If I run out of shaving gel, can I just use soap? You can, but remember that soap and other cleansers weren’t designed to minimize friction and irritation, so there’s no guarantee you won’t have a reaction. Your best bet is to stick with specially designed products such as our Crystal Clear Shaving Gel.

How can I get the closest shave possible? Always use HCDT Crystal Clear Shave Gel, for starters. It was designed for just that purpose. A sharp blade is also key. How often you replace the blade will depend on a) how often you shave and b) how coarse your hair is. Two weeks is probably average.

Are you supposed to shave with the hair or against it? If your skin isn’t sensitive, shave against the direction of hair growth for the smoothest results. If you’re new to shaving, trying a new look or tend to get red, itchy bumps, try shaving with the direction of hair growth. You won’t get as close of a shave, but it will be worth it. Most women do well by shaving first with the hair to remove the bulk of it, then against the grain to finish the job.

Is it true that hair grows in thicker and coarser after you shave? You were born with a certain number of hair follicles, and no amount of shaving can inspire the body to produce more. That being said, there is some debate about whether the hair that does grow back is thicker than it was before. No one knows for sure, but it’s probably just that the ends are blunt and the shorter style seems more dense.



What do you do when you don't have much hair down there to begin with? Keeping hair trimmed and neatly groomed helps things look fuller and prettier. Use the HCDT natural-bristle brush to fluff up hair daily. You might also consider going completely bare (it works for balding men, why not you?).

Is there one bikini-area “look” that’s most popular? As with hair styles and beauty looks, it changes with the times. Right now, jeans are slung super-low, bikinis are teenier than ever, thong underwear are more de riguer than risqué—and a less-is-more approach to shaving just goes along with the territory. If you’re the type who can’t let a trend pass you by, try your new stencils to create a little heart or tidy landing strip—or go bold and take it all off. If that’s all a bit much for you, forget the trend-talk and go with what makes you comfortable.

How wide should the landing strip be? There are no rules regarding the length or width of the strip—if you have lots of unruly hair, you might enjoy a whisper-thin line. On the other hand, if you’re a little sparse down there, a thicker, neatly trimmed strip can create the illusion of fullness. Experiment and see which one suits you better.

Are there any health risks to taking it all off? As long as you don’t cut yourself, it’s all good. Again, make sure you use your own clean, rust-free razor. No borrowing from a friend—that’s how bacteria spread.



I almost always get “razor burn” around my bikini line. What causes it and how do you get rid of it? Basically, razor burn is friction-induced irritation. To avoid it, always use a fresh, clean razor blade and don’t share razors; soak in a warm bath or steamy shower before shaving to soften hair; and avoid skintight, restrictive clothing whenever possible. HCDT Ultra Soothing Moisture and Skin Fix can help soothe irritated skin, but they can’t prevent the problem if you don’t follow these guidelines.

What are ingrown hairs and how do you prevent or treat them? Rather than growing out of the follicle, an “ingrown hair” turns and grows under the skin. Pressing too hard when you shave, tweezing incorrectly and wearing tight clothes can all be culprits. If you’re prone, you may be able to avoid ingrown hairs by shaving only in the direction of hair growth. HCDT Skin Fix can help prevent future ingrown hairs as well as heal existing ones. If the bump is painful or appears to be getting bigger, it could be infected—and trying to remove it yourself with a needle or tweezers can cause scarring. See your dermatologist instead.

Can men use HCDT products too? Yes they can, and do. HCDT products don't have harsh fragrances since they were especially developed for extremely sensitive skin. The three-part system works just as well to prevent the problems men face with trimming down there-razor burn, itching and in-grown hairs. Just follow the directions that come with the Bikini Shaving System. And you can also use this system on your chest and other body parts for a smooth, problem-free shave.

Are men really shaving down there? For sure. We have lots of articles from men's magazines and internet articles on the same. In fact, a survey from Men's Health magazine (August 2004) said that 79% of men have "pruned their own gonad garden." And many men claim their wives & girlfriends prefer a trimmed, groomed down there area and even offer to help.

What styles are men doing? Our research shows that most men like a generally groomed area, while others like it all off. One gay guy told us that "gay men discovered long ago that your package looks a lot bigger without hair. Now straight men have caught on." It's whatever makes you feel better about yourself and/or what your partner likes.

How do I go about grooming? If you're not using HCDT products, here's what we recommend. The amount of hair down there varies from man to man, depending on age, culture, etc. We'll start with the razor, scissors method that we recommend for women who use our products. It's important to use a major brand razor (without vibration) with a fresh razor blade. First, decide how full you want your bush area. Use a comb to pull the hair up and trim evenly. Then, decide if you want to trim the outer area outside the basic triangle area or your testicles. If so, start with a warm shower or bath. Put an unscented shaving cream (HCDT Shave gel works great) on the area and let soak in for a minute. Then pull your skin taut, and shaving in the direction of the hair growth on the major bush (to prevent problems at first) with small strokes, begin shaving. Don't overshave in the beginning. Top with some kind of antiseptic astringent (our SOOTHE does a great job) and then put an aloe-rich, fragrance-free moisturizing cream (like SMOOTH) to keep the area healed. You can shave as little or as often as you want.

What about waxing? There are all kinds of waxing products available for men and women. And now beauty salons are offering waxing services for men on all areas of the body. We don't recommend any specific waxing products, but if you're a beginner, we suggest you start with shaving or professional services. Check out the article by Brian Alexander on msnbc.com under our Magazine Articles to read more about men waxing.

Can I use an electric shaver? Yes, you can, as long as it's not one with rotating heads…ouch! We recommend a smaller electric or battery-operated sideburn trimmer (WAHL products work great) so you can easily manage in this small area. Do a little at a time and be sure to use some kind of moisturizer first.

What if the shaved area has problems? First of all, determine how serious the symptoms are. If it is just itching or red, apply an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream. (More SOOTHE & SMOOTH if using HCDT products) If an area appears infected and the hydrocortisone cream doesn't work, see your doctor.