During pregnancy, many women must make substantial lifestyle changes. Seemingly innocuous things like deli meat and sushi are suddenly off-limits. But what about waxing unwanted body hair?
Thanks to hormonal changes, you might notice your hair is thicker and more lustrous than ever. That’s great for the locks on your head, but not so much when that hair is growing everywhere!
Join us to learn dos and don’ts of waxing during pregnancy so you can decide if it’s right for you.
How safe is waxing while pregnant?
Waxing is generally considered safe during a normal pregnancy, but you’ll need to keep a couple of important factors in mind. Here are some considerations to remember.
How do pregnancy hormones affect waxing?
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can cause changes in your pain tolerance. Your skin might be extra sensitive as you approach your due date. That’s because there’s more blood flowing through your body in order to keep your unborn baby fully supplied with oxygen.
These changes also impact hair growth. You might notice hair popping up in unexpected places like your chin or around your nipples. While it won’t last forever, you can wax many of these areas to mitigate the effects of rapid hair growth.
Does the kind of wax treatment you receive matter?
You might think that Brazilian waxing is off the table if you’re pregnant, but that’s not the case. Instead, you’ll need to be mindful of areas that are prone to melasma, or skin darkening. This phenomenon is common during pregnancy and often affects areas like the upper lip.
But just like excessive hair growth, this side effect should diminish after pregnancy.
Preventative measures for waxing while pregnant
Of course, you’ll need to take certain precautions to avoid infections and other complications during pregnancy. Before deciding on a hair removal method, consider the following.
Make sure the wax salon is clean
Cleanliness is essential to waxing while pregnant. If your salon double dips their applicators into the wax or reuses wax removal strips, it’s time to find a different waxing specialist. Poor sanitation can cause disastrous bacterial infections. Whether you’re there to wax your legs, bikini line, or pubic area, this isn’t a risk worth taking–pregnant or not.
Contact a trusted esthetician
Pregnancy probably isn’t the time to gamble on a new hair removal specialist, especially if you can’t verify their practices. It’s also not ideal to try home waxing for the first time. If you have a professional you know and trust, keep going to them throughout your pregnancy.
If you’re new to waxing but overwhelmed by excessive hair growth during pregnancy, see if any friends or family members can suggest a wax specialist they trust.
Give as much information to your esthetician as possible
Many people choose to wait until after their first trimester to tell others about their pregnancy, but your esthetician shouldn’t be on the “to-be-announced” list. When you make your appointment, be sure to let your treatment specialist know how far along you are and any other pertinent information.
These knowledgeable professionals know which topicals to avoid during pregnancy, making sure you have a safe hair removal session. They can also make minor adjustments, such as your position during the waxing treatment, to make you more comfortable.
Are there any side effects to waxing while pregnant?
Hormone changes can cause a wide array of effects during pregnancy, and some of them can interfere with your favorite beauty treatments. Here are a couple of things to consider.
Waxing may cause a little more discomfort
You might find that waxing is more painful during pregnancy. Increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity can make you more acutely aware of every sensation, including waxing your unwanted hair.
That being said, other methods like hair removal creams might irritate your skin just as much as waxing during pregnancy.
You may need to be waxed more often
Those same hormones that give some women that enviable “pregnancy glow” can cause others to become fuzzier than ever before. During pregnancy, the active phase of hair growth lasts longer than usual, so you might find that you need more frequent waxing sessions.
Although it’s annoying, just remember that waxing will still outlast shaving and you won’t have to navigate a razor around your belly and attempt to de-hair areas you can’t even see!
Enso Wax is the go-to source for everything waxing!
At Enso Wax, we’re dedicated to helping estheticians give their clients the best waxing experience possible by providing the best products on the market.
We also believe that knowledge is power. When you’re properly informed, you can make the best decisions for yourself and your clients. Check out The Waxing Podcast on your favorite platform for more information!
