The reality of shaving in France

The numbers speak for themselves: nearly 44% of French men regularly groom their intimate areas, many opting for a full shave, and 47% remove hair in this area for aesthetic or cleanliness reasons. This means a large majority already own a razor or an intimate trimmer at home. So the question naturally arises: should I use my usual razor, buy one dedicated to sensitive areas, or prefer a special trimmer?

Let’s take stock.

Blade razor for intimate areas: really a good idea?

The blade razor remains the default choice for many men. Makes sense: an average of 1.9 shaving tools per men’s bathroom, the equipment is already there. But this seemingly convenient solution hides a more complex reality.

The apparent advantages

Close shaving? That’s the razor’s promise. Perfectly smooth skin, immediate results. Add to that a low entry cost (a few euros for a pack of razors), and it’s clear why the temptation is strong.

The less bright reality

But let’s talk about the risks. Cuts first: on such a sensitive and uneven area as the intimate parts, every pass is a risk. Then irritations: redness, itching, discomfort... These annoyances can last several days.

Ingrown hairs? A real plague with the razor. The clean cut of the hair encourages regrowth under the skin, creating those small painful and unsightly bumps.

25% of people who care for their intimate areas have already injured themselves. In detail, it’s eye-opening:

  • 61% get cuts
  • 23% suffer burns
  • 12% experience redness or skin rashes

For those who use a razor daily, it’s worse: 60% suffer from abrasions, ingrown hairs, and chronic itching.

You need time and the desire

One of the real challenges is really the need to set aside time for it. Whether in the shower or not, you have to take the time to get everything ready, go slowly to avoid messing up (and probably cutting yourself), then rinse and clean your intimate areas. In short, it’s not recommended to do this in a rush 3 minutes before a date (really not!).

The hidden cost

The disposable blade market represents $9.49 billion in 2023. Why? Because these blades need to be changed very regularly. A cost that adds up, month after month. Not to mention additional products: shaving foam, soothing creams, after-shave care...

In the end, this "economical" solution turns out to be a continuous investment, not to mention the cost to your skin.

The advantages

There are still significant advantages to using a razor blade to shave intimate areas (especially for men):

  • Closest possible shave
  • Already present in the bathroom (on average 1.9 shaving tools per man)
  • Low initial cost

The drawbacks

  • Risk of cuts
  • Frequent irritations
  • Ingrown hairs
  • Blades to be changed regularly
  • Significant cumulative cost (disposable blade market: $9.49 billion in 2023)
  • You still have to plan ahead and find the time (shower or shaving cream, cleaning, rinsing, etc...)

The real cost of razor blades

Speaking of savings, let's do the math. Experts agree: a razor blade must be changed every 5 to 7 shaves at most. For regular use on intimate areas, that means a weekly change.

The reality of blade replacement

Even big brands like Gillette, which claim up to 20 shaves per blade, specify that this number drops to 5-7 uses for thick hair – exactly the type of hair found in certain body areas. And these numbers assume ideal usage conditions.

Factors that reduce the lifespan of a razor blade

For intimate areas, it's even worse:

  • The hair is thicker and coarser there 
  • Moisture in the area speeds up wear
  • Uneven surfaces put more strain on the blade
  • Bacterial risk requires more frequent changes

The unmistakable signs

Your body tells you when to change the blade:

  • Shaving becomes less smooth
  • Hair gets pulled
  • Irritations multiply
  • You have to go over the same area multiple times

The danger of waiting too long

Delaying blade changes is risky:

  • More frequent cuts
  • Bacteria buildup (in an already sensitive area)
  • Potential infections
  • Chronic irritations

Simply put: for intimate care with a razor, count on a new blade at least once a week. At €15-20 for a pack of 4 blades, do the math over a year... Not to mention the potential cost of medical complications.

Of course, it’s like your toothbrush—if you decide never to change it for months, it’s possible but... 🤢

The billy intimate trimmer: today’s alternative

In 2025, finally a solution arrives that combines safety, efficiency, and DESIGN. Why are almost all intimate trimmers or body trimmers ugly? Why do they all have weird charging connectors? Anyway, we had to fix that, and it’s done with billy, the intimate trimmer that offers a different approach to personal care. It’s not perfect, but we’re getting close.

