Should You Get a Bikini Wax When You Have Your Period?
As much as we love swapping tips and tricks to solve our biggest beauty dilemmas, there are some questions we may not feel comfortable asking our friends about, let alone Google without going incognito. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. In this series, we’ll be tackling those embarrassing beauty queries by turning to experts in the field to get you the answers you need — minus any awkward feelings.
With summer in full swing and high-cut swimwear all the rage this season, many of us are stepping up our hair removal game — whether at home or at a salon — to ensure our skin looks and feels smooth when we slip off our sarongs. Sure, we have had a monthly bikini wax booked, but when our periods sync up with our appointment, should we still head to the spa? Between bloating, cramps, and a possible heavy flow, is it a good idea to add more trauma to the mix? We turned to top estheticians to find out whether you should reschedule and how to be prepared for your appointment if you’re dealing with a visit from Aunt Flo.
Before The Appointment
Brit + Co: Tell us the truth: Can we get a bikini wax on your period?
Kristen Rogers of Spruce & Bond: You can absolutely get waxed on your period; however, your skin will be most sensitive around that time of the month. It is better to get it at least two weeks before your period to avoid any extra discomfort.
B+C: If we do decide to get waxed, how should we prepare for the appointment?
Holly Cutler (AKA The Skin Saint) of FACE Skincare – Medical – Wellness: Take a shower before you go and not after as you need to wait a good 24 hours before applying any heat to the area. When showering it is good to exfoliate to lift up any ingrown hairs, which will help ensure a better result. Lastly, if needed, take ibuprofen about 30 minutes prior to manage [the] pain.
B+C: What period products are the most conducive for a bikini wax?
Mariola Barczewska of Haven Spa: Please wear a fresh tampon when you’re getting your bikini waxed and come in as clean as possible, even if you’re not getting a Brazilian. If you’re a “free flow” thinker, then we will not wax you as blood is considered hazardous by sanitation standards. We all know that it’s natural, but wearing a tampon is the best way to keep our workspace clean.
B+C: Should we take any medicine to avoid increased pain?
KR: Take some Midol or ibuprofen at least one hour before your appointment, and maybe skip the caffeine (since it is a stimulant) until after the wax.
During the Appointment
B+C: Do we have to tell our esthetician if we’re on our period before we drop trou?
HC: Yes, so they are aware of your sensitivity and [to] make sure they stay away from the tampon string, which should be tucked up. The esthetician should always be wearing gloves as well.
KR: It is beneficial for us to know in terms of managing your pain levels during and post-treatment.
B+C: Are there any risks of getting a wax during your period?
HC: If the skin was moist (from increased hormones and sweat, or blood leakage) and not dry, the wax could adhere to the skin and rip off the stratum corneum and leave you with a scab or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Avene Cicalfate ($28) is the best healing product. Used three times a day, it will heal it in a few days without a scar.
Do you have any more awkward beauty questions? Tweet @BritandCo using #askingforafriend!
Illustrations by Rebecca Fong
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(Photos via Getty Images.)
