How to tailor your waxing treatments for pregnant clients
Pregnancy and postnatal waxing is big business – get it right and you can attract a whole new client base to your salon. Intimate waxing for pregnant clients can be daunting, but it needn’t be. “It can be challenging when you’re faced with a pregnant client. You don’t know which way to sit them, you worry if they’re warm enough or too hot, or if they might go a bit dizzy. So, it’s all about knowledge and confidence,” says Jo Weller, master trainer at waxing specialist salon group and training school, Mooeys.
In fact, creating a good reputation among new mums can help open your business to a whole new market. “When you specialise in an area, you can charge a premium for it. A lot of clients have their waxing planned so that they’re hair-free when they go into labour,” says Amy Lewis, director of Mooeys.
We quizzed the pros on everything you need to know to wax pre- and postnatal clients with confidence.
When is it safe to wax a pregnant client in salon?
“Therapists and clients often ask when they can have an intimate wax treatment during pregnancy,” says Marta Zaczkowska, director and chief executive of London salon and academy Waxing Specialist. “I advise that clients can have an intimate wax from 12 weeks, through to 38 weeks. This is due to insurance policy restrictions, so you should always check with your provider before offering treatment.”
It’s also important to judge on a case-by-case basis. “Let’s say I have someone who comes to the salon for the first time, who I’ve never waxed before, and they are 38 weeks pregnant and have shaved throughout their pregnancy. There is no way I would do a Hollywood for them,” explains Zaczkowska.
“However, if I had a client who was 38 weeks pregnant, but who had waxed throughout the pregnancy or has had laser, that would be OK. It’s important to not treat all clients the same, which is why the consultation is so important for this service.”
The consultation is key to arm yourself with the correct information. “During your consultation, ask if this is their first child, how many weeks pregnant they are, have they been waxing during their pregnancy and have they had laser before?”, advises Zaczkowska.
“I also create a pregnancy waxing plan, which I give to them at the end of their appointment,” she adds. “I write when they are due and when I want them to come back. Don’t leave them to decide for themselves when they come back for their next appointment. By providing this service you will create a loyal client.”
3 of the best solutions to use in pregnancy and postnatal waxing treatments:
[Sponsored content]
Hive Sensitive Hot Film Wax Block 500g
When it comes to pregnancy or post-pregnancy waxing, sensitivity is key – how you talk to, position and treat your client, as well as the wax you use. Hive Sensitive Hot Film Wax Block 500g is a superior pliable hot film wax with a low allergy risk formulation, ideal for clients who have experienced a change to their skin’s sensitivity during pregnancy.
Containing plasticides to provide improved adhesion qualities, the wax quickly dries to the hair, not the skin, helping to prevent any trauma. Easy and quick to apply, the flexible nature of the wax ensures it is easy to remove by hand – no wax strips are required. Expectant or breast-feeding mothers can rest easy in the knowledge that the enhanced formulation contains no parabens, is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
Trade: £8.75
Pinkini Brazilian Care Kit by Lycon 
Put your client’s comfort first by using the ultra-flexible Pinkini Hybrid Hot Wax by Lycon, which will mould to your customer’s curves, shrink-wrap around the hairs and remove them from the root every time. Combined with a powerful pre-post waxing trio that protects and soothes the skin, you can expect to reduce sensation by almost 50%.
With a fresh and calming scent, the Pinkini collection has been carefully formulated with an abundance of technologically advanced and natural soothing ingredients, which provide virtually pain-free results beyond compare. Each kit contains: 1Kg Pinkini Hybrid Hot Wax, Pinkini Pre-Waxing Oil, Pinkini Cleanser, Pinkini Finishing Lotion, and Pinkini Intimate Wash & Lightening Serum.
Trade: £65 for complete kit; £22.50 for Pinkini Hybrid Hot Wax individually
Italwax Nirvana LineAromatic spa waxing line Nirvana by Italwax includes hot film and warm waxes, and special cosmetic oils to care for the skin during hair-removal treatments. Nirvana Lavender is a synthetic wax formulation with lavender oil, created to be used pre-waxing oil to specifically remove hairs in delicate and larger areas. The wax also effectively removes short, previously shaved hairs.
Aromatic oil protects and moisturises delicate skin during waxing treatments, creating a relaxing effect. The warmed-up wax has a pronounced aroma, which enhances the caring oil effect, ensuring smoothness and softness of the skin after any waxing treatment. Products pictured include a Limited-Edition Spa Wax, Spa Pre Wax Oil and Massage Candle.
Price: hot wax £14.50; pre-wax oil £9.60; massage candle £4.50
What should I include in my salon policy?
However, ensuring your client’s safety is paramount, so make sure you’ve got a salon policy. “Mention to them that you reserve the right to refuse or change the treatment if the client is overdue for waxing, has started shaving or if their physical condition is not allowing you to carry out the service,” advises Zaczkowska.
“Reassure your client that you will do your best to meet their expectations, but their safety is of the utmost importance to you. Keep your consultations ongoing throughout their pregnancy and after the birth too,” advises Weller, explaining that changes can crop up throughout, so it’s important to have a consultation on each visit.
