Certain sensations that might be uncomfortable outside of intimate moments, such as spanking or hot wax, can actually be quite pleasurable during sexual activities. Hair-pulling is one such activity that many find exhilarating in the right context.

Carol Queen, PhD, a noted sexologist and co-author of “The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone,” explains that while pulling your hair accidentally with a brush hurts, some people enjoy the sensation in an erotic setting. If you’re curious about trying hair-pulling safely, read on for expert-backed advice.

Understanding the Sensation

When done by someone you trust, hair-pulling can be physically, mentally, and emotionally stimulating. Rebecca Blanton, PhD, also known as Auntie Vice, highlights that the scalp contains numerous nerve endings, offering pleasure through stimulation. The sensation varies based on scalp sensitivity and the force of the pull. Gentle pulls can be relaxing, while firmer pulls can enhance a passionate moment, often reinforcing power dynamics in BDSM contexts.

Rufus Spann, PhD, a certified sex therapist and founder of Libido Health, notes that hair-pulling can release endorphins, adding to the euphoria of the experience. Importantly, hair-pulling can be enjoyed by individuals of almost any hair length and gender.

Preparing for Safe Hair-Pulling

To practice hair-pulling safely, communication is key. Discuss the act in a non-sexual setting to ensure comfort and consent. It’s essential to address who will perform each role, what aspects are exciting, and acceptable pressure levels.

Understand that not everyone may be open to hair-pulling. Respecting boundaries is crucial, as previous negative experiences can make the act triggering for some.

If hair-pulling is of interest but not feasible due to sensitivity, consider exploring other activities like spanking or BDSM elements that maintain the pleasure-pain balance without involving the scalp.

Establishing a safeword or non-verbal cue is vital, providing a quick way to express if the experience becomes overwhelming. Terms like ‘pineapple’ or ‘red’ work well.

Learning the Technique

Hair-pulling requires skill to be both safe and enjoyable. Consider taking a kink or BDSM class to learn proper techniques.

Instead of pulling hair, focus on gently tugging the scalp. Gather a large section near the scalp and pull gently, avoiding the ends or extensions. This approach prevents hair damage and protects the neck’s sensitive structures.

Engaging in Hair-Pulling

Once you’ve communicated and practiced, incorporating hair-pulling into intimate moments can be simple. A direct request or question suffices.

The sensation is often enhanced when already aroused, as endorphins transform pain into pleasure. Take time to enjoy foreplay to maximize the experience.

For newcomers, ensure ongoing communication during the act. Check in with questions like “Harder or softer?” to gauge comfort levels and adjust accordingly.

Exploring Different Scenarios

There are numerous ways to integrate hair-pulling into sex. Use a gentle pull to initiate a kiss or enhance intimacy during eye contact in missionary position. During doggy style, pulling from behind can be thrilling, provided safety guidelines are followed.

To intensify the moment, incorporate dirty talk or emphasize control dynamics.

Aftercare and Further Exploration

Regardless of the duration, aftercare is important following hair-pulling or any intense activity. This involves tending to each other’s needs, whether through a scalp massage, cuddles, or simple relaxation.

For those interested in exploring kink further, workshops and continual communication with your partner are invaluable. Whether hair-pulling is a starting point or a standalone interest, education and communication remain essential in any sexual exploration.

• Black Friday offers a great opportunity to purchase intimate accessories at a discount.
• Top brands such as We-Vibe are offering sales, but Lelo boasts the most significant discounts.
• The Lelo Enigma Double Sonic, our top pick, is available at a reduced price.

Discover Sexy Savings This Black Friday

Black Friday isn’t just for clothing, electronics, or home essentials. It’s also the perfect occasion to indulge in sensual surprises at a discount. This week, a variety of sex toy deals are available from brands trusted by our editors.

Lelo vs. We-Vibe! Which Offers the Better Deal?

This Black Friday, both Lelo and We-Vibe are offering sales on vibrators, including clitoral, G-spot, and couples options, with discounts reaching up to 60 percent. However, not all promotions are equal. We investigated which brand provides the best value for your money, and here’s what we discovered.

Lelo Enigma Double Sonic – The Top Choice

For anyone seeking a top-notch vibrator deal, the Lelo Enigma Double Sonic is the standout choice this Black Friday. Rated as the best overall by our team of experts and reviewers, it’s currently available at 30 percent off. Lelo is widely considered the gold standard in sex toy brands, praised for both aesthetics and functionality. “They are not only beautiful but also well-curved to fit the body’s contours,” notes sex therapist Debra Laino.

