.

This unit retails for about $9 on Amazon.

Schick Quattro Titanium Schick

Schick Quattro Titanium

If you want a close, super smooth shave, then you're going to need to use a manual razor (after you have trimmed down the hair with a body groomer).

I highly recommend the Schick Quattro Titanium razors; I think they are one of the best manual razors you can use for body grooming. The blades are wrapped in wires to prevent you from pressing too deeply into the skin, thus minimizing nicks and irritation, like razor bumps.

Eight cartridges will run you about $17 on Amazon.

The Art of Shaving Unscented Shave Cream The Art of Shaving

Shaving Cream

The Art of Shaving Unscented Shave Cream is an excellent product to use to shave your buttocks. While most guys may want to use ordinary shaving cream, I really recommend this formula. Let me tell you why:

First, it’s one of the smoothest shave creams you will ever use—it is incredibly emollient.

Second, it makes a wonderful rich lather, but not too much that you’re unable to see what you’re doing. And lastly, it also moisturizes the skin really well, and great for sensitive skin.

This product retails for about $25 on Amazon.

Goody Handheld Mirror Goody

Handheld Mirror

In order to properly shave your bum, you've got to be able to see it.

Line of sight is the most difficult problem with shaving your butt, so a mirror is a must-have, and I'm going to show you some tricks for how to use it (see instructions below).

You will need a decent-sized handheld mirror to properly perform this task. I recommend this large 11" mirror by Goody that retails for about $7 on Amazon.

The Cool Fix Anthony

Antiseptic

There are many nightmare stories about guys who have had horrible experiences shaving their butts. In all cases, none of them used an antiseptic.

Antiseptic is important because it soothes the skin, closes pores, and kills any bacteria. When you don't use antiseptic you increase the chance of skin irritation.

I recommend a product called the Cool Fix. It's a silicone-based antiseptic that not only conditions the skin and kills bacteria, but it also has a cooling effect that's quite refreshing.

The Cool Fix retails for about $26 on Amazon.

Jack Black Dry Down Body Powder Jack Black

Body Powder

After you remove all the hair from your buttocks, the absence of hair will mean that you will not be able to ventilate this area as well as before, so it's crucial that you invest in a good body powder.

Body powder is going to help keep your skin dry and smooth.

I recommend the Jack Black Dry Down Friction-Free Body Powder. This powder is a high-quality corn starch powder that feels great on the skin and keeps you from feeling clammy. This scent is light and fresh, and the green tea, cucumber, and lavender extracts are great for the skin.

This product retails for about $20 on Amazon.

Salux Exfoliating Wash Cloth Salux

Exfoliating Cloth

As the hair starts to re-grow, you're going to want to exfoliate the skin to help loosen the hairs and dead skin cells. This will help promote healthy skin and reduce skin irritation.

The Salux Washcloth is a Japanese invention and one of the best body exfoliators you can buy on the market, I think. It's basically a long rectangle of textured cloth made from nylon, perfect for scrubbing the backside.

This product retails for about $5 on Amazon.

Additional Information

While you're at it, you might also be interested in my article about how to shave your genitals.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

عالم حواء from saudi arabia on July 12, 2020:

just feels good and looks so much sexier

wayne on May 06, 2020:

shave everything, just feels good and looks so much sexier! Not sure why people think pubic hair is attractive.

Joe on April 24, 2020:

I find it fascinating that epilators are not mentioned as as way to remove hair. I am/was a super hairy guy. It takes several times to get used to doing it and especially the different feeling having hair vs not, but now I remove ALL of my body hair with an epilator. Every 4 months is good and I am never a hairy beast like l used to be. It no longer hurts, it no longer feels weird to not have big hair cushions in certain places and there is nothing like the feeling of of having hairless balls, chest, pits, and anus after living for decades with a shag rug. I never ever thought that a super hairy guy could do this without stubble itching or discomfort, but here I am. I have been doing it for over 10 years and it is easy now... not at first but persistence pays off.

Some guy on October 25, 2019:

I find it very insensitive that all these women have to add that they find it funny like what do they think that makes us feel good?

ammarali on August 02, 2019:

Thanks

Leiah Watkins on January 26, 2019:

Made me laugh

Alex on August 07, 2018:

Am a girl... have always been rather hairy down there (sad face) with ultra sensitive skin to boot. Unfortunately, despite trying all sorts of bushy styles, I still prefer a full on Brazilian. Finally got myself onto electric shavers and trimmers and my lady bits are smooth and happy... but I couldn’t figure out how to get the bit between my cheeks! Never considered using a Wahl type trimmer and I happen to have one! Just tried and problem solved. Thank youuuuu from me and my behind.

Daniel on July 26, 2018:

I shave pubes and ass as well as cock and balls. I get a yeast infestation if i do not shave ; it is like round red spots that turn to a brown permanent spot later. I went for over 2 years shaving my entire body including the beard s it invaded my beard and mustach. I cut back but had to start again to shave my entire chest and belly as the spots were coming back. There is a name for this condition but I fail to recall it now. I have had a lot of nice comments from those who like to fellate so it might be of interest to some who like that. Im referring to the pubes and private areas. I just do not feel clean until I have these shaved and it is much easier to wash off after going to the bathroom. Iforgot to mention that I also shave the pits. To me pit hair is gross to look at on anyone and it keeps the smell down as hair holds onto sweat and bacteria. I do not have much smell there for several days after shaving the spot. I really think it reduces body odor significantly.

