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I have waxed thousands of pregnant women and it’s a wonderful thing. I’ve waxed clients that were nine months pregnant with twins and triplets. I’ve waxed countless pregnant women that have been having IVF for many years. Lovely!

Many of my pregnant clients don’t even usually get waxed, but the trend now is for women to get waxed before they deliver. You may never see them again until they’re expecting another baby but we want them to have good memories of their last wax.

Is it medically safe for pregnant women to undergo waxing treatments, and does this differ during the different trimesters?

Kim: Absolutely safe! I always check with doctors and midwives on a regular basis (lucky to have them as clients) as I like to know that what I'm doing is safe for my client.

Are there any areas of the body where hair growth is likely to be increased during pregnancy?

Kim: I actually notice that the pubic hair gets lighter in colour and reduces in density. That's how I often guess that my client is pregnant before they tell me…or even know themselves! I've been the bearer of happy news on many occasions.

Are there any areas of the body that waxing during pregnancy should be avoided?

Kim: No. They're not ill, they're just having a baby. Women should have the choice to have their hair removed if they want to. Many tell me that it makes them feel human and attractive again.

Are there any types of wax that should be avoided during pregnancy, such as products that include lavender (the use of lavender oil is often cautioned against during the first trimmest of pregnany)?

Kim: To be honest, if you look at the ingredients, it's probably the fragrance of lavender and not the actual oil, so I'd suggest that the waxer reads the ingredients of their wax. It’s more what you’re putting on after waxing that you need to watch.

Is the waxing sensation (or level of discomfort) likely to differ during pregnancy due to hormones, increased blood flow etc?

Kim: Yes. It's like being a period and it hurts more, which is all the more reason to use a good quality hot wax on sensitive areas or shaved hair. Encourage your client to leave it for four weeks from their last shave/wax and it will hurt less and they’ll get a smoother finish.

Should a therapist change their waxing technique for pregnant clients?

A: It differs slightly in each trimester as you need to tilt the head of the bed up slightly as they get bigger. That's so they don't get too dizzy. I asked a midwife to clarify the whole thing about pregnant clients not lying flat for longer than 20 minutes, and her reply was that they're referring to them not laying too long on their back when they're asleep at night. As a Brazilian/Hollywood only takes 15 minutes, that's not a concern.

I do, however, always say as I start to wax that if they need to move position to let me know, and nobody ever has.

Simple things like helping them on and off the bed, and suggesting that they sit for a moment on the side of the bed before they get off is helpful.

If you’re doing a leg wax, turn them on their sides to finish off the back of the legs, but do most of it from the front by pulling their calf around to the front. I don’t like lifting their leg in the air to do this and it presses on their tummy.

Does a therapist need to differ her pre-wax consultation and after care advice for a pregnant client?

Kim: In addition to the usual questions, I would ask if they have a history of miscarriage and if they do (more than one), I would ask them to wait until they're past 12 weeks. We need be real about these things, and we don’t want a client to miscarry and then say that it was caused by waxing. As an aside, many clients get waxed and don’t even know they’re pregnant.

Are there any pre-wax or post-wax products that therapists should avoid retailing to pregnant clients?

Kim: There’s a long list of oils that could cause various adverse re-actions with pregnant women, so I wouldn’t sell them anything that contained any ingredients that could cause problems.

Tip: If you need to use oil to remove any stickiness after strip waxing legs etc, then use baby oil. On Brazilians I use a tiny amount of Sudocrem mixed with baby oil after waxing but then I wipe it off. This heals the skin and makes it super soft; clients comment how much they love it.

Are there any issues that therapists should be aware of surrounding clients who have undergone a C-Section procedure?

Kim: I have clients that have had a C-section and come back for another wax just four weeks after. I am aware that insurers can wither and have no policy for C-section waxing and some are very restricting or very vague indeed. Women want it done and it’s their right to choose what to do with their own body, so it’s much better that they come to a professional that knows what they’re doing, rather than find someone that’s willing just do it to get a bit of money, regardless of knowledge and experience.

As long as the scar is totally closed and your client wants it waxed, then wax the scar first and only ever use hot wax. That way your client won’t be on edge whilst you’re waxing the rest of the Brazilian/Hollywood.

Kim Lawless is regarded as a leading authority on waxing in the UK, dedicated to providing the highest standard of waxing and hygiene, and is the only waxer/trainer who has developed her own unique techniques for both Male and Female Brazilian waxing. Find out more about Kim’s ABT accredited waxing courses at www.KimLawless.com