Congratulations. You’ve arrived here because you’re considering making one of the boldest grooming moves any man can make. You’re thinking about taking a blade to that most delicate of areas in pursuit of improved hygiene (or maybe just to give the optical illusion of… more). Either way, this is a moment that takes balls. Literally.

The question of how one should handle below-the-belt grooming has baffled men since manscaping went mainstream. Should we let nature run wild? Should we be going full dolphin? Is a little stubble the right compromise? And what even is a ‘back, sack and crack’ anyway?

It may feel daunting, but equipped with the right tools and a little know-how, shaving your balls needn’t be a scene from a low-budget horror film. To ensure you come out the other end with your tackle intact, we’ve put together a guide covering everything you need to know about male grooming’s biggest question: should you shave your balls? And if so, how do you do it properly?

Is This Really The Answer?

Taking a bladed instrument anywhere near your meat and two veg goes against every instinct you’ve evolved as a species. Razors cut things, and there are few places less ideal to slice than anywhere around the family jewels.

So is there a better way?

Well, there are options — but not all are equal.

Waxing? Technically effective, but also painful enough to bring a tear to the eye of a fully grown prop forward. And unless you’re prepared to become disturbingly hands-on at home, repeated salon trips quickly become a pricey hobby.

Wet shaving with a manual razor? Yes, it gives smooth results. But ball skin is soft, uneven and, frankly, moves around too much. Cuts are common, stings are inevitable and you’ll be replaying the moment in your head for weeks.

Electric clippers that aren’t designed for the job? They tug, they snag, and they’re about as gentle as a border collie herding sheep.

Which brings us neatly to the safest, simplest option: using tools designed for below-the-belt grooming. Manscaped didn’t become the biggest name in this arena by accident — the brand built its reputation by solving exactly these issues.

Before you begin, you need to be properly armed. And by that, we don’t mean kitchen scissors or whatever rusty clippers you last used on your beard. Purpose-built tools make all the difference.

Electric vs Manual

The age-old question: is it better to use an electric groomer or a traditional razor? Electrics feel safer, but cheap ones can nip. Razors get everything off, but they also increase the chances of nicks in an area that really doesn’t bounce back.

This is exactly where Manscaped earns its keep. The Lawn Mower® is engineered specifically for groin grooming with SkinSafe™ blade technology, adjustable guards and a shape that lets you manoeuvre without fear. It doesn’t behave like beard clippers — it behaves like it respects your anatomy.

If you must wet-shave beneath the belt, do it after trimming with a proper groomer. But for most men, the dedicated trimmer route is safer, easier and significantly less stressful.

The Essential Line-up

The Lawn Mower®

The hero tool for below-the-belt work. Waterproof, cordless, ergonomic, and designed to avoid nicks on soft, mobile skin.

Shop the range at Manscaped

Crop Gel™

A clear gel that lets you see exactly what you’re doing — far better than foams that turn the whole thing into a lucky dip.

Buy now at Manscaped

Crop Preserver™

Ball deodorant. Keeps you fresh, reduces irritation and generally makes life post-shave feel far more civilised.

Buy now at Manscaped

Getting Down To Business

Now comes the moment you’ve been building up to. You’ve chosen your Manscaped weapon, steadied your nerve and planted yourself in front of the bathroom mirror like a man preparing for a high-stakes mission.

Before you fire up The Lawn Mower, though, you need to prep the area properly.

Preparation

Preparation is key — never has this statement been truer than when taking something sharp-ish to your nether regions.

Start by taking your hair down to a manageable length. A guard-on pass with The Lawn Mower® does this effortlessly. It clears bulk, prevents tugging and gives you a smooth base to work from.

Next, splash your boys with cold water. This tightens the skin and makes everything easier to navigate. If you’re aiming for maximum smoothness, apply a clear gel like Crop Gel™. Transparency matters down here — you want to see exactly what you’re doing, not operate on guesswork.

Once trimmed, cooled and gelled, you’re ready to go. One tool, one purpose. No foam. No chaos. No improvisation.

Execution

With Manscaped kit, the technique is straightforward — but still worth taking seriously.

Pull the skin taut in the area you’re grooming. Do this section by section: stretch the skin, gently trim, then move on. Think methodically, not heroically.

Keep your touch light. There’s no need to press — let the SkinSafe™ blades do the heavy lifting. Slow, steady passes work best, ensuring you cover every curve and contour without attempting circus-level flexibility.

Take your time. This isn’t a race. It’s precision engineering.

Post Care

Congratulations — you’ve done it. Your bravery will be quietly admired by future generations (or at least by anyone who gets invited to the unveiling).

Before you start posing, jump in the shower to rinse away any stray hairs and cool the skin. Then finish with some aftercare: Crop Preserver™ soothes, hydrates and generally makes life post-shave feel far more civilised.

Now all that’s left to do is stand back and admire your handiwork. Smooth. Tidy. Professional. The kind of finish that suggests you knew exactly what you were doing, even if this was your first go.

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A paid partnership with Manscaped – words and opinions are Ape’s own.