At Scarlet, we’re all about the art of pleasing ourselves. Are you lying comfortably? Then let’s begin…

Masturbation isn’t a poor ‘relative’ to having a sex partner – it’s a treasure trove of solo pleasures that even the biggest celebrities endorse. Miley Cyrus claimed “a masturbate a day keeps the haters away.” Amy Schumer thanked Magic Mike for keeping her hands busy and Billie Eilish credited her health to it. 

Masturbation has many health advantages. During orgasm, the body releases endorphins and oxytocin—hormones that elevate mood, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being. It can also improve pelvic floor strength, which is crucial for sexual health and even post-pregnancy recovery.

For women experiencing menstrual cramps, the muscle contractions during climax can act as a natural pain reliever by boosting blood flow and releasing tension. Moreover, masturbation can enhance sleep quality, thanks to the calming hormones released post-orgasm, which help the body relax.

In a world where stress levels are constantly on the rise, masturbation offers a safe, drug-free way to unwind. It triggers a cascade of feel-good chemicals that combat anxiety and help the body relax. The deep breathing and focused attention that often accompany self-pleasure can mimic the calming effects of mindfulness or meditation. For women juggling careers, families, and personal ambitions, carving out this time can provide a rare moment of tranquillity and self-connection.

Masturbation also helps women better understand their own bodies, preferences and fantasies, which can enhance sexual confidence. Knowing what feels good can lead to healthier communication in future, resulting in more fulfilling intimate relationships.

Additionally, self-pleasure is a completely safe way to explore sexuality safely, without shame or the risks of sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy. For single women or those choosing to abstain from partnered sex, it can be an empowering and safe way to meet their needs on their own terms and explore and evolve your sexuality at your own pace.

Read on to discover 10 different solo session ideas that every woman deserves before she dies…

SOLO ACT # 1: The Porn ‘Flick’

It’s a complete myth that women don’t enjoy porn. According to Brighton’s oldest adult retailer, Taboo of Brighton, women love it. “The number of women buying porn is much higher these days. And their choices are more hardcore than you might imagine. 

Lesbian porn has been the most popular category for years for women, possibly because it emulates the feeling of masturbation most, as well as focuses on female pleasure throughout. However, Anal, MILF, Threesomes and BDSM also rank consistently for women.

There are a raft of female friendly free porn sites these days. Try Forher.tube, Bellesa,https://www.bellesa.co/ Frolic Me and IRL films Make Love Not Porn. Of course Pornhub has a Popular With Women section and a large range of themes for you to try out. 

YOU WILL NEED: Private internet access.

INSTRUCTIONS: Find out how to make your browser incognito (just Google it) and head for an X Rated site. The aim here is to please yourself, no shame and be completely safe. You might mirror what is happening in the film or enjoy viewing and getting into the mood. Utilise toys, lube and just yourself.  X-rated video-accompanied masturbation is a must for any woman who hasn’t yet tried it.  

SOLO ACT #2: DP (Double Penetration)

Being penetrated by two men at the same time is something that usually only happens to porn stars and swingers – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience the pleasure of this taboo act. Finding the right duo to perform such a treat is tricky when ego, emotions and personalities are involved – so thank God for sex toys. 

YOU WILL NEED: Two dildos or penetrative vibes, one designed for anal play.

INSTRUCTIONS: Try a small anal toy for beginners like the Booty Blue Butt Plug (£12, AnnSummers.com), and cover it with a good quality lube such as Back Door Relaxing Lube (£15.99, Lovehoney). As this is a silicone-based lube, it’s not compatible with silicone toys and you should use a water-based lube if you choose to use silicone toys. This butt plug is very gentle for beginners, with suction which leaves your hands free to insert your favourite vibe vaginally at the same time. With double the sensation flying around your body this is an utterly indulgent way to self-pleasure.

SOLO ACT # 3: Toothbrush Tingler

Why not turn a regular, boring routine into some self service satisfaction? First thing in the morning and last thing at night are prime times to make the most of our oral care.

YOU WILL NEED: Electric toothbrush (fully charged) and toothpaste.

INSTRUCTIONS: For some simply sensational solo moments, Deborah, 44, has rejected traditional vibrators in favour of her electric toothbrush. She says, “Use the back of the toothbrush, which is less full-on than the front, and apply to the clitoris directly. I do this without knickers but you could try doing it through your underwear if the vibration is too intense. I’ve also tried dabbing toothpaste on my clitoris in place of lube, which gives an intense tingling sensation.” You can also buy special adapter heads from Viberry to convert your brushes into toys. Business travel will never be the same again! (€25.45).

SOLO ACT #4: The Work Wank

Actress Maggine Gyllenhaal showed us the thrills of a steamy workplace wank in Secretary when, after an erotically charged scene with her boss, played by James Spader, she headed to a toilet stall for a solo turn that should have won her an Oscar. In this case, her colleague overheard, so it’s probably best to ensure the next cubicle is unoccupied. 

