Laser hair removal and pregnancy: are they compatible?

Can pregnant women have laser hair removal? Permanent hair removal specialists strongly advise against it, as skin during pregnancy is more sensitive and the treatment can have side effects.

We reveal to you here the risks of laser hair removal during pregnancy , the alternatives available to you, and when you can start or resume laser treatments after delivery.

Is laser hair removal possible during pregnancy?

To date, no studies have shown that laser wavelengths can harm the fetus or pregnant women. However, professionals advise against exposure to any type of radiation during pregnancy because women's skin during this period is prone to hypersensitive and therefore hyperactive . In addition, hormones are unstable during pregnancy which leads to rapid and excessive hair growth.

So, to avoid any risk to the pregnant woman, it's best to postpone your laser hair removal treatment until after the baby is born. The same goes for IPL and electrolysis hair removal.

What are the risks of laser hair removal during pregnancy?

• During pregnancy, a woman experiences an increase in melanotropic hormone, the hormone responsible for melanin production, which causes various forms of skin hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmented skin can absorb laser energy, preventing it from effectively targeting hair follicles. This can reduce the effectiveness of hair removal and increase the risk of burns.
• Hair tends to grow excessively and rapidly during pregnancy, and given the influence of hormones on the hair growth cycle, laser treatment may not provide satisfactory results.
• Pregnant women tend to have weak immune systems and therefore poor healing capacity. Burns or scars may take longer to heal.

What about laser hair removal while breastfeeding?

Just as with pregnancy, there are no studies to date that prove that laser hair removal during breastfeeding is dangerous for the nursing mother or the infant. However, for safety reasons, therapists recommend avoiding the treatment during the first few months of breastfeeding.

Read our article to find out when you can resume laser treatments after breastfeeding.

When to resume laser hair removal after childbirth?

You can resume or start laser hair removal three months after giving birth. You should wait until your hormones stabilize, your body is well recovered, and the hyperpigmented areas return to their natural color before starting or continuing your sessions.

What hair removal during pregnancy?

During pregnancy and the first few months after giving birth, many mothers experience rapid and accelerated hair growth, whether on their face, stomach or chest.

If you absolutely want to remove your hair during pregnancy, while waiting to move on to permanent hair removal, opt for waxing, tweezing, razor or threading.

We do not recommend using hair removal cream during pregnancy, as it is full of chemicals that are potentially toxic to you and your baby.

What if I started laser hair removal before pregnancy?

“I already had several laser hair removal sessions before my pregnancy, how should I hair remove it now that I’m pregnant?”

For women who have already started laser hair removal before pregnancy, we recommend not waxing or using any other method that pulls the hair out from the root, so as not to negate the effects of the laser. You can use a razor until you resume your sessions.

Is facial laser hair removal also not recommended for pregnant women?

Some pregnant women may experience what is known as the pregnancy mask or melasma, a skin reaction that manifests as pigmented and discolored patches on the face. These patches typically appear on the forehead, nose, lip contour, chin, and cheekbones.

For this obvious reason, facial laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy in order to protect your skin.

If you want to get rid of facial hair, you can rely on classic hair removal methods.

Interested in laser hair removal after childbirth? Book a free consultation at SSSKIN

First of all, congratulations on this precious arrival in your life! We hope your delivery goes smoothly.

After giving birth, the density and rate at which hair grows in some areas of the body may slow down once your hormones stabilize, but it may persist in other areas. If you're ready to regain your well-being and permanently get rid of that excess hair that may have developed during your pregnancy, laser hair removal can help.

SSSKIN will be delighted to meet you for a free consultation at its beauty salons in Lausanne and Geneva to establish a tailor-made treatment program adapted to your needs.

SSSKIN also offers exclusive promotions and offers. Book the current deal now and start your sessions later after your delivery. Stay tuned for all our offers!