Shave before play? WHEN should you do it?

[Thrax]

A couple of years ago, after I started hanging out with these swinger-type folks, I started to occasionally shave my nether regions (shaved the scrotum, nearby areas and shaft, and trimmed the pubes). I found that both swinging women and vanilla women, in general, really like that, or at least didn’t care about it. So now I do some topiary work on a fairly regular basis if I think sex might be imminent, or when things get uncomfortable, or maybe a tad bushy. I guess that’s a little like how some women decide when they should shave their legs and get themselves waxed. But, I digress.

Anyway, several years ago I was shaving in preparation for an on-premise party and after all was said and done I had a bad case of razor burn from some over-enthusiastic attempts at hair removal in certain areas. The skin wasn’t broken or cut, but several areas on my scrote were bright red. I applied some polysporin or some such to the aggrieved sections and by the time of the party I was okay physically and visually. But I had been worried about two things. One, if the “burn” was still there, even if the skin wasn’t evidently broken, might it endanger me in any way with regard to STDs? Two, even if I was “safe” with regard to STDs, might potential partners avoid me if they thought I had some type of rash or infection?

After that experience, if I know I’m headed to a swing encounter – or a vanilla date I want to “clean up” for – I shave 24 or 48 hours before. So, if any burns or cuts show up during shaving, I can treat them with Sea Breeze, aftershave, or some other mild tonic (yeah, I know some of you might scream with the application of those solutions, but they don’t bother me), and then if necessary, the Polysporin or similar.

I’ve found the insignificant growth of hair in those areas after 24/48 hours has never been an impediment to sexual activity the next day. But I’ve always wondered if a day is enough for razor-burn or even a tiny cut to heal. And, of course, this applies to both men and women.

Your experiences, recommendations, or ideas?

Thrax

[prettylady]

I don't know if this helps any, but when I first started to shave it all off, I was having trouble with rashes. I was told that using the shower scrunchies after a shave will help bring the blood back to the area, stoping any burns or rashes. Now I shave most everyday and scrunchy afterwards that way I am always soft and smooth. facelick I have not had a problem since. Oh ya I also use a top of the line Mens razor. I find the womens just aren't good enough for my skin and hair type. I have extremly thick hair. I need two pony tail holders to keep it up. OK because I have gotten to you know you lot well enough I will elaborate. That is pony tail holders for the hair on top of my head. :rollseyes There is also an ointment out there called bikinizone. This is for after shaving, guess what, Your binkini zone.
Your soft and silky friend,
Prettylady

[BradAndJanet]

I'm with you on that Thrax. It seems like any time I try to shave 'special' for a night out, I end up getting a little too close. Now I do it a day or two before and just re-touch right before.

-B

[SueRic]

I have a thirty-six hour rule between shaving and playing even if I don't think I've nicked myself. If I've nicked myself, then I'll wait even longer. How long should you wait? I suppose it all depends on the severity of the wound, your body's ability to heal, the potential for reopening, the predicted severity of assault on the wound site by pathogens, etc. The problem with shaving is that it can cause microabrasions that aren't easily seen or even felt, which, if open or reopened, can provide a route for infection. Obviously, if you happen to be infected with something, an open wound (and possibly, though somewhat remotely, scab material) can create an exposure risk to your partner.

This may sound over the top, but try examining suspected injured skin with a small magnifying glass. You'd might be surprised to observe that what appears to the naked eye as an innocuous razor burn is actually a weeping abrasion. And as small as the abrasion might be, keep in mind that the hepatitis B viral particle size is only approximately 35 nanometers.
Ric

[athena2910]

Originally Posted by SueRic

This may sound over the top, but try examining suspected injured skin with a small magnifying glass. You'd might be surprised to observe that what appears to the naked eye as an innocuous razor burn is actually a weeping abrasion. And as small as the abrasion might be, keep in mind that the hepatitis B viral particle size is only approximately 35 nanometers.
Ric

I'm amazed at all the men who shave themselves! Frankly, it never bothered me that men have hair! I expect men to have hair, that's one way I know they're men!

I guess for me the bigger question is, are men circumcised? Because, oddly, I never seen an "uncut" one. (Remember the Seinfeld episode where Jerry asks Elaine if she's ever seen one? And she says "Yes, but it had no personality!"

Athena

[Concupiscence]

Originally Posted by athena2910

I guess for me the bigger question is, are men circumcised? Because, oddly, I never seen an "uncut" one. (Remember the Seinfeld episode where Jerry asks Elaine if she's ever seen one? And she says "Yes, but it had no personality!"

Athena

This SLAYS me! Especially since I have never seen one either and have an insatiable curiosity to try one out! As far as the personality ROFL that is SO DAMN true! I love looking at the cock pictures on AFF if nothing else for the infinite variety. I know, I am hijacking this post but dang penises are so dang awesome and fascinating.

