When carrying a child, pregnant women’s bodies go through a lot of changes. And one of those hormonal changes is unwanted hair growth. Whether you’re seeing hairs sprout in new places, or your belly is so big you can’t shave your legs, you might consider laser hair removal.
But is laser hair removal safe while pregnant? What effects can laser treatment have on the body and, more importantly, the baby?
Keep reading to learn if it’s safe to undergo laser hair removal while you’re pregnant.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Hair Growth?
When you’re pregnant, it’s easy to feel like you are not yourself. Some women glow with excitement and glee for nine months, while others aren’t so happy with the changes their body is going through.
During pregnancy, your hormones are pumping at an all-time high, which affects your normal hair growth cycle. During those nine months, many women start to see hair growth in unwanted places like the face, neck, belly, and breasts.
Learn more about facial hair removal methods.
To understand how pregnancy affects hair growth, it’s essential to know how the hair growth cycle works.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hairthree stages
- In the growth stage, the hair follicle begins the process and creates the hair.
- In the intermediate phase, the hair continues to grow.
- And in the final phase, which is sometimes called the resting phase, the hair sheds or falls out.
Pregnancy hormones delay the final phase, meaning that hair doesn’t fall out as quickly. So many women notice thicker, fuller growth or new hairs appearing in places where they didn’t appear before.
It’s easy to see why many pregnant women may be attracted to laser hair removal. After all, when you’re not feeling great for nine months, a little grooming or pampering can go a long way to making you feel better.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Pregnant Women?
Many healthcare providerslaser hair removal
Laser hair removal is safe, but are currently no long-term studies that analyze the effects of laser hair treatment on unborn children. For this reason, it is best to play it safe.
Wait until after you’ve given birth to begin laser hair removal treatments.
Related: Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
So what are you supposed to do with all that hair? When you’re pregnant, it’s best to err on the side of caution and stick to shaving. Waxing, depilatory creams, and other unconventional hair removal methods are also not recommended for pregnant women. If you’re concerned about hair growth, consult with your doctor before using any method other than shaving.
We’re not saying that laser procedures are unsafe for pregnant women. There simply isn’t enough research to make a determination.
If you’re seeing thicker hair growth or have hair growing in new places, don’t worry. Once the pregnancy hormones subside, your hair should return to your normal growth cycle about six months after giving birth.
Is It Safe To Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?
Medical professionalslaser hair removal
Before you undergo laser hair removal while breastfeeding, consult with your physician.
Except for Pregnant Women, Laser Hair Removal Is Safe
Pregnant women aside, laser hair removal is safe. Most people do not experience any long-term side effects. Temporary side effects are common and can include redness, swelling, and irritation of the treated area. Any skin irritation is minor and short-lived.
But not all laser hair removal procedures are the same. Different technicians use different lasers and various methods of cooling and soothing the skin. If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, make sure to have a licensed and certified laser technician perform the procedure.
It’s also important to find a technician that uses a state-of-the-art laser, as well as an effective cooling system. These two elements combined make the treatments more comfortable and the process more effective. At LaserAll, we trust the Astanza ReSmooth laser and the Zimmer Cryo cooling device.
To find a certified laser technician near you, check online ratings, and read the reviews of what other customers have to say. If you know people who have had hair removal treatment in the past, ask them for references to help you find a laser clinic that you can trust. Don’t assume that just because a spa or clinic advertises hair removal services that they have the proper credentials.
The bottom line? Laser hair removal IS safe when performed by experienced, licensed, and certified technicians. Just don’t do it while you’re pregnant.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, hormone levels change and excess hair growth is typical, but that doesn’t mean you should run to get laser hair removal treatment.
Laser hair removal is safe, but there isn’t enough research to know if it’s safe for the unborn baby. Pregnant women should avoid laser treatment until after they’ve given birth. If you’re dealing with unwanted facial hair, stick with traditional hair removal methods like shaving. Avoid hair removal creams and laser skin treatments to eliminate the risk of negative effects.
When you’re pregnant, your primary focus should be on the health of yourself and your baby.
Give birth to that happy, healthy baby first. Focus on getting through those first few months of sleepless nights and constant feeding sessions. When all of that is behind you, you’ll be ready to schedule your laser hair removal treatment as a well-deserved reward!
Looking for laser hair removal services in Colorado? We have locations in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Westminster, and Colorado Springs!
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