Can you use Nair on your balls? Um, well…

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There’s an obvious allure to using Nair on your balls. 

The idea of using a razor-sharp blade or powerful electric trimmer to remove hair from your nether regions can be terrifying. 

(Not to mention time-consuming and intimidatingly tricky to do right.)

Man holding his crotch in pain
“Maybe I should have just shaved…”
(Image: Janon Stock / Shutterstock)

So the idea of simply rubbing some cream on your boys to soften the hair shaft, then wiping it off with a washcloth and taking all the hair with it, is pretty damn appealing. 

But while using Nair on your balls can be a good way to go bare down there, there’s also good reason to proceed with caution:

Any cream that can remove hair that easily also has the potential to harm your most prized possessions. 

To help you get balls that are bare, smooth and blissfully free from pain, in this post we’ll break down all the advantages and potential disadvantages of using Nair on your testicles.  

Can you put Nair on your balls?

An Irreverent Gent Investigation

First Up: 

What is Nair?

Nair for Men
Nair is a popular hair removal cream that’s been around for decades

Nair is the name of a brand of depilatory cream that has been used for decades to remove unwanted hair by breaking down the protein in hair, causing it to become brittle and fall out. 

The name Nair has become synonymous with depilatory cream, much like Kleenex has become synonymous with tissues. 

But Nair products are hardly the only depilatory creams on the market. Veet hair removal creams work much the same way, and use many of the same active ingredients.   

While Nair is considered safe for most people, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it (especially if you have sensitive skin), which we’ll outline in more detail below. 

Nair can be purchased over-the-counter at most drug stores, and is typically used to remove unwanted hair from the legs, arms, and bikini area. 

How does Nair work? 

Man wiping depilatory cream from leg
Nair works by dissolving the hair, allowing you to wipe it away with a wash cloth
[image: Taro_since2017 / Shutterstock]

Nair is a chemical depilatory, which means it dissolves the protein bonds that hold hair follicles together. 

The active ingredients in Nair are calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and/or potassium thioglycolate, both of which break down these protein bonds when it comes into contact with them. 

That’s what makes it possible to wipe hair away from the skin without having to use a razor.

Nair comes in different forms, such as cream, lotion, gel, and foam. You simply apply it to the area you want to remove hair from, wait a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

So… 

Can I use Nair on my balls? 

Technically yes, but there are some very important caveats. 

Be (Very) Careful

First and foremost, BE VERY CAREFUL before applying anything to your genital areas.  

We’re talking about rubbing a chemically enhanced cream on two of your most valuable possessions – it’s important to proceed with a lot of caution here. 

(As with anything involving the human body, your best bet is to ask your doctor if it’s safe for your specific skin type.)  

And definitely refrain from using depilatory cream if you have a nick, cut or any sort of open wound. 

Use the Right Kind of Cream

Sensitive Skin Nair
Your best bet is to use a special depilatory cream formulated for sensitive skin

Second, don’t use any old Nair cream. 

Regular depilatory creams can be too harsh, and if you’re not careful you could end up with a chemical burn 

Instead, you want to use a male pubic hair removal cream that has a more gentle formula, and is specifically meant to remove pubic hair from sensitive areas. 

Unfortunately, there are only a small handful of men’s pubic hair removal cream options. 

So if you can’t find one that’s specific to the male pubic area, the next best bet is to use a non-gendered cream that has natural ingredients and is formulated for sensitive body parts. 

With those caveats out of the way, below we’ve outlined some simple rules and easy to follow steps you can use to remove hair from your private parts while avoiding skin irritation. 

How to Use Nair on Private Area Like Your Balls 

Read directions (and warnings) thoroughly

Nair for Men label

When using any type of hair removal product, it’s important to read both the directions and the warning label thoroughly before starting. 

This is especially true for products like Nair, which contain chemicals that could potentially harm your skin, or cause an allergic reaction in some people. 

Make sure you understand how to use the product properly, and always test it on a small patch of skin first to see how you react.

Test on a small area first

When using any new hair removal product for the first time, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test. 

This will help you to see how your skin reacts to the product and ensure that you don’t have any adverse reactions. 

Simply follow the instructions, but apply only a small amount of the product to body hair on an inconspicuous area of skin. 

Then, wait about 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. 

If you have a negative reaction, you’ll know you need to find a better solution for your pubic region.

But if all goes well and you’re left with nothing but healthy, smooth skin, then you can proceed with using the product as directed. 

