If you’re currently pregnant and considering laser hair removal, you should know: experts recommend avoiding laser treatments during pregnancy.
That being said, if you’re interested in safe, efficient hair removal during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Pregnancy is a time when a surprising number of people get all up in your business. Whether you want to get your pubic hair under control for frequent doctor appointments, labor, and delivery, or you just miss the feeling of having smooth legs before your bump made it so shaving in the shower felt impossible, there are still ways to continue your hair removal routine without compromising your health or your baby’s health.
Learn why doctors don’t recommend doing laser hair removal while pregnant and about pregnancy-safe hair removal alternatives.
Can You Do Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
Many healthcare providers recommend avoiding laser hair removal during pregnancy – not necessarily because it’s dangerous, but because there’s a lack of information about whether it’s dangerous. To date, there haven’t been any reputable, comprehensive clinical studies that evaluate whether it’s safe to get laser hair removal during pregnancy. Since we have limited information about the effect laser treatment has on the fetus, medical professionals recommend waiting until after delivery to do laser hair removal.
If you aren’t pregnant yet and are a good candidate for laser hair removal, you could consider completing laser hair removal treatment before conceiving to get rid of unwanted body hair for good in advance!
How soon after having a baby can you start having laser hair removal treatments?
Pregnancy can disrupt normal hair growth patterns and hormones. For best results, you may want to wait until hair growth patterns return to normal pre-pregnancy levels. This typically occurs six months after giving birth. If you’re thinking of doing laser hair removal shortly after giving birth, consult your doctor and follow their recommendations.
Can you do laser hair removal while breastfeeding? Opinions are a little more mixed. Research is lacking here as well – there’s no link to negative effects on lactating women, but also no evidence of total safety either. To be on the safer side, some medical professionals advise avoiding laser treatment while breastfeeding as well. Ask your doctor if you’re thinking of having laser hair removal treatments while breastfeeding.
Third Trimester Hair-Down-There Solutions
When it comes to getting rid of unwanted pubic hair during pregnancy, there are safety concerns… and then there are flexibility concerns. Late in pregnancy, you might find it difficult to move or contort your body in a way that’s conducive to your usual bikini hair removal routine. And at the same time, pregnancy hormones might be causing your body hair to grow faster and longer than ever!
Here are a few pubic hair removal methods that are safe during pregnancy (+ tips for making them happen during your third trimester!
- Waxing – If you can’t even see your pubic area anymore, leave the bikini waxing to a professional. Be aware that waxing may be even more painful during pregnancy, especially around the pubic area – check with your doctor before booking your appointment, and let your esthetician know that you’re pregnant so they can be extra gentle.
- Sugaring – Sugaring is a safe, effective hair removal method that should get rid of unwanted pubic hair for a few weeks. You can DIY sugaring, whether with a homemade mixture or a kit, or visit a salon for professional sugaring.
- Shaving – Yes, it IS possible to shave your vulva even when you can barely even see it. Be sure to use a new razor and thick shaving cream. Rather than standing in the shower, try sitting on a chair or the toilet instead for the best angle and less chance of falling. And if you really can’t see what’s going on down there, use a handheld mirror. (It’s a lil risky, but you could always ask your partner to help you out, too!)
You should also know that it’s ALWAYS acceptable to let your pubic hair grow free, while you’re pregnant and at any other time. Back in the day, nurses used to shave pubic hair before delivery upon admission to the hospital, but that practice has generally been abandoned.
If you’re feeling embarrassed about having long pubic hair during delivery or checkups, rest assured that most doctors won’t even notice or care. They’ll be too busy making sure you and your baby are healthy!
Alternative Hair Removal Methods Safe for Pregnancy
No matter what stage of pregnancy you’re at, the following hair removal methods are generally safe for pregnancy:
- Tweezing – Tweezing is plenty safe during pregnancy and works great for small clean-up areas.
- Threading – Threading is a safe hair removal method that’s most popular for small areas on the face but can be performed on other parts of the body. Threading isn’t a DIY method, but many salons are rather affordable and results can last a few weeks.
- Shaving – Shaving is more convenient for removing hair on larger areas of the body and is also safe during pregnancy.
- Waxing – Waxing is generally safe during pregnancy, though pregnancy can make it more painful. Check with your doctor before DIY waxing or getting a professional wax.
- Sugaring – Sugaring is generally safe during pregnancy as well, but pregnancy may make your skin more sensitive. Check with your doctor before sugaring.
Hair removal creams may also be safe for pregnancy depending on which active ingredients are used. Scour the label, do some research, and when in doubt, ask your doctor.
Meet The Pre- or Post-Pregnancy, At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Busy Moms
IPL devices also is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you’re not currently pregnant, or once you’re not pregnant anymore, Lumi is a pain-free, time-saving, permanent hair removal solution that will change your self-care routine for the better.
Lumi is an at-home IPL hair removal device that uses light pulses to target unwanted body hairs and get rid of them for good. Use Lumi for 8-12 weeks and by the time you’re pregnant again, body hair will be something you won’t even have to worry about!