Comparing Rabbit Vibrators

While We-Vibe offers a popular rabbit vibrator, it’s only 19 percent off. The Lelo Enigma Double Sonic, however, targets similar zones, such as the clitoris and A-spot/G-spot, offering a more attractive discount.

Deals on G-Spot Vibrators

For those specifically seeking G-spot stimulation, Lelo provides an enticing offer on the Gigi 3, now 27 percent off. Testers praise it as an ideal choice for beginners. “The slightly-curved shape perfectly hit my G-spot,” shared one Women’s Health editor. “Plus, the texture is incredibly luxurious with super soft, sleek, and smooth body-safe silicone.”

While We-Vibe offers a comparable model at a slightly higher price, we recommend the Lelo Gigi 3 for those new to G-spot vibrators, thanks to its 3.5-inch insertable length and soft, tapered head.

Introduction

Learning to swallow cum at the end of oral sex can be intriguing for many. Some find it daunting, while others view it as exciting and enjoyable.

Understanding the Appeal

One of the psychological motivations for men wanting their partner to swallow is its erotic and submissive nature. Many men enjoy taking on a dominant role during sex, and this act can enhance that feeling. Additionally, Exposure to adult films might inspire them to want to try it.

Women’s Perspectives

Many women are also interested in this act. A study showed that 72.1% of women fantasize about performing oral sex, with 41.3% imagining a man ejaculating on them. This suggests that swallowing is a common fantasy. Safety-wise, swallowing is generally safe if both partners are free from diseases.

Preparing for the Experience

The taste of semen can vary, often being bitter and salty. This is largely influenced by diet. Foods like asparagus can make it taste unpleasant, while fruits and juices can sweeten it. Knowing this can help in preparing for a more enjoyable experience.

Basic Technique

Swallowing can be straightforward. Allow him to ejaculate in your mouth and swallow afterward. Drinking water or juice can help mask the taste. For easier swallowing, letting him ejaculate at the back of the throat can prevent the taste buds from engaging.

Advanced Techniques

Playing With It

After ejaculation, instead of swallowing immediately, you can show the cum in your mouth or swirl it for a playful effect. For a kinkier approach, use your fingers to play with it or blow bubbles.

Expressing Enjoyment

If you prefer not to play with it, making satisfied sounds like “Mmm” can add to the experience. You can also express enjoyment verbally, enhancing the moment.

Licking It Up

If ejaculation occurs elsewhere, you can still swallow by licking it up. This can be an intense visual for your partner.

Facial Swallow

For those open to it, a facial can be followed by collecting the semen with your fingers and swallowing it, creating a dramatic effect.

Communication and Consent

It’s crucial to communicate with your partner about your comfort level with swallowing. Mutual respect and understanding are key. If unsure, try it with a trusted partner to decide if it’s something you enjoy. Avoid risks by refraining from swallowing if your partner’s sexual history is unknown or if there’s a possibility of STIs.

Health Benefits

Swallowing semen is safe and can offer health benefits. Studies suggest it might reduce preeclampsia risk during pregnancy. Semen contains oxytocin, which fosters bonding, and nerve growth factor, which supports brain health. It also has antioxidants and electrolytes that can be beneficial, although replacing traditional sports drinks with semen isn’t practical. Additionally, It contains sugars and proteins, though not in significant amounts.

In conclusion, Swallowing can be a safe and satisfying experience when approached with understanding and mutual consent.

The Allure of ‘Heated Rivalry’

Hbo Max’s gripping drama unfolds a compelling secret romance between two male hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The series, based on a popular narrative, dives into the lives of these rivals both on the ice and in private. While the show is rich with hockey action, it also features intense male-on-male romance scenes that have captivated female audiences.

“I’ve seen enough, go ahead and greenlight six seasons and a movie #heatedrivalry,” a fan exclaimed on X. Another viewer expressed, “Chemistry so good, I had to look away cause I felt like I was intruding.”

These young, attractive athletes, despite their masculine personas, engage in few scenes with women. This raises the question: What is it about this show that fascinates women? Women’s Health consulted a sex expert for insights.

Understanding the Appeal

Casey Tanner, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and creator of @queersextherapy, explains that “straight women are drawn to Heated Rivalry for similar reasons they enjoy romance novels.” The show offers not just one, but two deeply invested ‘book boyfriends,’ set in an environment typically associated with toxic masculinity, yet the storyline subverts this notion.

Shane and Ilya’s relationship is more than just physical attraction; it’s about longing and emotional connection. Their interactions through meaningful glances, playful texts, and urgent intimacy allow many straight women to vicariously experience the masculine vulnerability and devotion they seek. Tanner notes, “For women, the thrill isn’t necessarily ‘I want one of them’; it’s ‘I want to be that wanted, that chosen.'”