Start by Shaving 

Man spraying shaving cream in hand

If you’re using Nair for the first time, start by shaving the area you want to treat with a regular razor blade.

This will help the Nair product penetrate the hair follicle more effectively. 

If you have sensitive skin, be sure to test the Nair on a small patch of skin before applying it over a larger area.

Apply Depilatory Cream

Picture of a clock
Keep an eye on the clock! Leaving the cream on too long could have adverse effects

Once you’ve shaved the area, apply the Nair hair remover according to the package directions.

Be sure to leave the product on for the recommended time to avoid any irritation. 

If you have thick hair, it might be tempting to think that you should leave it on longer, because coarse hair might be harder to break down. 

But extending the application time by even a matter of seconds could lead to a bad reaction, up to and including an intense burning pain in your groin area (especially for people with sensitive skin types). 

Wipe with a Wet Cloth

When the prescribed depilation time is finished, rinse the area thoroughly using a damp washcloth and lukewarm water, then pat it dry.

But remember: 

While a lot of people prefer the gentle warmth of lukewarm water, especially around the groin and bikini line, make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. 

If the label calls for cold water, then make sure to keep it cold. 

A little discomfort is a small price to pay for a healthy, happy groin! 

Optional:
Hydrate & Replenish the Skin

Aloderma Aloe Vera Gel
A good aloe vera gel can help soothe and replenish your skin

Even the best hair removal cream can leave your skin feeling sensitive or dry. 

That’s why some people like to hydrate and replenish their skin afterwards using aloe vera, baby powder, vitamin E and similar products. 

Which product you choose (if any at all) will depend on your skin type and preferences, but many people find it soothing. 

You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin healthy and hydrated after using the cream. 

Other (Safe) Ways to Get (Smooth) Balls

Now that you know how depilatory cream works, you could be forgiven for fearing that it might not be the best way to remove hair from your crown jewels (to say nothing of your equally sensitive perianal area). 

The good news is that using a cream is hardly the only way to go bare down there. 

Below are two other hair removal options that might be more appealing if you’re not sure about Nair. 

Trim with an Electric Trimmer 

Man about to use electric trimmer on groin

Electric pubic hair trimmers can often leave you with a better result than either a depilatory cream or an old school razor blade. 

Whereas creams can cause rashes and blades can lead to razor burns, pubic hair trimmers avoid both problems, resulting in a safe and effective shave. 

The results might not be quite as close as you’d get from creams or razors, but the process is generally much safer, and still plenty short. 

We put together a list of all the best trimmers for your balls.

But our top option was Meridian’s groomer, which is custom-built specifically for the nuances of trimming your pubes, and uses ceramic blades to reduce the odds of uncomfortable tugs or scratches.

Best Trimmer for Balls ↓

The Meridian Trimmer

Meridian Trimmer
Features:
  • 5 Stars
    • 158 Reviews
  • Waterproof
  • Comes with two interchangeable guards
Promising Customer Review:

I’ve been shaving my pubes for over 15 years. This is the first trimmer that didn’t cause any nicks or cuts on my nuts.

I highly recommend Meridian clippers for any guy who likes a clean workspace.

– Jerry A.

Check Price ➤

Shave with a Razor 

Man about to shave pubic hair with razor
[image: Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock]

If holding an electric device next to your junk feels too risky, you can always try trimming the old fashioned way:  

By slathering on a thick layer of some shaving cream and (carefully) using a regular razor to shave the hair clean off. 

There’s a good chance that this method will result in a closer shave than using an electric trimmer, but it’s not without its down sides:

It carries the same risks as shaving your face or any other part of your body, including the possibility of razor burn or developing an ingrown hair once the hair starts growing back. 

This method also probably takes the longest time to complete, since wielding a razor blade in the vicinity of your junk is something you want to do slowly and very carefully, while paying special attention to safety. 

Best Razor for Balls ↓

Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Razor

Venus Grooming Razor
Features:
  • 4.3 Stars
    • 17,000 Reviews
  • Specifically designed for pubes
  • patented irritation defense bar for a smooth shave
Promising Customer Review:

Finally, the razor I’ve wanted for years! A razor that combines the best of both!

It is the smoothest and softest razor I have ever used down there. The smaller head allows me to get every crevice.

– Joshua Bremer

Check Price ➤

More Resources ↓
More Men’s Grooming and Style Advice From Irreverent Gent:

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Banner image: Ocskay Mark / Shutterstock

About the Author

Ryan Harris

Ryan Harris is a Toronto-based father of three who writes about everything from grooming and fashion to sports, furniture, restaurants and more.