The Quick Answer
If you want an immediate answer before getting into details, healthcare experts and dermatologists agree that you should wait. Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy.
There is no solid evidence that the laser itself can harm your unborn baby, but there are not enough long-term studies on this topic.
Many well-known clinics in the UK will not provide treatment until after your baby is born because they cannot guarantee the foetus’s safety.
Also, your body is going through significant hormonal changes, which can make the treatment less effective and increase the risk of skin damage.
My Story: Why I Am Talking About This
As a wellness and health coach based in London, I assist individuals in creating safe and sustainable routines. I think the small and steady actions lead to the best long-term results. This applies to your diet, your exercise, and mainly how you care for your body during pregnancy.
When I started looking into professional health certifications, I was surprised to see how often we try to “fix” or “improve” our bodies, even though they are already doing an incredible job of growing a baby. Recently, many of my clients have asked me the same question: can you get laser hair removal when pregnant?
They often ask this because they notice new, thick hair growing on their abdomen or face, which is a common side effect of pregnancy hormones. This can be frustrating as you deal with many changes in your body.
However, I always recommend a “safety first” approach. Just like we wouldn’t suggest a new supplement or a challenging workout without ensuring it is safe, we should also be careful with cosmetic procedures.
According to the NHS, your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and it doesn’t need the extra stress of laser treatments. To me, well-being means listening to what your body needs right now. Sometimes, the best decision is to wait until the right time to return to your usual beauty or grooming routine.
What is Laser Hair Removal and How It Works?
To understand why we are careful during pregnancy, it’s essential to know how laser hair removal works. This method uses a technique called selective photothermolysis.
A focused light targets the pigment (melanin) in your hair roots. The heat from the laser travels up the hair shaft to damage the follicle, which stops or slows down future hair growth.
During pregnancy, many women experience a condition called hirsutism. This means you might notice more hair growth in unexpected places like your chin, upper lip, or near your navel. Recent studies from the British Association of Dermatologists illustrate that hirsutism increases hair growth frequently due to higher androgen levels and increased oestrogen.
While it might be tempting to seek a permanent solution like laser treatment, your hair growth cycle is currently in an “active” phase unique to your body. This suggests that even with treatment, the results will likely be temporary and unpredictable.
The Potential Risks to Consider
When talking about health with clients, I always stress the balance between risks and benefits. For laser hair removal during pregnancy, the risks usually outweigh the perks for your skin.
The primary concern is the lack of clinical information. Researchers do not conduct trials on pregnant women for ethical reasons, so there is no evidence to confirm treatment safety for the baby.
There are also several physical risks for the mother:
- Hyperpigmentation and Melasma: Pregnancy makes your skin more sensitive to light. Many women develop a “pregnancy mask” or melasma, which causes dark patches on the skin. Using a laser during pregnancy may worsen these spots or cause lasting skin discolouration.
- Reduced Pain Threshold: Pregnancy increases your blood volume, making your skin very sensitive. This can turn a treatment that was once bearable into something painful or distressing.
- Skin Irritation and Scarring: Hormonal changes can also make your skin more sensitive to the heat from the laser. This raises the risk of blisters, burns, or scarring, which is the last thing you want to deal with while preparing for a new baby.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists often highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary procedures that could cause skin infections or physical strain. This is why most practitioners in the UK advise postponing your sessions.
If you are curious about other skin treatments such as microneedling during this time, read my full breakdown on whether you can have microneedling while pregnant.
Safe Alternatives for the In-Between Months
If new hair growth is bothering you, remember that you have options. As a wellness coach, I often encourage my clients to choose the easiest and least stressful solution when their bodies are under strain.
At-a-Glance: Safe Pregnancy Hair Removal Comparison:
| Method | Safety Status | Why It Works For You Now | Professional Tip |
| Shaving | High | 100% non-invasive; no chemicals or light used. | Use a fresh blade and plenty of moisturising shave cream to avoid irritation. |
| Tweezing | High | Perfect for those few stray hormonal hairs on the chin or face. | Sterilise your tweezers with alcohol before and after use. |
| Threading | High | No heat or chemicals; great for facial hair. | Your skin may stay red a little longer than usual due to increased blood flow. |
| Waxing | Medium | Safe, but hormones make your skin far more sensitive. | Always do a small patch test first to check for an adverse skin reaction. |
| Depilatory Creams | Low | Strong chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. | Avoid. Better to stick to physical removal methods during pregnancy. |
| Laser Hair Removal | Not Recommended | Lack of safety data and high risk of skin discolouration. | Wait. Resume 3-6 months postpartum for the safest, most effective results. |
When Can You Return to Your Laser Sessions?
The “waiting game” does not last forever. Most respected clinics in the UK recommend waiting for your hormones to return to their natural balance before starting treatment again. This usually means waiting 3 to 6 months after giving birth.
If you are breastfeeding, many experts suggest waiting until you finish before you start treatment again. The hormones that help with milk production may still affect your hair growth and skin sensitivity. Waiting ensures that, when you return for laser hair removal, the treatment will work best and deliver the long-lasting results you want.
You can find more information about changes in your body after having a baby through resources like Tommy’s, which provides great support for new parents in the UK.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, let’s revisit the central question: can you actually get laser hair removal when pregnant? The best advice is to wait.
There isn’t enough safety information available, and there is a real risk of skin problems. The risks outweigh the benefits.
During pregnancy, it’s essential to take care of your body and prioritise safety over appearance. You can always get laser hair removal after your baby is born and your body has had time to heal.
For now, focus on the incredible work your body is doing and be kind to yourself.