“When they are filling out their consultation card, they might forget something but only think to mention it when they’re chatting to you, so it’s important to create that dialogue with your client.” Additionally, attending a training course dedicated to intimate pregnancy waxing can help boost your confidence in the salon.
“Invest in your knowledge,” says Lewis. “Confidence comes with experience but you can also catapult your knowledge by enrolling on a course.” When it comes to choosing the right wax for your intimate services, it’s best to opt for hot wax as opposed to strip wax.
How do I choose the right wax for treatment?
“Hot wax in general is so much kinder to the skin – it can be used on any skin type and is really good for minimising redness. Plus, it’s far less painful and really good for delicate or sensitive skin,” says Weller.
“Strip wax has a tendency to snap the hair. The reason that hot wax works so well is that it doesn’t stick to the skin, the wax shrink-wraps around the hairs which makes it better around intimate areas as well,” adds Lewis. “You don’t get half as much bruising or sensitivity as with strip wax. It’s not as quick but it provides a comfortable service for the client.”
Both recommend stretching the skin when using hot wax, and using a small amount of pre-wax oil for best results. “If you’re waxing in hot summer weather then a little bit of talcum powder can absorb any extra moisture on the skin,” says Weller.
“However, you do need that pre-wax oil to make sure the wax doesn’t stick to the skin, only to the hair. But, don’t use too much otherwise it won’t stick – just blot with a tissue to remove any excess.”
How do I create a supportive environment?
“We have lots of pregnant clients in our salon and when it comes to pre- and post-natal care, they often ask, ‘does everything look normal?’, especially if they’ve had a traumatic labour,” says Lewis, explaining that women can feel apprehensive, so making them feel at ease is crucial to setting your business apart from others.
“We have a platform as beauty therapists; it’s not just about applying wax and taking it off, it should be about nurturing too, so give your clients that added level of understanding,” she adds. Making your salon space buggy-friendly can also be a huge help to new mums, says Lewis.
“If you’re looking to specialise in pregnancy and postnatal waxing, it’s important to remember that a new mum will need to bring her baby with her. At Mooeys, we encourage this and we have a dedicated space for buggies, or if they want to bring their car seat in,” she says. “Sometimes, during their wax, they’ll need to feed and it’s just about understanding and being comfortable, as well as having that extra level of nurturing.
"The client could have just had her fourth labour and be totally fine, but she might have had a traumatic experience – and her first outing could be to see you. If you can deliver that level of service, you’ll become renowned and they’ll tell all of their friends.”
It’s also important to make sure you’re positioning a pregnant client correctly, says Weller. “Don’t lie a pregnant client flat as it can restrict blood flow. It’s always ideal to raise them up at a 40-degree angle, and you could pop a bolster underneath their knees too.”
How do I get the communication right?
Most importantly, have an open dialogue with your client on what feels comfortable for them. “When doing underneath, adapt the positioning to their mobility,” advises Lewis. “They won’t be able to move quickly, so everything takes longer. They might just need to pop their leg up a bit, pull it over to the side, hang it over the couch, or position their legs in a frog leg position.”
There are also some treatment room tweaks you can make so you’re prepared for your customer in advance. “Check the room temperature, because the body temperature of a pregnant woman shoots up, especially when they are having a wax. Make sure the wax isn’t too hot either,” adds Weller. “Ensure she can get on and off the couch easily and that she has a glass of water and even a snack close to hand. Ask her how she’s feeling too. If she isn’t feelingright then adapt your treatment to that,” she says.
“During a pregnancy wax, book out more time for your customer’s appointment,” says Zaczkowska, explaining that it may take longer to adjust your client comfortably. “Waxing in smaller patches is best so you will need more time. Make sure to always do a patch test prior to their appointment and check the skin after waxing for any irritation,” she adds.
What are the different protocols for different births?
For your postnatal clients, there are different timeframes to follow for intimate waxing, depending on the client’s birth.
- Natural birth – Zaczkowska explains that it is safe for clients to return for an intimate wax eight weeks after a natural birth, including all types of waxing, from bikini to Hollywood. “After eight weeks, people have had enough time to recover,” she says.
- Caesarean section – “C-Sections can be more complicated. You can still ask your client to come back after eight weeks but because of scarring, you’ll need to take extra care when working around that area,” she advises. “Hair doesn’t grow on scars so you will never need to go over the scar. If you go around it, you will need to warn your client that they might feel an itching, needle sensation because the area can be quite numb and is still very sensitive. It can vary between clients but if they are at all worried, leave the area until their next appointment.”
-
Tear or episiotomy – For clients with a tear or episiotomy, Zaczkowska recommends waiting much longer. “I advise that you wait up to six months before a full Hollywood. You can do a bikini or extended bikini, but not the full Hollywood until the scar fully heals and there are no issues. Scarring can feel tight in this area and can be uncomfortable for the client,” she adds.
What do you make of this feature? Tell us your thoughts below.