Pregnancy should be an exciting and joyful time for any expecting mother. But it can also a time of major change, bringing hundreds of questions about the health, safety, and comfort of you and your baby. With so many new factors to consider, it’s great to know that you don’t have to compromise on your beauty routine. Although there are some methods you may need to avoid, with a little extra care, there’s bound to be hair removal technique that will keep you feeling smooth and sleek during the next nine months.
During pregnancy, your body will go through many changes to accommodate your new baby. It is common for pregnant women to report the appearance of thicker hair, as well as hair growing in new and unexpected places, such as the face, chest, and stomach. No matter how alarming, the first thing to know is that this is perfectly normal! This new hair is caused by all the hormonal changes, as well as increased blood flow and metabolism, that occur during pregnancy. The good news is that there are a number of hair removal options to keep you feeling just as groomed during this time too. And the best news? For most women, these changes are temporary and the extra hair will disappear within six months of giving birth.
Tweezing, shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are all suitable options for hair removal during pregnancy, as long as the warnings and directions for use on the products you choose are followed. It is recommended that before waxing or using depilatory creams you seek medical advice.
It is best to avoid laser hair removal and electrolysis during pregnancy, because it is not known whether these methods are safe for pregnant women.3 Talk to your doctor if you want more information on hair removal during pregnancy.
The best hair removal method during pregnancy may be different for each woman and may change with different stages of pregnancy. Your skin may be more sensitive and easily irritated, and you may need to change your usual hair removal method.4 Your growing belly may make it difficult to reach, or even see, some body parts—consider enlisting help from your partner or treating yourself to a salon visit.
Keep in mind that your skin may change during pregnancy making it unable to be waxed. If you develop any of the following skin conditions, you should avoid waxing the affected area:
Waxing may be suitable for pregnant women, but may cause some bruising. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about waxing during pregnancy.
The appearance of unwanted hairs around the upper lip, eyebrows, and nipples is common during pregnancy. For these niggling stand-alone hairs, plucking or tweezing is a great option for quick and precise hair removal. This method also avoids contact with products or chemicals that could irritate particularly sensitive areas such as the nipples.
Shaving is a fast and effect method of hair removal, particularly on large areas such as the legs. However, the results of shaving are short-lived, and with increased growth of body hair during pregnancy, you may have to repeat your shaving routine more often.
How to shave safely:
Waxing is a good option if you are looking for a more long-term solution—after all, you have enough things to be getting busy with between baby showers and baby names! Ideal for legs, underarms, and bikini lines, waxing can be done in the comfort of your own home, and has long-lasting results. Try Veet’s® range of wax for sensitive skin.
How to wax safely:
Depilatory creams are another great option for legs, underarms, and bikini lines, especially if you are looking to avoid the ouch-factor of waxing. While these creams are considered appropriate to use during pregnancy (provided the warnings and directions for use are followed), they may cause irritation if your skin is extra sensitive. Try Veet’s® range of hair removal creams specially designed for sensitive skin, and always remember to test a small area of your skin before every use. Remember, consult a doctor first if you have exceptionally sensitive skin or other skin conditions.
How to use depilatory creams safely:
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to any aspect of pregnancy, but it’s safe to say that most women still want to look and feel their best during these happy months. Remember that changes to your body hair are very common, and there are many hair removal options you can try. Last but not least, always check with your doctor if you have any particular concerns about your body changes during pregnancy.
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