YOU WILL NEED: A quiet toilet cubicle and secret ammunition to ease any work tension (£9.95, Sextoys.co.uk).

INSTRUCTIONS: For a super quick and intense orgasm, carry the RO 80mm Ammunition for Love Bullet (£11.99). It’s small enough to fit in your handbag or pocket and powerful enough to blow you away any time, any place. Go knickerless to work that day to spice up your anticipation and make your experience even faster.

SOLO ACT #5: The Aqwank

Forget the showerhead (so predictable); the ultimate aqua-thrill comes from the more powerful water jets found in whirlpools. Not everyone can afford to have one fitted in their backyard, but if you visit a spa or public pool during off-peak hours you’re highly likely to find you get the place to yourself and this session takes but a few minutes to bring you to a shuddering climax.

YOU WILL NEED: A Jacuzzi or powerful water jet facility.

INSTRUCTIONS: Line yourself up with the jet by placing your hands on the side of the pool and guiding your body until the jet hits your pudenda and clitoris. As a variation, try turning round so the water ‘does you from behind’. Another option is to let the stream of water hit your anus for some interesting sensations. Wet isn’t the word…

SOLO ACT #6: The Road Trip

Whenever road rage is getting the better of you, or that long trip is getting too boring, pull over and de-stress with some auto lovin’ away from prying eyes.

YOU WILL NEED: A car and a USB rechargeable rabbit.

INSTRUCTIONS: Forget charging your mobile phone in the car. There’s much more fun to be had charging an intense vibrator like the Womaniser Inside Out G-Spot and Cliteral Stimulator. Pull up in a remote romantic spot with your favourite shag tunes playing. Illicit, immoral and oh so hot….

SOLO ACT #7: Fetish Frisson

Explore bondage on your own, though it’s not for the faint-hearted, and works by flooding the body with feel-high pain-fighting endorphins.

YOU WILL NEED: Ankle cuffs (keys within easy reach) attached to a spreader bar, nipple clamps and a leather cat-o’-nine-tails (a whip with several fronds) – all of which are available from LoveHoney.com with prices starting at £22.99 for a whip.

INSTRUCTIONS: This one, recommended by an extreme fetish expert, “If I’m alone, I lay my beloved equipment out in the bedroom. Lying on the bed, I attach the cuffs to my ankles, the bar forcing my legs wide apart. Next, I apply the nipple clamps and wince as the cold metal pinches; the intensity of the ‘bite’ will grow throughout the session. I then take the cat-o’-nine-tails and thrash my inner thighs. I focus on the sensations, the searing waves that flood through my body, from burning thighs and tortured nipples, and orgasm in pain and pleasure without touching my genitals at all.” Hands free masturbation? C’est possible…

SOLO ACT # 8: Alfresco & Organic

Get closer to nature and get green-fingered! Having sex outside of the bedroom can improve your health. Sex is a form of exercise, and being in a new location can make it more enjoyable and exciting. It can also release endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

YOU WILL NEED: A secluded place of natural beauty. Vegetables for an entirely organic orgasm (wash them first).

INSTRUCTIONS: Find a secluded spot with a scenic view and (optionally) take along some organic vegetables – courgettes, cucumbers and carrots are all ideal. Take in the natural beauty around you while you enjoy the solo stimulation and get busy with the veg. Mandy, 36, says, “I like to chill my vegetables first as the coldness gives a great sensation. It also works well if you peel the cucumber – but avoid bananas as they’re far too messy.” As we all know, less meat is healthier…

WANK #9: The Narcissist

Watching yourself masturbate is one of the horniest acts a woman can do. It’s also a very effective way to learn to love your body; by associating the sight of yourself with arousal you will see yourself as sexy – curves an’ all. 

YOU WILL NEED: A mirror, massage lotion and (optional) your phone camera.

INSTRUCTIONS: A full-length mirror is best. Position yourself in front of it comfortably and begin by massaging yourself. A two-in-one massage gel and lubricant such as this one (£13.00, Ann Summers) is ideal. Stroke your inner thighs, abdomen and breasts and watch how your body changes as you become aroused. Tease yourself for as long as you can bear before masturbating yourself to orgasm. For added kinks, take photos as you go and store them (in a password protected file) to create for your personalised erotica.

WANK #10: Exhibitionist Extravaganza

The ultimate solo act, titillating an audience of voyeurs. Although public masturbation clearly has its problems (such as getting arrested for indecency!), it would be reasonably safe to ‘go solo’ among consenting adults 

YOU WILL NEED: An audience.

INSTRUCTIONS: Check listings for safe and reputable swingers’ parties or fetish club nights which offer designated exhibitionist areas. Listings sites include The Playgrounds and SDC.com as well as the infamous (and frankly, brilliant) Torture Garden.