Pubic Policy

The pubic thatch has long been a victim of neglect, but untamed pubic hair deserves your attention. Happily, men have begun to tame that wild beast. But if you're unsure if bald balls will please you, don't despair. There's a range of less drastic treatments. Craig Wirn, a men's groomer in New York City, uses 18 different clippers to sculpt clients' nether regions. Whether you want a thick, curly bush or a crew cut, "You need to stand back and look at the whole package. You want to make sure it blends in with the rest of your body," says Wirn. If you want to clip at home, try Braun's bodycruZer, a sleek electric shaver with special attachments for tending the genital garden. Since stubble can be trouble, there are also nonshaving options available. A temporary and cheaper solution is wax. Matt Leyes, an aesthetician and owner of the Men's Grooming Parlor in Chicago, explains: "The effect of waxing is 10 times smoother than shaving. There's no stubbly growth because waxing yanks the follicle from the root rather than cutting it across its thickest point. When it grows back, it's like baby fuzz." If you want your hair gone for good, go laser. After three or four sessions, your balls will be a smooth as a Ping-Pong ball and the hair won't come back. But laser treatment is expensive (a series of sessions can cost you about $700) and may not be right for your hair type either. According to Andrea Young from Beam Laser Spa in New York City, " Since lasering targets the pigmentation in the follicle, those with fair or fine hair might want to stick with waxing, clipping, or shaving." Send a letter to the editor about this article.