Can you get laser hair removal while pregnant? Safety, risks, and alternatives
- Updated Feb 27, 2025
- Published
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Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical associate professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Texas A&M University, College of Medicine in Bryan-College Station, USA
- There is no definitive research confirming whether laser hair removal during pregnancy is safe or harmful.
- Most medical professionals advise against laser hair removal while pregnant due to unknown effects on fetal development.
- Safer alternatives, such as shaving and waxing, are recommended until after delivery.
Pregnancy can cause unexpected bodily changes, including increased hair growth due to hormonal fluctuations. This often leads expectant mothers to seek out laser hair removal during pregnancy as a long-term solution. However, safety concerns arise due to the lack of research on how laser hair removal and pregnancy interact. Before proceeding with any treatment, it’s essential to understand the risks, expert advice, and alternative hair removal options.
Is laser hair removal safe during pregnancy?
The safety of laser hair removal while pregnant is still unconfirmed because there are no extensive studies evaluating its effects on fetal development. The procedure uses concentrated light energy to target and destroy hair follicles, but its impact on a developing baby remains unknown.
Most dermatologists and obstetricians recommend postponing laser hair removal during pregnancy until after childbirth. While laser treatments are generally safe for non-pregnant individuals, the hormonal changes and increased skin sensitivity during pregnancy can make the procedure more uncomfortable and less effective.
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Potential risks of laser hair removal while pregnant
Although there is no evidence that laser hair removal while pregnant directly harms a baby, several concerns make doctors cautious about its use:
- Increased skin sensitivity: Pregnancy hormones make the skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of burns, irritation, or hyperpigmentation.
- Ineffectiveness: Due to hormonal fluctuations, new hair may continue to grow despite treatment, reducing the effectiveness of laser hair removal during pregnancy.
- Lack of research: The absence of studies means there is no clear understanding of how laser treatments might affect fetal development.
- Pain and discomfort: Pregnant women may experience heightened sensitivity to pain, making the procedure more uncomfortable than usual.
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I had laser hair removal before I knew I was pregnant—should I be worried?
If you had laser hair removal pregnant before realizing you were expecting, there is likely no need for concern. The laser only penetrates a few millimeters into the skin and does not reach internal organs or the uterus. However, if you experience any unusual skin reactions or discomfort, consult your doctor for reassurance. Here are the symptoms to watch for:
- skin irritation
- changes to your skin’s color
- blistering
- scarring
- excessive hair regrowth
Safe alternatives to laser hair removal during pregnancy
While laser hair removal while pregnant is not recommended, there are several safe and effective ways to manage unwanted hair during pregnancy:
1. Shaving
- The safest and most convenient hair removal method during pregnancy.
- Use a moisturizing shaving gel and a sharp razor to prevent irritation.
2. Waxing and sugaring
- Effective for longer-lasting results, but can be painful due to increased skin sensitivity.
- Ensure the wax is not too hot to avoid burns.
3. Tweezing and threading
- Best for facial and smaller areas with unwanted hair.
- Completely natural with no exposure to chemicals or heat.
4. Depilatory creams (with caution)
- Some hair removal creams contain chemicals that may irritate sensitive pregnancy skin.
- Always perform a patch test and consult a doctor before use.
Questions from the Femia community
Can laser hair removal cause miscarriage?
There is no scientific evidence linking laser hair removal and pregnancy to miscarriage. The laser only affects the uppermost layers of skin and does not reach the uterus or affect fetal development. However, because pregnancy increases skin sensitivity and the effects of the laser on a developing baby are not well-studied, most medical professionals recommend avoiding the procedure as a precaution.
When can I resume laser hair removal after pregnancy?
Experts recommend waiting until postpartum recovery is complete before resuming laser hair removal. If you are breastfeeding, some providers suggest waiting until hormone levels stabilize, as fluctuating hormones can affect hair growth cycles. It’s also important to ensure that your skin has returned to its normal sensitivity levels before undergoing treatment.
Can I get laser hair removal while breastfeeding?
Although there is no clear evidence that laser hair removal while breastfeeding is harmful, experts suggest waiting until you have stopped breastfeeding to resume treatments. This is because hormonal fluctuations can affect hair growth patterns, making the treatment less effective. Additionally, some women may experience increased skin sensitivity postpartum, which can lead to irritation or discomfort.
Is electrolysis a safer alternative to laser hair removal during pregnancy?
Electrolysis, like laser hair removal, lacks sufficient research on its safety during pregnancy. Some electrolysis methods use electrical currents, which may raise concerns about potential risks. While thermolysis (heat-based electrolysis) may be considered safer, most medical professionals advise postponing any form of permanent hair removal until after pregnancy.
Why do I have more hair growth during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can extend the hair growth phase, leading to increased hair thickness and density. Additionally, hormonal changes may cause hair to grow in new areas, such as the stomach, face, or back. This increased hair growth typically resolves on its own within a few months after childbirth as hormone levels return to normal.
The bottom line
While laser hair removal while pregnant has no proven risks, the absence of definitive research means that most medical professionals advise against it. Increased skin sensitivity, possible discomfort, and the unpredictability of hair regrowth make laser hair removal during pregnancy less effective. Safer hair removal alternatives, such as shaving, waxing, or threading, are recommended until after childbirth. If you’ve already had laser hair removal pregnant, there is no immediate cause for concern, but discussing any worries with your doctor can provide peace of mind.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Laser Hair Removal. Cleveland Clinic, 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21757-laser-hair-removal.
- Mayo Clinic. Laser Hair Removal. Mayo Clinic, 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555.
- Shenenberger, D. Removal of Unwanted Hair. UpToDate, 2021, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/removal-of-unwanted-hair.
- Trivedi, M., et al. “A Review of the Safety of Cosmetic Procedures During Pregnancy and Lactation.” International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 1, 2017, pp. 6-10. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418954/. Accessed Nov. 2021.
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