Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant: Safety Concerns
Laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicle with heat so the hair stops growing back. Most women need to undergo a series of treatments in order to get lasting results. The hair removal sessions are spaced a few weeks apart and will slow down, then stop hair growth altogether.
The American Pregnancy Association reports, “There are no studies that evaluate the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy. Many health care providers recommend avoiding laser hair removal during pregnancy because of the lack of information about the effect on the fetus.”
It’s important to note that electrolysis is off limits during pregnancy because the galvanic current can harm the baby. The laser used in a laser hair removal treatment is different than electrolysis, but there is still not enough research supporting how safe these lasers are during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor before waxing or using certain types of hair removal creams during pregnancy. Certain chemicals and compounds can harm the baby and even waxing can cause an inflammatory response because the skin is much more sensitive during pregnancy. Consider waiting until after the baby is born to undergo any laser hair removal treatments.