Broadening Audience Appeal

The show’s appeal extends beyond straight women. Tanner observes that “the show resonates with a wide range of sexual identities, including lesbian and queer women who aren’t romantically interested in men.” For these viewers, the appeal lies not in the attraction to the men, but in the emotional themes explored. The show touches on themes of risk, secrecy, and authenticity that resonate with many queer women, Tanner explains.

Exploring Sexual Fluidity

Research indicates that women often display more sexual fluidity than men. Tanner points out, “Women’s physiological responses aren’t as closely tied to the gender of the people on screen as men’s are.” Data from Pornhub and academic studies since 2014 reveal that straight women frequently enjoy lesbian erotica. This preference is linked to the interest in Heated Rivalry.

“Studies show that women, including straight women, often respond physically to both straight and lesbian erotica, with their arousal not always matching their sexual orientation,” Tanner explains. “Many straight women find lesbian erotica appealing because it centers women’s pleasure and feels less degrading.”

Although Heated Rivalry doesn’t feature women like lesbian porn does, it has a similar psychological and physiological impact on female viewers. “Women get to observe mutual desire and negotiated pleasure from a psychological distance,” Tanner notes. “This perceived safety allows desire to flourish.”

The Broader Fantasy Context

When engaging with romantic content, women often respond to emotional tone, power dynamics, and safety cues, rather than just the gender of the characters. Tanner elaborates, “That flexibility is why a gay romance can be deeply appealing to straight women. They respond to tenderness, mutual obsession, taboo, and the dismantling of rigid masculinity.”

Today, many people, especially women, feel more comfortable distinguishing between identity and fantasy. Tanner explains, “Fantasy is about the stories that resonate with our bodies, not necessarily who we want to date. Straight women, lesbians, and bi/pan women can all be drawn to a story centered on two men. This doesn’t imply hidden bisexuality; it shows we’re allowing women to embrace their broader fantasy life.”

For those who enjoy romance novels or series like Heated Rivalry, the fantasies they evoke can reveal desires for real-life relationships. Tanner suggests reflecting while watching: “What does this awaken in me that I want more of in my life-more safety, more emotional reciprocity, more enthusiasm, more softness from men?” Answering these questions may lead to a more satisfying romantic life offscreen. And isn’t that the ultimate aim?

I’m attempting to embrace a phase of enjoying casual connections. I’m interested in establishing some enjoyable, no-strings-attached FWB (friends with benefits) relationships. While one-night stands are an option, they often require more effort than I’d like. However, there’s a significant challenge: it seems like casual sex isn’t common among Gen Z!

At 21 years old, most people I’m attracted to who are around my age seem to be demisexual or prefer romantic relationships over purely sexual ones. Although I’m open to the idea of being with someone older, I’m wary of 30-somethings seeking younger partners on dating apps.

Could you provide some advice on navigating this situation?

First and foremost, It’s wise to be cautious of older individuals seeking relationships with someone your age, particularly when it involves older men. While my observations are personal, I haven’t seen many healthy, balanced relationships between men in their 30s and partners in their early 20s. This isn’t to say age-gap relationships can’t work-especially when it’s someone in their late 30s dating someone in their 50s-but at 21, you’re still developing. There’s often a power imbalance, and younger partners might not yet have the skills to establish boundaries and advocate for themselves as effectively as someone in their 30s.

Finding someone closer to your age, a fellow Gen Z member, is probably the best approach. Despite data showing Gen Z having less sex than previous generations, “less” doesn’t mean “none,” and there are exceptions-you’re one of them.

I’m curious about your experience with dating apps, especially those focused on casual encounters rather than serious relationships. Have you tried adjusting your app settings to only include people close to your age, and made it clear in your profile that you’re seeking casual FWB arrangements? This can help weed out those not interested in casual experiences. While this might attract some overly direct individuals, you can choose to only engage with those who respect the casual nature of FWB relationships without pushing for something more serious.

Meeting people in real life is another option, though it can be more challenging. If you have a sociable friend who’s great at breaking the ice, consider going out with them to a party or a bar popular with your age group. Let them know your goal for the night is to find a casual encounter.

There’s also the option of sex parties, though recommending them to someone who’s 21 makes me hesitant. I’ve met 21-year-olds at such events who feel comfortable, and I did attend my first one at 24, so I might be a bit hypocritical. Consider this a last resort. Start by adjusting your approach on hookup apps. If that doesn’t work, try meeting people at a college bar with your outgoing friend. If both options fail, then you might explore whether a sex party is suitable for you.