How to shave during pregnancy?

At the beginning, it must be emphasized that hair during pregnancy is your business alone . During check-ups, your doctor or midwife does not require that you even trim your bikini area. What's more, some doctors emphasize the role of hair as a natural protective barrier and recommend refraining from removing it. Regardless of your approach, it is good to know the facts.

You can read more about hair normalization here.

Shaving during pregnancy – the one most important rule!

The golden rule that every pregnant woman should have written on her bathroom mirror is: DON'T STRETCH TO REACH . If you can't get to an area through your belly, like your bikini line , then you can't. End of story.

If you have someone you can ask for support, that's great. But if you don't have anyone or your partner refuses to help (because, for example, they're afraid of the razor getting near your belly or they don't want to hurt you), then you have to respect that.

Why is there so much hair?

Pregnancy is – as you know – a big mess in the hormonal system , which often results in increased hair growth. The hair growth cycle and the hair itself change.

I remember my surprise when I discovered that black, thick, shiny hair appeared (suddenly!) on my face, belly, back, and even fingers. This is normal and will probably calm down after delivery. If not , it is a good idea to consult your doctor.

Skin during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the skin has its whims – and I don’t just mean problems resulting from hormonal turmoil . It can be dry, sensitive , less resistant to pain, tense. In such conditions, irritations can occur very easily. So if there is anything you can do to increase your comfort, do it. A new, clean razor and shaving cream with a “nice” (= safe) composition are the basics. But what else should you pay attention to?

Are you sitting comfortably?

No, I won't sell you any hot gossip. ;) Seriously: dizziness is a common complaint during pregnancy . I've personally experienced how unexpected it is many times (which is why since then I've been insisting that every pregnant person should take the first step, even if they say they feel great!). When it comes to hair removal - that is, bending and more or less fancy poses - it's better to ensure your safety . You can sit on the toilet or on the floor - this way it will be easier for you to maneuver your legs to reach even hard-to-reach places with the razor. And what about places that are out of your sight? What about bikini hair removal? You have to be clever!

My friend bought herself a special suction cup mirror that she mounted in her bathtub. I, on the other hand, took a shortcut and shaved while looking into a gleaming shower head.

Hair removal during pregnancy – which method will NOT work?

Waxing

Waxing is the least recommended option (permitted after consulting a doctor) because sensitive skin doesn't like this method. And it doesn't matter if it was previously battle-hardened - Brazilian waxing during pregnancy may be impossible. As you already know, at this time your skin may be much more sensitive, and you - much more susceptible to pain.

Depilatory creams

Similarly, when it comes to intimate depilatory creams, they contain ingredients that are not recommended for use during pregnancy. The safety of depilatory creams in the context of a developing fetus has also not been confirmed by research.

Electrolysis

This procedure involves the removal of hair using electricity . A thin needle-shaped electrode or metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle to emit an electric current. Using it permanently destroys the root of the hair follicle. It is not recommended to perform procedures using electric current during pregnancy, so the conclusion is simple: we advise against it .

Laser hair removal (photoepilation)

As the name suggests, a laser is used to remove hair in this case . The laser energy directly affects melanin, the hair pigment that has the ability to absorb light – this causes a thermal reaction in the hair follicle . Naturally, this leads to damage to the hair bulb without damaging the surrounding tissues. However, pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to laser treatments.

Epilator

Depilation with an epilator (is that butter?) is very painful - so it can cause stress . It is better to avoid such procedures during pregnancy, when the skin is particularly susceptible to pain.

Shaving and epilation during pregnancy – what works best?

Razor

During pregnancy, it is best to shave with a good old razor. "Old" meaning: well-known! Because a worn-out, dull razor is never a good choice.

Hair removal with a razor is non-invasive. If you follow a few rules, there should be no problem with irritation .

You can read more about how to get rid of razor bumps in our other article.

Okay, so what are the downsides to this solution? This is certainly a short-term effect – the hair is shortened, not plucked, so we have to shave again quite quickly to maintain the smooth skin effect.

Sugar paste

Sugar paste hair removal is a safer (because it does not require heating the product) sister of waxing – both methods involve removing the hair from the bulb, but the paste is gentler on the skin (no synthetic dyes or preservatives) and the risk of allergies is minimal. Cons? The whole procedure requires a lot of work and skill. Additionally, any skin damage, inflammation and allergic changes rule out the use of sugar paste.

CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the preferred hair removal/shaving method before pregnancy, the choice must be re-verified and discussed with your doctor.

Perfect ending

After you've finished depilating, take care of your skin's moisture - remember that now it has special needs, so a soothing, moisturizing cosmetic with a good composition ( our oil bows low!) will perfectly complete the job. And yes - the bikini area also requires care.

Do you NEED to shave just before giving birth?

It's really your personal business. If it makes you feel better, then go for it. If the only reason you're going to do it is to embarrass the medical staff, then give up on the idea. Your natural hair won't make a big impression on anyone. Hello, a human being is being born here. They're supposed to be born safe and sound - it may be a bit sad, but few people in the delivery room are interested in the aesthetics of this event.

As for a cesarean delivery, the hair must indeed be removed from the place where the incision will be made – just above the bikini line. I learned in prenatal classes that in the case of a plannedcesarean section , it is better to shave at home, because the razors provided by the hospital are not the best on the market. That was good advice!

Shaving During Pregnancy – Is It Necessary?

If you don't want to leave a full head of hair but are terrified by the thought of maneuvering a razor around your belly, you can consider trimming, which is just cutting the hair short. Use scissors with rounded tips for this - they are safer.

7 Ways to Prevent Injury While Trimming Pubic Hair , "American Academy of Dermatology Association", https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/trimming-pubic-hair [accessed on 05/07/2022].
7 Ways to Remove Unwanted Hair , "American Academy of Dermatology Association", https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair [accessed on 05/07/2022].
JK Geddes, Hair Changes During Pregnancy , med. rev. J. Wu "What to Expect", https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/hair-growth/ [accessed on 05/07/2022].
Hair Removal: How to Shave, "American Academy of Dermatology Association", https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave [accessed on 05/07/2022].
Hair Removal: How to Wax , "American Academy of Dermatology Association", https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax [accessed on 05/07/2022].
Laser hair removal , "Mayo Clinic", https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555 [accessed 05/07/2022].
Ludmann, Melasma: Self-care , rev. A. Dominquez, I. Lee, "American Academy of Dermatology Association", https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/az/melasma-self-care [accessed on 05/07/2022].
H. McManus, Shaving During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know , "FFS", https://www.ffs.co.uk/blogs/shaving/shaving-during-pregnancy [accessed on 05/07/2022].
O'Connor, Skin Changes During Pregnancy , med. rev. J. Wu "What to Expect", https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/skin-changes.aspx [accessed on 05/07/2022].
Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. Frequently Asked Questions , "American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists", https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy [accessed on 05/07/2022].