Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding? [+ FAQs]

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding? Key Takeaways

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• Yes, you can get laser hair removal while breastfeeding
• The laser only works on hair follicles at the surface, so it never reaches deep tissue, enters your bloodstream, or affects your milk supply
• Most women see their hair return to normal thickness within six to 12 months as hormones settle

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Becoming a new mom brings a lot of changes, and shifts in estrogen levels and hair loss are some of the most common.

If you’re breastfeeding and considering laser hair removal, it’s completely normal to wonder if it’s safe for you and your baby.

Here’s what you can expect to find in our guide:

• Postpartum hair changes and why they happen

• The risks of laser hair removal while breastfeeding and how to minimize them

• The most popular treatment areas for new moms who want lasting smoothness

• How Laser by Aleya can help you feel more like yourself again with expert laser hair removal services

Understanding Postpartum Hair Changes

After you give birth, your hormone levels take a sharp turn, especially estrogen. That’s why a lot of new moms notice more hair falling out than usual.

In fact, 90% of new moms experience hair shedding.

Also known as postpartum hair loss, this common scenario usually peaks around three to four months after birth and tends to get better before your child turns one year old.

Just know that these changes are usually temporary.

For most new moms, these changes calm down on their own as hormones settle, usually at around six to 12 months postpartum.

Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding: 9 Things Every Mom Should Know

Once your hormones settle and your hair growth evens out, you might think about laser hair removal to feel a bit more like yourself again.

Most experts agree that laser hair removal is safe during this time, as long as you keep a few simple precautions in mind:

1. Skip the Breast Area

Even though the laser won’t impact your milk supply, it’s still a good idea to skip the areola or breast area. 

That skin is usually extra sensitive while you’re nursing, so it can get irritated more easily. 

2. Go to a Licensed Laser Specialist

Always choose a certified laser technician, ideally someone who has experience working with postpartum clients. 

Let them know you’re breastfeeding so they can adjust the treatment if needed. 

3. Pay Attention to Skin Changes

Postpartum skin can be a little unpredictable with all those shifting hormones. 

If you’re noticing extra sensitivity, dark spots, or breakouts, just give your laser specialist a heads-up. 

They can lower the intensity or use a different laser setting to reduce the risk of irritation or hyperpigmentation. 

4. Nurse or Pump Before Your Appointment

Getting laser on your underarms or chest? Try nursing or pumping right before your appointment. 

It can ease any fullness or tenderness and help you feel way more comfortable during your session. 

5. Use Gentle Aftercare Products

After your session, opt for gentle, baby-safe options like aloe vera or plain witch hazel. 

Skip anything with strong ingredients or heavy fragrances unless your laser specialist gives you the green light. 

6. Start With a Patch Test

Postpartum hormone shifts can make your skin more sensitive, dry, or prone to irritation, even if you’ve had laser hair removal before. 

Testing a small area first (like a patch on your forearm or jawline) can help you see if there’s any unexpected redness, swelling, or discomfort before committing to a full session. 

7. Watch for Pigmentation Changes

If you’re seeing dark patches or melasma pop up after pregnancy, it’s a good idea to mention it to your provider before starting treatment. 

They might suggest waiting a little while or tweaking the settings to keep your skin safe and your skin tone even. 

8. Wait for Hair Growth To Settle

Hair can do weird things after having a baby. Think shedding, patchy growth, or even changes in texture. 

Giving it a little time to stabilize can make your laser treatments more effective and help you get better results in the long run. 

9. Stay Hydrated and Rested (as Much as You Can!)

A little extra sleep and hydration can do wonders for your skin.

And yes, we totally get that it’s easier said than done with a newborn, but even small efforts go a long way!

Risks of Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding

Laser hair removal is generally safe while nursing, especially if you’re treating areas like your legs, arms, or face.

But your postpartum body is still adjusting, and that means there are a few things to keep in mind before you book your laser hair removal session.

1. Increased Skin Sensitivity

Hormones after pregnancy can make your skin more reactive.

Even if laser never bothered you before, you might find it feels more intense now, with extra:

• Redness

• Stinging

• Sensitivity, especially on delicate spots like your underarms or face

On top of that, areas like the breasts and nipples are often more tender and prone to irritation from nursing itself, so treating skin near those zones may feel more uncomfortable than usual.

2. Pigmentation Changes

Laser treatments can worsen melasma or dark patches from pregnancy if your provider doesn’t take the right precautions, especially for darker skin tones.

Talk to your laser specialist if you’ve noticed any new discoloration.

3. Discomfort When Treating Near the Breasts

If you’re still nursing and treating areas like your chest or underarms, you might notice a bit more tenderness than usual.

Engorgement, letdown, or even the pressure from a nursing bra can make those spots extra sensitive during treatment.

4. Higher Risk of Infection if You Skip Aftercare

When you’re breastfeeding, your baby is likely always snuggled up against you.

While it’s the sweetest thing as a first-time mom, it also means you’ll need to be extra careful about keeping any treated areas clean after your session.

Dirty hands, burp cloths, or even cuddles can introduce bacteria to freshly treated skin if you’re not cautious.

5. Some Skincare Products Might Be Off-Limits

Many post-laser creams or serums include ingredients like retinoids, hydroquinone, or strong acids, which aren’t always breastfeeding-safe.

Always run new products by your specialist first, even if they’re just over the counter. It’s the easiest way to keep your skin (and your baby) safe.

Most Popular Areas for Laser Hair Removal Postpartum

After having a baby, most moms want to feel a little more like themselves again. But let’s be honest, there’s not much extra time for daily shaving or painful waxing.

Popular treatment zones for postpartum laser hair removal include:

• Underarms: Quick, easy, and no more dealing with irritation from shaving every day 

• Legs (full or lower): Laser saves tons of time when you’re too busy to keep up with constant shaving

• Face (upper lip, chin, and jawline): Hormones can make facial hair more noticeable, and laser helps keep skin smooth and fresh. 

• Bikini or Brazilian: It’s a great choice for comfort and hygiene, giving you smooth skin without the razor burn or painful waxing. 

Feel Confident With Professional Laser Hair Removal You Can Trust

At Laser by Aleya, we know new moms don’t always feel like themselves, and we’re here to help change that.

Aleya, our certified laser hair removal specialist and electrologist, has worked with plenty of new moms (along with clients of all genders and most skin tones).

She knows postpartum skin can feel a little different, and she’ll tailor your treatments to fit exactly what your skin needs.

When you stop by our clinic, you can sit back and relax knowing your treatment is guided by someone who understands the unique needs of postpartum skin.

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding? FAQs

Will laser hair removal affect my breast milk or my baby?

No. Laser hair removal only targets the surface of your skin; it doesn’t go deep enough to enter your bloodstream or affect your milk. 

The laser works by focusing on hair follicles, so it won’t impact your baby or your milk supply in any way. 

Does hair grow thicker while breastfeeding?

No, breastfeeding doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker.

What many moms experience is postpartum hair loss, which happens when estrogen levels drop after pregnancy. 

Shedding usually starts around the three-month mark, and while it can feel alarming, it’s temporary.

For most women, hair growth balances out and returns to its normal thickness within six to 12 months as hormones settle. 

Are there any risks while breastfeeding?

There are a few, but they’re mostly related to skin sensitivity.

After having a baby, your skin can be more reactive, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

Areas near the breasts, like the chest or underarms, might feel extra tender.

Can I get laser hair removal while I’m pregnant?

No, according to experts, you can’t get laser hair removal while you’re pregnant. It’s best to wait until you’ve given birth before starting laser hair removal.