Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?

Pregnancy presents a wide range of unique challenges you never thought you’d encounter. Suddenly, it feels impossible to find a comfortable sleeping position, tie your own shoes, and, of course, shave your legs. So, many expectant mothers wonder if laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair. Join us to learn if you can get laser hair removal while pregnant. 

Is laser hair removal safe during pregnancy?

In most cases, the answer is no, you cannot get laser hair removal while pregnant. Here’s why: 

What does the research say?

A lack of evidence is a big problem with laser hair removal during pregnancy. For ethical reasons, no randomized controlled studies have been performed to determine how this practice may impact fetal development and pregnant women. 

But we do know that hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity, risk developing abnormal pigmentation, and have various effects on the natural hair growth cycle. So it has the potential to lead to more painful treatments, permanent skin discoloration, and lower efficacy for the mother, as well as unknown side effects for the baby. 

Is laser hair removal a good option for pregnancy hair growth?

Thanks to fluctuating hormones, many women experience excessive hair growth during pregnancy, especially on the belly, face, and breasts. However, these effects are temporary and typically disappear six to 12 months after giving birth. Most people find that the time and expense of laser therapy isn’t worth it for fleeting hair growth. 

Can pregnancy cause hair regrowth after laser?

Yes, your healthcare provider or laser specialist may suggest waiting to begin laser hair removal or electrolysis until you’ve finished having children. That’s because pregnancy hormones can actually reactivate dormant follicles and generate new ones, reversing successful hair reduction treatments.

Read more: What To Expect With Laser Hair Removal: Before and After

Are there alternatives to laser hair removal during pregnancy?

Absolutely! Let’s explore a few alternative methods to laser hair removal during pregnancy. These options won’t remove hair indefinitely, but they can help you tame excessive growth until it’s safe to begin laser therapy. 

Waxing

Waxing is an effective way to remove unwanted hair from the follicle, forcing the strand to regenerate from scratch. With a consistent treatment schedule, you can enjoy silky-smooth skin for weeks at a time with little ongoing maintenance. However, your skin may be more sensitive during this time, so you may find the process uncomfortable. 

Threading

This age-old practice uses a thin cotton thread to pluck hairs one by one, sculpting the perfect brow without the use of hot wax or chemicals. While threading is great for shaping eyebrows, it isn’t practical for larger treatment areas, and finding skilled professionals can be challenging if you’re not in a big city or major metropolitan area. 

Shaving

Quick and inexpensive, shaving is second-nature to many. Unlike depilatory creams, it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals that may affect your unborn baby. And if you choose to stick to shaving, use a soothing cream and keep razors clean and dry to prevent contamination. Also, consider sitting in the tub versus standing in the shower to avoid slipping.

Related reading: All About Underarm Laser Hair Removal

How soon can you get laser hair removal postpartum?

After pregnancy, many women are eager to jump back into the world of professional cosmetic services and start feeling a little more like themselves again. While a consultation with your doctor or laser specialist will help you determine the right time to get laser hair removal after pregnancy, we can offer a few tips to help you better understand the process. 

Hormonal adjustment 

Immediately after childbirth, your hormone levels will plummet, but it still takes time for your body’s chemical makeup to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Excess hair growth may shed for six months or more, so diving into laser hair removal right after pregnancy may not help you achieve your goals. 

Body recovery

Growing and delivering a baby takes a massive toll on the human body. You’ve been stretched out, swollen, and may even have open wounds from the delivery process. These effects don’t disappear overnight.

In fact, your doctor may not even clear you for exercise until six weeks postpartum. Give your body ample time to heal, and don’t feel the need to rush into cosmetic treatments. 

Breastfeeding

Much like laser hair removal during pregnancy, there’s not a lot of evidence regarding the safety of laser therapy on breastfeeding women. Still, nursing keeps your hormone levels higher than normal, so you may find that new hair follicles appear after weaning. For optimal results, wait until you’ve switched the baby to solid foods to begin your journey to permanent hair reduction. 

Skin sensitivity

Your skin may remain highly sensitive for months after giving birth, making you more susceptible to melasma, hyperpigmentation, and discomfort. If you think your hormones have regulated, consider asking your laser specialist to perform a patch test, then observe the area for signs of discoloration.

Related: How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?

Explore laser hair removal at Balanced Health & Wellness!

Ready to eliminate unwanted hair after pregnancy with laser hair removal? Book a consultation with the experts at Balanced Health & Wellness to get started!