What really changes

A protective guide that makes cuts physically almost impossible (you still need to stretch the skin of the testicles a bit because it can be so thin in some spots that it might cause micro-cuts if not stretched). So finally, you can shave the male parts without stress. No miracles here, just well-thought-out technology. No more ingrown hairs ruining your days and dates thanks to non-close shaving. And maintenance becomes simple: one blade to change every 3-6 months instead of an expensive weekly routine. No need to worry about battery life either; it lasts about 90 minutes, and we tested it—you should be able to shave everything in under 3. And if you do run out of battery, just place it on its charger or plug it into your phone charger (USB-C).

Everyday efficiency

In short, the game changer is that you don’t need to plan your shaving routine.

As soon as you have 3 minutes, you take it out, shave or trim whatever you want in less time than it takes to heat your coffee (2-3 minutes), and you’re left with a perfect result. Even if you forgot to shave before a date, no worries, you just need 3 minutes with your billy.

In short, having an intimate trimmer that takes care of all your sensitive areas, with no compromise on safety, always ready, is truly a game changer.

No completely smooth shave with billy

No, with billy, you won’t get a completely smooth shave like with a blade. That’s what helps you avoid ingrown hairs and all the other problems we’ve talked about so far! 

The real question: is that tiny bit of hair really worth the risk of cuts, irritation, ingrown hairs, etc.?

For us, it’s clear, it’s a no, and we bet your partner feels the same—ask them after a billy shave and you’ll see they won’t notice any difference from a completely smooth shave, but I can assure you they’ll 1000x prefer a shave that’s not completely smooth over ingrown hairs 🤢😂 

So who is billy for?

Let’s be honest, it’s for everyone 

BUT 

If you love shaving with a blade razor or if a completely smooth shave (and the risk of ingrown hairs that comes with it) is a must for you, it’s better to stick with a traditional razor, otherwise... welcome to the billy family! 

The advantages of billy

  • Cut protection
  • No ingrown hairs
  • Safe multi-use
  • Blades to change every 3 to 6 months 
  • Super quick to use
  • Waterproof with built-in light
  • One-time investment
  • And, not to be overlooked, it looks ultra stylish in your bathroom

If we had to find a "drawback"

  • Doesn't shave completely smooth (but that’s to better protect the skin and avoid ingrown hairs)

The choice that makes sense

The real question is no longer the final result but comfort and safety. With a modern intimate trimmer like billy, you choose:

  • Respected skin
  • Long-lasting comfort
  • Optimal safety
  • A simplified routine

So, when are we delivering your billy? 

Philippe Guibert
About the author

Philippe Guibert

Co-founder & Care Innovation Expert

Specialist in intimate wellness, Philippe designs the Billy Trimmer solutions with an absolute focus on well-being, skin safety, and inclusivity. His expertise in ergonomics and taboo-free care rituals is regularly cited by leading media such as Forbes and Comme un Camion.

Billy's Other Stories

View all

Meilleure tondeuse intime 2026 : billy vs Philips OneBlade Intimate vs Bodygroom 3000

Best intimate trimmer 2026: billy vs Philips OneBlade Intimate vs Bodygroom 3000

billy, Philips OneBlade Intimate or Bodygroom 3000: which one to choose for your intimate areas in 2026? We compare packaging, blade, battery life, accessories, and user comfort in a complete and honest test. Spoiler: blade philosophies make all the difference.

Read moreabout Best intimate trimmer 2026: billy vs Philips OneBlade Intimate vs Bodygroom 3000

La checklist du grooming homme : la liste ultime des indispensables

The men's grooming checklist: the ultimate list of essentials

Are you wondering which products you need for your men's grooming routine? We've made a complete list in this article.

Read moreabout The men's grooming checklist: the ultimate list of essentials

billy, la meilleure tondeuse intime pour les femmes qui ...

billy, the best intimate trimmer for women who ...

Billy best intimate trimmer for women 2026 for you? Discover for which women the Billy will be perfect

Read moreabout billy, the best intimate trimmer for women who ...