Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause some women to grow more hair. For example, estrogen levels increase during pregnancy. Estrogen is also responsible for hair growth, which is why many women will have fuller, thicker hair during this time.
Although you may have a fuller head of hair, estrogen will also cause you to grow more hair in unwanted areas. You might find that your armpits or your legs get hairier as the pregnancy progresses. Many women wonder whether waxing when pregnant is safe, which is the main question that we’ll focus on in this article.
The answer? Yes, it’s generally perfectly fine to wax while pregnant as long as you don’t have any skin conditions that might be exacerbated, and as long as it’s done properly—be sure not to damage your skin while waxing, or this could increase the risk of infection.
Is Waxing When Pregnant Safe?
Waxing when pregnant is generally considered safe as long as you don’t do it too close to the due date, as additional tearing from the waxing can lead to more pain when giving birth. You should also avoid waxing if you have any of the following skin conditions on the area you’ll be waxing:
- Acne
- Melasma
- Moles
- Open cuts
- Rashes
- Scar tissue
- Varicose veins
- Warts
Other than that, most experts will agree that waxing when pregnant is completely safe. It won’t harm neither you nor your baby. You can get the waxing done at a salon or you can do it yourself at home. Either option works.
What Type of Wax Is Best While Pregnant?
If you’re waxing when pregnant, take some time to consider whether you should opt for soft wax or hard wax. Both possess their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Soft Wax
Soft wax is the traditional type of waxing that you’d expect. The wax is applied using a spatula and removed with a waxing strip. This type of wax adheres both to the skin and to hair, which is why it’s great for removing even the smallest, daintiest hair.
Hard Wax
Hard wax, on the other hand, is thicker and applied warm to the skin. This type of wax will harden by itself, and then you can remove it without using a waxing strip. In comparison to hard wax, soft wax is considered less painful and an ideal choice for pregnant women with sensitive skin. This type of wax can only be applied to small areas. If you apply too much hard wax in one area, it might break off during the removal.
Hard wax usually comes in the form of beads. You’ll need to melt the beads before you can apply the wax to your skin. Stir the wax regularly to make sure that it melts evenly and that there are no lumps. This will ensure a smooth application.
| Soft Wax | Hard Wax | |
| Pros | ● Is more affordable than hard wax ● Doesn’t typically break off C ● an be applied at lower temperatures ● Most commonly recommended for larger areas of the body, like the back and the legs ● Acts like an exfoliant for smoother skin | ● Less painful ● Does not leave behind any sticky residue ● Can be applied to the same spot twice ● Gentler on the skin |
| Cons | ● Cannot be applied to the same spot twice ● More likely to damage your skin | ● Pricey in comparison to soft wax ● Not ideal for removing large patches of hair at a time |
Benefits of Waxing When Pregnant
Regardless of whether you choose to use soft wax or hard wax, waxing does offer unique benefits that you won’t get from other hair removal methods. It’s more recommended than shaving, bleaching or even tweezing. Some of the benefits that you can get from waxing when pregnant include:
- Less regrowth in between appointments. Since hair tends to grow quicker when pregnant, shaving isn’t the best choice. You’ll find that your hair will grow back really rapidly to the point where you might feel like you didn’t even shave just a couple of days after doing it.
- Improved skin texture. If you opt for soft wax, the wax will also gently exfoliate your skin and remove all of the dead cells. This will give you smoother, more radiant skin. Some waxes even contain moisturizing ingredients that can improve overall texture and tone.
- Stubble-free results. If you shave, you’ll notice that you get stubble really quickly. This can be really irritating. By waxing, you’ll get flawless, smooth results.
- Slower regrowth. Because waxing removes the hair follicles, it slows down regrowth. Some people even claim that the hair will grow back finer.
- Chemical-free. In comparison to bleaching or shaving, there are minimal chemicals involved in the waxing process. This can reduce your risk of experiencing any skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Waxing is definitely one of the more popular hair removal methods amongst women, regardless of whether they are pregnant or not.
Does Waxing Increase the Risk of Infections?
There is only one thing that you need to be wary of waxing when pregnant. If you have sensitive skin or if you don’t wax properly, you might end up cutting yourself. This can increase your risk of infections. You need to be most concerned about infections if you are planning to go for a Cesarean section instead of a normal delivery.
Infections are a huge concern amongst those who are planning on getting a Cesarean section. It’s easy for a C-section scar to get infected if it comes into contact with bacteria. The problem is that bacteria can spread rather easily, and if your scar gets infected, the bacterial infection will usually spread to the uterus or the abdomen. Signs of an infected C-section scar include:
- Fluid leaking out of the scar
- Redness and abnormal swelling around the incision
If you plan on getting a C-section, speak to your healthcare provider about whether you should wax. Some experts may discourage waxing prior to giving birth, as it may increase the risk of infection. If you end up getting an infection, you might get a scar. You’ll also need to treat the infection with antibiotics, and waiting for the infection to clear up can be a huge pain in and out of itself.
