The Right Way To Shave Your Butt, According to Experts

So, you’re here because you want to know how to shave your butt. Or maybe you’ve landed on this page because you’re like: ‘Wait, is this a thing?’ Either way, welcome! Now, let’s talk about one of beauty’s most taboo topics.

Experts in This Article

Evan Goldstein anal surgeon and founder of Bespoke Surgical and Future Method

Tiffany Clay board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta

Like all body hair, it’s a personal decision to decide whether or not to shave your butt. But considering the process requires you to use a sharp blade where the sun don’t shine if you are going to groom the area, it’s safe to assume you want to get it right—I, personally, can’t imagine anything worse than cuts or ingrown hairs on your anus.

With that in mind, we chatted with Brendan Camp, MD; Evan Goldstein, DO; and Tiffany Clay, MD for their tips on how to safely shave your butt at home—so grab your razor (and maybe a hand mirror?), and let’s get to work.

Wait—why is there hair on our butts in the first place?

As annoying as the peach fuzz between your cheeks can be, there’s a pretty good reason it’s there. “Perinium hair acts as dry lubricant, meaning that it helps minimize the frictional forces between the butt cheeks that may otherwise cause skin irritation. It can also help trap and contain loose fecal material,” says Dr. Camp, who likens the hair on your butt to the hair under your arms.

“These areas both experience lots of sweating, bacteria, and secretions, so it’s meant to be a sort of protective lining,” adds Dr. Goldstein.

But while this protective lining may have been critical back when humans were hunting and gathering, these days, it’s not so important. “Our lives have clearly changed since we used to roam around naked—now, we sit all day at our desks, we sweat and wear old (and maybe even dirty) underwear, and we don’t let the area breathe,” says Dr. Goldstein. “So while butt hair serves specific purposes, these purposes are evolving and its necessity isn’t the same as it once was.”

Is it a good idea to shave your butt hair?

As long as you bathe regularly and wipe well, Dr. Goldstein confirms that you’re all good to do some DIY butt hair removal—and aesthetics aside, there are a few good reasons you may want to try it.

“When it comes to friction-related issues [like butt acne], hair is a major culprit—many people have super thick and coarse bushels of hair that can lead to the overgrowth of microbes, which can then cause irritating ailments,” says Dr. Goldstein. “Quite frankly, most people don’t even know how to clean their ass after they go to the bathroom, so then they sit all day in literal shit and their butt hair just compounds the issue.”

Additionally, for those who engage in anal sex, butt hair can make things…messy and uncomfortable. “The more hair someone has on their butt, the more it can limit lubricant dispersion and minimize the benefits lube has,” says Dr. Goldstein. “It can even create more issues with analingus, because saliva can also get trapped in the hair and on the skin.”

How to shave your butt

Curious to know how to safely remove your butt hair? Here are expert-approved tips for shaving, ahead.

What you’ll need:

• Sharp, clean razor with a skin guard or a trimmer with a skin guard

• Shaving cream

• Handheld mirror

• Trimmer (optional)

eos Shea Better Sensitive Skin Women's Shave Cream

This non-foaming shave cream uses shea oil and shea butter for a smooth, close shave that lasts.

Buy it

Gillette Venus Radiant Skin Razor

This 5-blade razor comes with an Olay moisturizer dispensing button, allowing you to moisturize your skin while you shave.

Buy it

Bushbalm The Francesca Body & Bikini Trimmer — $65.00

This rechargeable waterproof trimmer comes with a pre-wax bikini trimmer guard, allowing you to get the perfect trim before your next wax appointment.

Buy it