During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause your facial or body hair to grow faster and seem thicker than usual. Waxing is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
Sensitivity and Pain
- Increased Sensitivity: Due to increased blood flow to your skin and pubic area, your skin may be more sensitive and waxing might be more painful than usual. If you’re getting a Brazilian or bikini wax, inform your esthetician that you’re pregnant and request that they be as gentle as possible.
Safety Tips for Waxing
- Hair Length: Wax when your hair is one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long for the best results.
- Pre-Wax Preparation: Wash and dry the area to be waxed beforehand to minimize the risk of infection.
- Wax Temperature: If waxing at home, ensure the melted wax isn’t too hot by testing it on the inside of your wrist.
- Post-Wax Care: To soothe your extra-sensitive pregnancy skin after waxing, wear loose clothing and use cold packs and oil-free moisturizers that won’t clog your pores. Avoid hot showers or baths immediately after waxing.
Areas to Avoid
- Sunburned Skin and Melasma: Avoid waxing sunburned skin or areas affected by melasma, as waxing can worsen these conditions by causing inflammation.
Alternative Methods
- Sugar Waxing: If your skin is extra sensitive to traditional waxing, try sugar waxing. This method uses a sugar-and-honey mixture that binds to hair without pulling the skin, making it gentler than traditional waxing.
- Shaving: Shaving is a safe alternative if waxing is too harsh for your sensitive pregnancy skin.
- Hair Removal Creams: Products like Nair are generally safe during pregnancy. The ingredients in these creams are not considered harmful, and the amount absorbed into your bloodstream is minimal.
Pre-Delivery Considerations
- Avoiding Hair Removal Close to Due Date: Hair removal around your pubic area isn’t recommended close to your due date, especially if a c-section might be needed. Removing hair from your lower abdomen or just above your pubic bone in the week prior to delivery can increase the risk of infection due to skin irritation.
- Surgical Hair Removal: If hair removal is necessary for surgery, the surgical team will use clippers to remove it safely in the hospital.
By following these guidelines, you can safely manage hair removal during pregnancy while minimizing discomfort and potential risks.