(edit to bring post back on topic)

This is an excellent point that in all honesty had never occurred to me. Hubby just waxed me and I am in rash hell from it. Nothing ever works for me. I just slather myself in neosporin normally but now that I am a lifestylist I guess I shall have to be even more careful.

I wonder if that liquid skin would work as a barrier? It is pretty much water proof but I am not certain how permeable it is. I would think that it would suffice as it is meant to protect wounds while they are healing. Maybe spray a little of that on the affected area before going out. It really isn't that noticeable although it might taste weird if one is spraying in a lickable area.

[Pepper & Drew]

I used to have a big problem with ingrown hairs and razor rash, but I started shaving in the direction of the hair, which doesn't shave as closely, but at least doesn't cause the bumps. I also have a morning of rule. If we're going to go out on Friday night, I can shave as late as Friday morning. I've not really thought about it leaving me open to infection, but have thought about how it looks to other people.

Pepper

[MetroMike]

I would do it the day before, even the day of, but only with a certain type of razor. Look for ones with very thin metal wires that run perpendicular to the blades. They make it really easy to shave your scrotum without nicking it. As for timing, the first day or so will give you the smoothest feel.

For some reason, I can shave all over my genital area in every direction, and not get any redness or ingrown hairs. My neck is a different story. On one side I have to shave up, the other side requires down.

On a related note, if you feel you have an excessively hairy chest/stomach/backside, and would like a neater appearance, try using hair clippers instead of shaving. I've found that using a #2 or #1 size guard really tones down the hairy look, and it doesn't feel stubbly. It also doesn't make me look like a pre-pubescent boy.

[Spoomonkey]

Originally Posted by Thrax

Your experiences, recommendations, or ideas?

If I know we are going out ahead of time, I will start shaving early. If we are going out on Friday, I'll shave on Wednesday. Invariably, I find missed spots as soon as I get out of the shower - and I can touch up on Thursday - then police things again on Friday.

I think that when you have to do and redo - that causes the razor burn and rashes... I may be wrong - but it really works for me.

Spoomonkey

[Darkblue]

I do the simple thing i shave two days before and then on the day i will shave again but i then use an electric razor which stops the shaving rash...

try it, it works for me


Steve

[GRACE76100]

I've found that I cant shave w/o razor burn so I use the depiliatory cream. It works in minutes, no burn and I can play within a couple hours.
If and when some burn has shown up, because I got in a hurry in the shower and went ahead and shaved, I use the spray "Cruex". I know its for jock itch but I have found it to be comforting. I tried bikini zone with minimal results. BTW, I am female and Cruex is presumably for guys but it worked for me.
I have paid close attention to all the shaving tips here (shave one way, use this or that) and nothing worked for my hairy monkey w/o causing problems until I used the depiliatory cream.
Now, as far as exposure to undesirables, shaving opens up the skin and pores to invaders, so pratice safer sex, use a wrapper, people.

[athena2910]

Originally Posted by Concupiscence

I love looking at the cock pictures on AFF if nothing else for the infinite variety. I know, I am hijacking this post but dang penises are so dang awesome and fascinating.

I'm with you on this one, Concupi! I find penises absolutely beautiful to look at and touch and taste. I LOVE handling a man while he's sleeping and feeling him get hard in my hand... and then...mmmm!

But as far as the new skin... doesn't it form a protective layer that's kind of well, hard, like a shell? Maybe vaseline would be better?

Athena

[Concupiscence]

Originally Posted by athena2910

I'm with you on this one, Concupi! I find penises absolutely beautiful to look at and touch and taste. I LOVE handling a man while he's sleeping and feeling him get hard in my hand... and then...mmmm!

But as far as the new skin... doesn't it form a protective layer that's kind of well, hard, like a shell? Maybe vaseline would be better?

Athena

Nope, it doesn't form a hard shell but you CAN'T move when it is drying or it will glue your skin together. It isn't going to taste good but it is liquid resistant. It will keep out bacteria but I am not certain about virii.

[athena2910]

Originally Posted by Concupiscence

Nope, it doesn't form a hard shell but you CAN'T move when it is drying or it will glue your skin together.

Well, that definitely has some drawbacks!

[quote=It isn't going to taste good but it is liquid resistant. It will keep out bacteria but I am not certain about virii.[/QUOTE]

But think of the possibilities if it turns out that New Skin not only keeps out harmful bacteria, but repels virii, too! I mean, this could turn out to be a marketing boon! LOL!

Athena

[menher1559]

try using dove anti persperant after shaving. it's gentle and works really well. Wife and I both use it after a shave and it does wonders for us.