Waxing With Sensitive Skin
Increased estrogen levels reduce pain sensitivity during pregnancy. Those who had sensitive skin prior to getting pregnancy will usually find that waxing becomes a lot more tolerable when pregnant. On the other hand, some people find that they are more sensitive when they’re pregnant. This might be because their body is producing more fluid and blood.
If you still have sensitive skin and find waxing to be incredibly painful, you can try implementing the following tips:
- Take a Tylenol 30 minutes before waxing. This can help decrease inflammation and reduce overall pain. Avoid ibuprofen during your first 30 weeks of pregnancy because it can increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
- Use only high-quality wax. Low-quality wax won’t peel or come off as easily. It may tug at your skin more excessively, which can be really painful for someone who already has sensitive skin.
- Wear loose clothing before and after. Don’t put any pressure on the waxed area at all. Wear loose clothing before and after to allow the area to breathe.
- Try hard wax or a sugar wax rather than traditional soft wax. Some people claim that hard waxes and sugar waxes are less painful, so they are more ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Avoid waxing the bikini line. You can wax your back, legs and hands, but avoid some of the more sensitive areas, like your bikini line.
- Test a small patch of hair first. Get a sense of what to expect by testing out a small patch of hair first. If you find that waxing when pregnant is very painful, stop. You should also stop if you notice that you get really red after waxing or if you notice that your skin is peeling.
If you have sensitive skin, waxing can lead to redness, peeling and even scabbing. If you notice that your skin is just as sensitive when you’re pregnant as when you weren’t, you might want to avoid waxing your bikini line in case you damage your skin there. If you’re close to your due date, injuries in that area can really exacerbate the pain experienced when giving birth.
Tips for Waxing When Pregnant
Although waxing when pregnant is generally considered safe, you’ll definitely want to be a bit more careful to avoid any tearing or bruising, especially if you’re close to your due date. You also want to make sure that you take extra precautions to avoid straining the baby or getting an infection. Let’s take a look at some waxing tips that you should follow when you’re pregnant.
Find a Professional Who Has Worked With Pregnant Women
You’re carrying a lot of weight when you’re pregnant, and moving from one position to another may not be the easiest. If you are waxing at home by yourself, take it easy. There might be some areas that you’ll need extra help with, thanks to your growing belly.
If you’re going to a salon, look for a professional who has worked with pregnant women before. These professionals will have a better idea of the positions that pregnant women can get into comfortably without negatively impacting their baby or straining their bodies.
Check to Confirm That the Salon Is Hygienic and Clean
If you haven’t ever had any luck waxing at home by yourself, go to a salon. You’ll definitely want an extra pair of hands when you’re pregnant because there are a lot of areas that are going to be difficult to reach. There’s no need to stress yourself even more. At a salon, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands, and you can also relax during the entire process.
The only thing that you need to do is to make sure that the salon is hygienic and clean. Look for a spa that sanitizes the rooms between clients. The salons should also use new waxing material for each client, as re-using waxing material can increase the risk of bacterial infections.
Consider checking the reviews of each salon beforehand to make sure that past clients have had a great experience. You definitely want to find a place that is known for its hygiene. Don’t risk it on any shady establishments!
Exfoliate Before and After
Prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating before and after the waxing session. Make sure that you use a gentle exfoliant as an aggressive exfoliant can injure sensitive skin. You should consider exfoliating a day before and two days after waxing. If you have really sensitive skin, you might want to skip this step, as it could make your skin feel even more sensitive.
Use a Soothing Antiseptic Lotion Before and After
You’ll need to soothe and protect your skin for up to three days after getting the area waxed. The best thing that you can do is to apply a soothing antiseptic cream twice a day to the waxed area. The antiseptic clean will do a great job at preventing infections. Make sure that you clean your hands first before applying the cream.
Avoid Perfumes and Fragrances Afterwards
Your skin will be particularly sensitive after waxing, so avoid putting any perfume or products with fragrance on afterward. This can reduce swelling, redness and the risk of infections. If you are going to apply a moisturizing cream, choose one that is fragrance-free.
Be Careful Waxing When Pregnant
You can definitely wax when you’re pregnant, although you’ll want to be a lot more cautious in case you accidentally tear anything, especially if you’re waxing your bikini line. Waxing when pregnant can help reduce hair growth and make you feel a lot more comfortable with yourself.
With that said, you don’t have to wax. If you don’t feel comfortable waxing, you can always try other hair removal methods, like shaving or bleaching. If you don’t have a lot of experience waxing at home by yourself, look for a salon that has experience in waxing pregnant women. It’ll make the entire experience a lot more enjoyable.