Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?

Curious about getting laser hair removal while you’re breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding provides your baby with essential nutrients and antibodies, and gives you important time to bond. But it also takes up a lot of time and energy.

So we get it — you’re tired, and you probably don’t have time to shave. But it’s best to wait until you’re no longer breastfeeding before you get laser hair removal. In this post, we explore why that is, what you should know about the safety of laser hair removal, and when you can finally seek treatment.

Is It Safe to Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?

There is no consensus on whether it’s safe to get laser hair removal while breastfeeding. Some clinics do treat breastfeeding parents, while others see it as a contraindication.

Laser hair removal doesn’t cause any significant systemic absorption of chemicals or radiation, which is the biggest safety concern for lactating patients. There is no reason to believe it will affect your milk supply. This is why many clinicians believe laser hair removal is probably safe, despite the lack of clinical studies.

Lack of Research 

Treatments like laser hair removal are researched thoroughly for safety and efficacy before they receive FDA approval. But the bar for treating patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding is even higher. Without specific research proving safety for lactating parents, it makes sense to wait.

Unpredictable Outcomes

Post-partum, estrogen and progesterone levels typically drop, and prolactin, the hormone released during breastfeeding, can suppress further estrogen to stave off menstruation and ovulation. This may result in face or body hair growth and an unpredictable hair lifecycle.

Laser hair removal only works on hair in the active growth phase. Hormonal fluctuations can make results unpredictable, so it’s best to wait until your hormones normalize post-breastfeeding.

Skin Sensitivity

Some parents find that their skin is more sensitive while they’re breastfeeding, especially around the chest and areolas. Laser hair removal can cause some discomfort and skin sensitivity, so for the sake of a more enjoyable experience and fewer side effects, it’s best to wait.

Laser Hair Removal Alternatives

There are other ways you can stay hair-free while nursing. Here’s what you should know about the main breastfeeding-safe hair removal alternatives:

• Shaving is the best hair removal method if you’re planning to undergo laser hair removal later on, as it leaves your hair roots intact to ensure they can absorb the laser.
• Waxing and sugaring are an option that pulls the hair from the root, for results that last for a few weeks. Just note you’ll need to wait at least 4 weeks after waxing before you can get lasered.
• Nothing! Hair removal can wait — it’s okay to just enjoy parenthood and nursing without doing anything about your body hair.

When Can You Get Laser Hair Removal After Breastfeeding?

You can get back to laser hair removal right after you stop breastfeeding. There are no specific wait times, technically. That said, you may choose to wait a few weeks to allow your hormones to reach their new normal.

When Can You Get Laser Hair Removal After Childbirth?

Even if you’re not breastfeeding, we recommend waiting until you’re at least a few months post-partum before getting laser hair removal. Technically, you don’t have to wait, but our clinical team finds that results are far more predictable when you give your body and hormones a chance to stabilize.

Questions to Ask Your Provider Before Booking

If you’re currently searching for a laser hair removal provider (ideally, for once you’re no longer breastfeeding), here are the questions to ask:

• Will you treat breastfeeding patients? Why or why not? Your provider should be able to explain their medical rationale, as well as whether there are any areas they do not treat.
• Once I stop breastfeeding, when can I start getting treated? Your provider’s answer should be thoughtful and rooted not only in safety but also in how long to wait to see your best results.
• What type of laser do you use? Is it safe for my skin? Not all lasers work for all skin types, so your provider must use a laser machine that can be adjusted for you.
• What pre and post-care should I follow? Pre and post-care are essential for ensuring your safety, and your provider should be eager to explain it all to you in detail.

Your provider should be able to answer your questions confidently and credibly. And if there are any other things you want to know before getting laser hair removal, there is no such thing as too much research or too many questions.

Bottom Line: Can You Do Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?

No, you shouldn’t do laser hair removal while breastfeeding. At SEV, we err on the side of caution and ask our clients to pause treatment until they’re no longer nursing.

While there is no consensus on whether laser hair removal is safe for breastfeeding parents, we’d rather not take risks. Beyond that, nursing impacts your hormones, so waiting allows for more predictable results.

Once you’re ready to resume laser hair removal, your SEV provider will welcome you with a treatment that is safe, effective, and comfortable.

If you’ve never had laser hair removal at SEV before, you’re invited to book your first treatment for free with code HELLOSMOOTH.