Can You Have Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?

In this article we'll dispel some doubts about laser hair removal and pregnancy. Are they compatible?

Certain beauty treatments are less recommended during pregnancy, such as body hair removal. Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to have laser hair removal while pregnant?

What is laser hair removal?

Laser treatment is a method in which the hair follicle is weakened through direct application of lasers to the skin. This causes the hair to fall out.

Laser hair removal itself hasn’t been proven to cause any harm to the fetus‘s development. It only affects the external surface of the skin, without affecting fetal development.

What do experts say?

Experts don’t recommend laser hair removal while pregnant. When you’re pregnant, it isn’t a good idea to be exposed to any type of light, radiation, or electrical currents.  

In this case, they take into account all the hormonal changes that occur in the body. They can cause your skin to reject the laser, causing various skin reactions.

Laser hair removal while pregnant increases the chance of varicose veins. This is because of broken capillaries and skin irritation.

Since pregnant women’s skin is very sensitive, it may lead to burns which then scar. This, combined with hormonal alterations, can lead to increased pigmentation and dark spots on the skin.

What methods should I use?

For the reasons given above, the most recommended method is traditional shaving. It’s the least invasive option during pregnancy. This is because it only involves simple external action.

When can I have laser treatment again?

This doesn’t mean that you can never have laser hair treatment again. After you have your baby, you can start laser hair removal again worry-free. 

However, keep in mind that while lactating you should avoid having laser hair removal on the upper part of your body. This recommendation applies mainly to the area close to the breasts, such as the armpits and of course, the chest. The rest of the body is fine.

If you feed your baby only formula, you can begin laser hair removal after a period of six months after giving birth. This way your body will have time to return to normal hormonal levels and avoid skin reactions.

Additionally, hair often becomes thicker during pregnancy and disappears after the baby is born.

As you can see, there are different methods you can choose from so you don’t have to resort to laser hair removal while pregnant. As a result, you can avoid risks regarding your health and that of your baby’s.