When it comes to pregnancy and self-care, many people are familiar with common restrictions: topical retinoids, injections (like Botox and fillers), and hydroquinone are just some items on the forbidden list. But what about laser hair removal? The answer is not straightforward.

According to experts, there is currently insufficient research to confidently say whether laser hair removal is safe during pregnancy. Therefore, specialists recommend scheduling any laser hair removal procedures for the period after childbirth.

It’s important to understand all the details in order to properly assess potential risks for both the expectant mother and the baby. In our article, you will learn what to consider before undergoing laser hair removal and which precautions should be taken.

Laser hair removal is a procedure in which a concentrated beam of light (laser) is used to remove unwanted hair. The light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, converting into heat that damages the hair follicles. As a result, hair growth slows down or temporarily stops.

Although laser hair removal is often referred to as a “permanent” hair removal method, this is not entirely accurate. Achieving lasting results requires multiple sessions, and maintenance treatments may be needed to sustain the effect. Additionally, laser hair removal is not suitable for everyone: it is most effective for people with light skin and dark hair.

It is impossible to say with certainty whether laser procedures are safe during pregnancy. Due to the lack of unified guidelines and sufficient research, it is not recommended to undergo elective laser treatments, including laser hair removal, during pregnancy, in order to avoid unnecessary and potentially unknown risks.

Lasers

Using lasers during pregnancy is associated with a number of potential risks. First and foremost, it is important to consider the effect of laser radiation on the developing fetus. Lasers emit different types of radiation — visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared — each with its own characteristics of impact.

Lasers are classified according to their hazard level: the higher the device’s power, the higher the risk class. High-powered lasers can be dangerous if used improperly. In theory, radiation could pose a threat to the fetus, especially during the first trimester, when organ formation occurs. High doses of radiation could potentially lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or congenital defects.

However, laser hair removal is unlikely to pose a serious threat to pregnant women. There is no evidence to suggest that the energy from the laser can cause significant harm to the fetus. While elective laser procedures are generally not recommended during pregnancy, there is no conclusive proof of their danger. The thickness of the skin, along with the protective layers of the uterus and amniotic fluid, makes it extremely unlikely that a significant amount of laser energy could reach the fetus during skin treatments.

For example, a 2019 review including 22 studies with 380 pregnant women undergoing procedures with lasers of various wavelengths recorded only one clinically significant case — premature rupture of membranes, which was not accompanied by complications. The cause of this event remains unknown, and it cannot be definitively linked to the laser procedure.

However, there are other, more obvious potential risks associated with laser procedures. Among the most common side effects are skin burns and hyperpigmentation, which may occur more frequently in pregnant women. During pregnancy, hormonal changes increase the skin’s tendency to darken and develop melasma, raising the likelihood of such reactions. Since the laser cannot distinguish between pigmented hair and skin, this becomes a primary reason for possible complications.

Additionally, during pregnancy, the immune system is weakened, so even minor burns may take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection and scarring. It is also important to consider that not all local anesthetics used in laser hair removal are safe for expectant mothers. For example, lidocaine and prilocaine are classified as category B and are considered relatively safe during pregnancy, whereas tetracaine is not recommended for use during this period.

Good news: during pregnancy, there are many safe alternatives to laser hair removal. You can remove unwanted hair using wax, threading, tweezers, or simply by shaving.

We recommend Global Fashion wax for hair removal — the perfect choice for professional, gentle, and effective hair removal, even on the most sensitive skin. Its innovative formula ensures excellent grip on the hairs, removing them completely from the root without causing irritation. After the procedure, your skin remains smooth, well-groomed, and soft.

 

 
Sugar waxing is also acceptable; however, depilatory creams should be avoided. There is currently insufficient scientific data on their safety during pregnancy. These creams contain active ingredients—barium sulfide powder and calcium thioglycolate—that dissolve hair, turning it into a gel-like substance that can be easily removed from the skin. Although there is no evidence of harm to the fetus, it is better to exercise caution. Additionally, the strong odor of these creams may worsen nausea in expectant mothers. 

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There is currently very limited data on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy, so it is wiser to temporarily opt for alternative hair removal methods. However, if you still decide to undergo the procedure during this period, be sure to discuss the potential risks with your doctor in advance.

Read also: How to Properly Care for Your Skin After a Bikini Wax: 13 Expert Tips