Can you get laser hair removal while pregnant? Just because you’re expecting a child doesn’t mean you don’t want to look your best. It includes hair removal. However, pregnancy raises important safety considerations if you’re contemplating laser hair removal.
As laser hair removal has grown in popularity, many people have been left wondering if it is safe for pregnant women.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this question and provide some valuable information for pregnant women who are considering this procedure.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Can you do laser hair removal while pregnant? Before we answer that question, let us know first how laser removal works. This procedure functions by directing a focused beam of light onto the hair follicle. This beam of light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, causing the follicle to heat up and be damaged.
This gradual process reduces hair growth in the treated area, but it’s essential to consider whether this procedure is safe during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that it works best on individuals with dark hair and lighter skin. It is because the laser is designed to target the pigments in the hair, so it is less effective on individuals with lighter hair.
When considering laser hair removal while pregnant, it’s crucial to understand that this procedure is not a one-time solution. Achieving the desired results usually necessitates multiple treatments spaced over several months.
While it is generally considered safe for most individuals, some risks are involved. These risks can include skin irritation, blistering, and changes in skin pigmentation. As such, working with a qualified and experienced specialist is important to minimize these risks and ensure the best laser hair removal results.
How Pregnancy Affects Hair Growth
To comprehend the safety of laser hair removal when pregnant, it is crucial to grasp how pregnancy influences hair growth. The hormonal shifts during pregnancy exert a notable influence on hair growth, potentially leading to alterations that could be unwanted by some women.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Hair growth occurs in cycles, with the active growth phase (anagen) lasting for 2-6 years, followed by a transitional phase (catagen) that lasts for 2-3 weeks, and a resting phase (telogen) that lasts for 3-4 months.
- During pregnancy, hormonal changes can prolong the anagen (active growth) phase, resulting in less hair shedding and more hair growth overall.
- Pregnancy hormones can increase hair growth in areas like the face, chest, and abdomen, prompting interest in laser hair removal while pregnant.
- It’s worth noting that not all women experience these changes in hair growth during pregnancy, but they are fairly common.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe During Pregnancy?
Given the hormonal changes that can occur during pregnancy and the potential risks associated with it, it is generally not recommended for pregnant women to undergo this procedure.
First and foremost, there is a lack of safety data to support the use of laser hair removal during pregnancy. A 2017 review of the available literature found that there were no studies examining the safety of this procedure during pregnancy and, thus, no evidence to support its use.
Undergoing laser hair removal while 5 weeks pregnant carries a potential risk of hyperpigmentation, characterized by darkening of the treated skin area. This phenomenon arises from the laser’s focus on the pigment in the hair follicle, which in turn affects the surrounding skin cells.
While this is a common side effect of laser hair removal in general, it can be exacerbated during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels. Hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat and may persist long after the baby is born.
Another reason to avoid laser hair removal when pregnant is the potential for discomfort or pain. While some women may not experience any discomfort during the procedure, others may find it painful or uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas, such as after a bikini laser.
Alternative to Laser Hair Removal
If you are pregnant and looking for alternatives, you have a few options. While some women may be tempted to try electrolysis, it’s important to avoid this method during pregnancy as it can cause an increased risk of infection.
Instead of pursuing at-home laser hair removal while pregnant, one should opt for temporary hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, threading, or tweezing. These approaches are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s crucial to exercise caution and gentleness while removing hair.
If you choose to shave, use a gentle shaving cream and avoid pressing too hard with the razor. If you prefer waxing, make sure to use a low-temperature wax and avoid using it on sensitive areas. With threading or tweezing, be careful not to pluck too aggressively to avoid skin irritation.
Depilatory creams are also considered safe during pregnancy, while Brazilian laser hair removal while pregnant is not recommended. These creams contain chemicals such as barium sulfide powder and thioglycolic acid, which effectively break down the protein structure of hair.
However, performing a patch test first is important to ensure you’re not allergic to the ingredients. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure not to leave the cream on for too long to avoid skin irritation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re pregnant and wondering, can you get laser hair removal while pregnant? It’s important to avoid it altogether. While using this method to achieve smooth skin may be tempting, the risks simply outweigh the benefits during pregnancy. Instead, use temporary methods like shaving, waxing, threading, and tweezing, or consider using a depilatory cream.
At Alite Laser, we care about your health and well-being and are here to provide safe and effective laser hair removal services when you’re ready.
In the meantime, you can book an appointment for waxing, a 100% safe procedure that can keep you looking and feeling your best.