I really would prefer shaving my entire body but my wife complains when I shave my legs ( they look better than hers I think). Well if the spots invade again I will shave my legs to get rid of the scarring. I also use 3/4 cup of borax added to my bath water and soak in it for up to an hour. This kills the yeast infections and keeps it gone as long as I keep shaving. Warm weather seems to exascerbate this yeast problem. No, you are not gay if you shave any part of your body regardless of what some think. Some prefer clenliness and health and do what it takes to achieve that goal.

anonymous on May 25, 2018:

Get the hell over what you read if you're so pissed off by it, Mark M! If people wanna shave their asses, let 'em.

Mark M on April 23, 2018:

How in the hell did I end up here reading this? Effing internet!

Sarah Spradlin from Little Rock, Arkansas on April 17, 2018:

I'm sorry but this made me laugh. I snapped it to like 6 people lol! I love the illustrations! haha

John on February 23, 2018:

I've done it before and it's difficult. It makes it easier to wipe my butt but it was uncomfortable when I walked as there was nothing to keep my cheeks from rubbing together.

John from UK on February 16, 2018:

I love the clean feel of a smooth bum, and I hate hair except what is on my head.

Hygiene on February 15, 2018:

There are many guys out there who think it's gay to remove the hair "back there", but it's simply good hygiene. I'm not gay, and there's nothing wrong if you are. I simply shave my ass because it feels disgusting, and my girlfriend likes the feel of a smooth butt, (no, we don't do butt stuff lol), she just likes to grab the cheeks sometimes. Have you ever wiped your ass like 6 times and felt like there was still something on your ass hair? That's the most irritating part for me.

For all the straight guys out there; it's not gay if you do it for hygiene purposes. Girls love guys with smooth butts, and i promise you'll feel much more comfortable after a good shave!

Rebecca from USA on November 08, 2017:

I read this to get tips for my husband's hairy butt! loved the article. I found it humorous and informative.

Clean guy on September 02, 2017:

It is just good hygiene!!! I think it comes down to respecting your partner when it comes to foreplay makes for a more enjoyable experience

Jerome on April 28, 2017:

Awesome article ! Thank you !

Eugene on February 10, 2017:

As a hairy guy missus bethperry I'd like to say for hygiene purposes. (Shaving between the cheek part)

zxc on July 30, 2016:

im a man and i shave my but to avoid pelinoid infection

Antonymous on May 27, 2016:

That I know, from how women shave the back of their upper legs, isn't it better if you put you legs forward on a support like a sink or something where to put your foot on, then angle the knee, bend yourself and your thigh toward your chest and just shave from behind your knee to your buttocks, "simple" :).

Or if in the tub or sitting, just raise your thigh toward your chest.

DevyHaze on March 27, 2016:

Not my proudest fap...

Kathleen D. on March 09, 2016:

I work as an esthetician in the conservative Davenport, Ia. area and you would be surprised at how many guys want hair removal. Any guy that I date for long has to let me arrange things the way I like by waxing certain private areas. I also love to get a guy to wear girly things under his guy clothes where they don't show . I know a guy is really into me if he will wear a bra for me. I get guys that I date to wear panties, padded bras, pantyhose, or whatever I like underneath as our romantic secret. It also keeps them aroused for me and more likely to be faithful. It's fun to wax them just the way I like too.

bilalraja on March 07, 2016:

nice

some guy on February 28, 2016:

i got ingrown hair because i didn't shave it doctor said me to shave me hair on butt will this help me to avoid ingrown and stop appearing again??? Please Answer....

jonnycomelately on February 19, 2016:

I think this is quite beautiful, butt......

It's nicer to get your mate to do it for you, with wonderful massage to follow.

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on February 16, 2016:

Because this hub appears in "recommended Hubs" at the bottom of almost all my hubs, I think it fair that I advertise any of my related hubs here: https://hubpages.com/literature/Assnapped-inspired...

ML on February 04, 2016:

For all of you guys out there that want a smooth crack without the stubble, cuts, nicks, etc. Magic Shaving Powder is your solution!!! Its made especially for African American men to help reduce razor bumps (I'm a white dude, but one of my African American friends introduced me to this stuff). It comes in a powder form and you mix it with water to make a paste. Paste it on, let it sit for 5-7 minutes and wipe it off with a wet wash cloth (I recommend doing this in the shower cause it can get semi-messy depending on how much hair you have). It leaves you smooth for several weeks and I've never had an issue with uncomfortable stubble or sand paper crack when it starts to grow back, maybe because it kills the root of the hair so its softer when it starts growing back. Also there is no uncomfortable burning sensation or rash like when using "Nair" or other hair removal creams. I have sensitive skin and I used "Nair" one time and it felt like my balls and ass were on fire for a week. So even you guys out there with sensitive skin, this is your best bet!!! It's cheap and comes is a few different types (i.e. extra-strength, scented, etc.) I RECCOMMEND YOU GET THE SCENTED!!! The only downfall of this stuff is it smells horrible while your using it (rotten egg or Sulphur smell). I can honestly say I've used it everywhere (shaft, balls, crack, nipples, chest, face, & legs & arms during the summer) except my head and never had a bad experience, just make sure the hair is about an 1/8th of an inch long before using it or it doesn't work as well. Trust me, you will be raving about the stuff after your first time!!!

mn on January 10, 2016:

I am going to save a few guys from a lot of hurt... NEVER shave between the cheeks duh. It will start growing back with you feeling like having sandpaper in your butt.

