Body hair is personal. Some of us love the clean-smooth feeling of a good wax, some prefer to let things grow and flow. There is no right way to have body hair, just your way.
But there’s one question that always pops up in hushed whispers during brunch, gym locker rooms, or text groups during PMS week:
“Is waxing on your period actually okay?”
If you wax regularly, you’ve probably faced that awkward timing overlap. Your wax appointment is booked… and your period shows up uninvited. So now you’re wondering whether to cancel or just deal with it. Well, let’s answer some of those questions…
Can You Get a Wax While on Your Period?
Yes, you can. But your experience may feel different.
Waxing on your period isn’t unsafe, and most salons are completely used to it. The main thing that changes is how it feels. Hormones fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, especially right before and during your period. That means your pain sensitivity is higher, your skin can feel more reactive, and you might notice redness or tenderness more than usual.
You’re not being dramatic, your body is just doing its thing.
If your natural pain tolerance is pretty high (you know who you are), waxing on your period may be totally fine. But if you’re someone who feels everything, you might want to reschedule.
This is about knowing your body and not forcing yourself to “be tough” for no reason.
Does Waxing on Your Period Hurt More?
Usually, yes.
When you’re menstruating, your body has lower estrogen levels. Estrogen helps keep your skin plump, cushioned, and less reactive. So when it’s lower, your skin is simply… a bit moodier. That can make waxing feel sharper, stingier, and more “why did I decide to be a human woman today” kind of painful.
And this applies everywhere:
- Brazilian / bikini waxing (read this for more)
- Underarms
- Legs
- Even brows and upper lips for some people
It’s not that waxing becomes impossible. You just need to know it may feel amplified.
If you’re someone who gets super sensitive skin during your cycle (think, itchiness, irritation, acne) you may want to wait a few days. But if you really want that smoothness (maybe there’s a trip, a date night, or you just want to feel good in your own skin), there are ways to make it more comfortable.
How to Reduce Pain When Waxing on Your Period
Pop a mild pain reliever 30 minutes before your appointment.
That’s the quickest, simplest trick. It helps your body ease the physical response to the wax pull.
A few other helpful tips:
- Avoid caffeine beforehand (it makes your nerves more sensitive)
- Wear loose cotton underwear after your wax (no tight synthetic lace torture)
- Try breathing through the pulls, not holding your breath
And the most important one:
Tell your beautician you’re on your period.
Seriously, do not feel awkward.
Trust us, your waxer has seen everything. They’re not judging. By telling them, you’re allowing them to be gentler, work slower, and adjust the wax temperature or formula. Think of it as teamwork, not confession.
Should You Use a Pad, Tampon, or Cup During the Wax?
Use a tampon or menstrual cup. Pads are not ideal.
During waxing, especially bikini or Brazilian, movement matters. Pads shift. And shifting pads during waxing = discomfort, leakage risk, and just… messiness neither you nor your beautician needs.
If you use a cup, rinse it before your appointment. If you use tampons, change it right before you start.
This keeps everything clean, comfortable, and stress-free.
Pro-tip: Use an intimate wash beforehand to freshen without irritation.
Nua Foaming Intimate Wash is a great option, gentle, pH-balanced and no strong fragrance. Perfect for this moment when you really don’t want to mess with your vaginal microbiome.
And post-wax, keep Nua’s Intimate Wipes in your bag. They’re soft, soothing, and handy when you need a little clean-up moment later in the day.
How Sensitive Skin Plays Into This
If your skin tends to get angry during your period—redness, tiny bumps, that weird “my legs itch for no reason” sensation—waxing can intensify that temporarily.
This doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It just means:
- Moisturize consistently the week before
- Avoid exfoliating right before the appointment
- Do not pick or touch the area after waxing (your pores are open and vulnerable)
Your skin is asking for softness during this time. Listen to her.
So… Should You Actually Do It?
The real answer: It depends entirely on your body.
Some of us power through because smooth skin makes us feel like our best, most put-together selves, even mid-cramps. Others know they will get snappy, emotional, and uncomfortable, and would rather reschedule. Both are fine.
There is no “more empowered” choice here.
Empowerment is choosing what feels good for you.
If you’d like to get a feel of what other women out there are thinking, this Reddit thread might be helpful.
How to Prepare If You Decide to Wax on Your Period
What to Do After the Wax
Your skin has just gone through something. Treat her kindly.
- Avoid tight clothing for the rest of the day.
- Skip gym or swimming for 24 hours, the pores need time to calm down.
- Avoid intimacy for 24 hours, the fiction and bodily fluids can cause irritation and/or infections.
- Use a light soothing gel or aloe if needed.
And if you’re switching back to pads afterward (or just prefer them), go for something soft and gentle.
Nua’s Complete Comfort Sanitary Pads are a great fit here. The super soft breathable top layer prevents rashes and irritation right when your skin is most reactive. Plus, they’re made with 100% toxic-free materials, meaning no perfumes, dyes, or chemicals that your skin absolutely does not need right now.
Your skin deserves peace, especially today.
Final Strip
Waxing on your period is a choice, not a rule, not a moral test, not something you need to “be strong” for.
Your body is already doing a lot. You get to decide how you want to show up in it.
If smooth skin makes you feel more you, go for the wax! If your body is asking for rest, reschedule without guilt.
Your period does not get to run the show. You do.
