Can I Still Get Waxed While I’m Pregnant?

Overview

Pregnancy is a thrilling period. Your body goes through numerous shifts, both physically and emotionally. Over the coming nine months, changing hormone levels can lead to some unexpected effects.

Some of these, such as increased hair growth in unwanted spots, can be embarrassing. You may find yourself searching for methods to remove it.

Is waxing during pregnancy safe?

Having waxing done while pregnant is generally regarded as safe. However, there are precautions you should keep in mind, whether you’re waxing at home or visiting a spa or salon.

Be sure to see a seasoned, licensed esthetician. Ask about their experience and training.

Verify that the salon is sanitary and does not reuse wax or strips between clients. Reusing materials could expose you to bacterial infections. Double-dipping applicators back into the wax also raises the infection risk.

Skin that shows any of the following should not be waxed:

• open cuts
• varicose veins
• rashes
• scar tissue
• moles
• pimples
• warts
• areas where acne medications are applied

“Waxing can aggravate already irritated, swollen skin, potentially leading to acne breakouts, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs,” says Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a dermatologist in Los Angeles, California.

“Compromised skin has a small chance of developing localized skin infections, which can usually be treated with topical antibiotics,” she adds.

Home waxing kits are typically safe during pregnancy. Shainhouse suggests ensuring the wax isn’t too hot and that you can clearly see and reach the area you’re waxing. This helps avoid burns, which are painful and can become infected.

Hair growth

During pregnancy, hormones alter your hair and nail cycles. The active growth phase lasts longer. Hair on your head may become fuller. You may notice fewer strands falling out in your brush or in the shower.

While thicker hair on the scalp sounds appealing, unfortunately hair elsewhere can also thicken. Many women see hair growth in unwanted areas like the underarms, legs, the bikini region, or the pubic zone.

You may also observe hair in spots that weren’t noticeable before, such as the chin, upper lip, lower back, the line running from the belly to the pubic area, and around the nipples.

Don’t worry — this altered hair growth pattern won’t be permanent. Around six months after delivery, your hair and nails should revert to their usual state.

Meanwhile, if the extra hair bothers you, waxing is one option to remove it.

Hair removal using wax

Waxing to eliminate unwanted hair can be performed by a professional at a salon or spa, or at home with a store-bought kit. Before waxing, make sure hair has grown out about 1/2 inch so the wax can grip it.

There are two main wax types: soft and hard. Soft wax is applied in a thin layer. A cloth strip is pressed onto the wax, then quickly pulled off against the direction of hair growth.

Hard wax is applied in a thicker coat and allowed to harden. The wax itself is then removed against the direction of hair growth.

Because hard wax adheres less to the skin than soft wax, it’s frequently used in more sensitive zones, such as the bikini area or underarms.

Sensitivity during pregnancy

Your body produces extra blood and fluids to nourish your developing baby. As a result, your skin can be more sensitive, making waxing feel more painful.

If you’ve never had waxing before, it may not be the best time to start while pregnant. With your doctor’s OK, consider taking two Tylenol about an hour before your appointment to lessen discomfort.

Inform the skincare professional that you’d like a small patch tested first. This will show you what the process will feel like and how your skin reacts. If it’s too painful, you can stop before a large area is treated.

Waxing and melasma

Melasma, sometimes called the pregnancy mask, is a common condition that causes brown or grayish skin patches to appear on a pregnant woman’s face. Women with melasma are often advised to avoid waxing those areas. Waxing can irritate the skin and potentially worsen melasma.

Alternatives to waxing

If waxing proves too harsh for your skin during pregnancy, there are other hair-removal choices.

Depending on the location of the unwanted hair, you might use tweezers for small areas like eyebrows or nipples. Threading is another option to remove hairs.

Shainhouse says shaving is the safest hair-removal method while pregnant. However, you may find it hard to reach certain areas as your pregnancy advances. In such cases, your partner might be able to assist.

Bleaching and chemical depilatories could be risky during pregnancy. Discuss these with your doctor before trying them.

Skin care after waxing

Right after waxing, avoid direct sunlight and tanning. For the first 24 hours, you may want to avoid vigorous exercise and products that contain chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. You can apply a pregnancy-safe moisturizer the following day.

Takeaway

Pregnancy hormones can cause extra, unwanted hair growth. Waxing while pregnant is usually safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind, such as ensuring your salon is clean and avoiding waxing over certain skin problems.

Your skin may be more reactive during pregnancy, so it’s wise to test the wax on a small patch before treating a larger area. For smaller or hard-to-reach areas, consider alternatives like shaving, tweezing, threading, or professional help, and consult your doctor before using chemical options. For underarm hair removal considerations, see underarm waxing.