Use a cream like Veet to unhair yourself.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on January 09, 2016:

I too believe it is a personal choice, but if I were this would be so useful :)

Dippy on January 06, 2016:

Geezus! Waaay TMI!!!

Marthrach on December 31, 2015:

I think this is a personal choice of everyone. It all depends on your lifestyle. I have never have a concern to shave myself untill I started to go to gym. I must admitt the butt without her looks much better than a bushy one. I must also admitt once you start shaving your butt is a slavery. The real trouble comes when you have no time to shave your butt for few days. I am sure many guys knows what I mean. So yeah, I do shave but it is a slavery. Great article

Ricj on December 25, 2015:

Awesome way to be clean.. Prefer the trimming only without the shaving

Anthony on December 17, 2015:

I came up here because about 8 minute ago, I shaved in between my butthole. Why did I do it? Imagine growing beard on your face until it starts getting into your mouth, Well my butt hair grew very long and it felt uncomfortable and coarse having it there.

I really wish I did not at least have to grow any hair down there. I will keep an eye out for it, just like I do with my neck hair, when it starts growing back again, pluck! pluck! pluck!

Kawsar on August 11, 2015:

This is really good and helpful.

hairyass01 on May 18, 2015:

I've learned a lot!!! Thank you!

Vask on April 21, 2015:

I don't shave butts, but between them it's imho quite good to be clean. Why? You don't want those ding-dong's hanging when your poo is not going to be in great solid state. It's matter of hygiene. About butts themselves, it's up to you ppl. And if have problems with ventilating your anus area and feeling sweaty, get some loose boxers!

Bob Johnson on April 20, 2015:

This article was very helpful. some men out there are probably sitting down, getting 'asspet' burn (I'm punny)...

funny on April 07, 2015:

is it your buttocks?

Hhu on February 03, 2015:

Cool

prince on January 21, 2015:

It is really helpful.

My another question is

Will electrolysis harm full for skin?

Please answer this question.

Thankyou.

damanlyguy on January 13, 2015:

This was helpful, I really need to get on the hair in my buttcrack. Trying to wipe after a dump is like trying to get peanut butter out of a shag carpet.

swimbare on January 13, 2015:

surprises me that guys read the article without the intention of shaving themselves: that IS odd!

Samuel Ihegbu Yarborough from Nigeria on January 13, 2015:

is it advisable to shave always, if so how often?

Gordon Fisher from Connecticut, USA on December 08, 2014:

Certainly one of the most helpful (and unique) articles I've read all day. Will definitely be applying these tips!

Street-Wear-Buff on November 30, 2014:

Thank you for this...lol

Besarien from South Florida on November 16, 2014:

This was awesome! Oh my did I learn a thing or two! I certainly won't pass judgment on this after all the extreme things we women do to ourselves to be more beautiful in our own eyes and more attractive to others. I appreciate people who take their grooming seriously. Great hub!

Rashel Nirjhon from Tangail on November 11, 2014:

ha, ha,ha, hoo hoo hoo hoo

Aaron Burton from US on October 08, 2014:

lol funny article

Finn on September 08, 2014:

I have a condition that makes my body lose its hair, therefore, I'm glad I don't waste my time shaving any part of it while my body keeps losing hair all over it :3

Brian on August 30, 2014:

I am a guy and I do shave my butt. I have a decent amount of hair on my body and I like to keep it in check. For me, I just think it is cleaner. It is much easier to clean up after going to the bathroom. I'm not sure if ladies like a guy to do this, but it is just something I like to do.

Beth Perry from Tennesee on August 19, 2014:

lol! Well said, Jacob!

Alex Addams (author) from London on August 19, 2014:

I aim to please!

Alex Addams (author) from London on July 26, 2014:

Thank you all for the comments. Yes, the illustrations are pretty good I think :)

Kennedi Brown from Richlands, Virginia on July 26, 2014:

Came to the article for illustrations. Was not disappointed.

Horia Pop from Romania on July 24, 2014:

bethperry, me neither. Of course, the article is very well documented, but I could never understand why men would choose to shave their body hair, well, except for those suffering from excessive pilosity.

Beth Perry from Tennesee on July 23, 2014:

Interesting, for sure. I just don't see why a guy, unless he's a real sasquatch, would want to shave his rear.

Tanya Parker from Naples, Florida on July 22, 2014:

Wow, very interesting.