If you’re considering laser hair removal, you may be wondering if it’s right for you. Most people are candidates for treatment, but situations like pregnancy, breastfeeding, or certain medications can affect safety or results.
Keep reading to learn whether now is the right time for you to pursue laser hair removal.
What Affects Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Laser hair removal directs a beam of focused light at the follicle. The energy in the light heats the pigments in the hair, destroying the follicle so it can’t grow new hairs.
Laser hair removal is effective and safe for most people. Some situations can affect results, including:
- Not enough contrast between skin tone and hair color
- Recent sun exposure or tanning that darkens skin pigment
- Hormonal fluctuations from pregnancy, breastfeeding, PCOS, or your menstrual cycle
- Medications such as Accutane, certain antibiotics, or retinoids
- Skin conditions like sunburn, eczema flares, or broken skin
- Tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area
- Highly sensitive skin
Can I Get Laser Hair Removal If…
We’ve got the answers to the most common “can I still get it” questions we hear to help you decide whether you’re ready to start laser hair removal treatments.
| Question: | Answer: |
| Can I get laser hair removal during my period? | Yes, though some people find their skin more sensitive and experience more discomfort during their period. You may prefer to schedule bikini area sessions for another point in your cycle. |
| Can I get laser hair removal while pregnant? | Not recommended. There isn’t reliable research on the safety of laser hair removal while pregnant, so most experts suggest waiting. Pregnancy also changes hair growth patterns, which may affect your treatment results. |
| Can I get laser hair removal while breastfeeding? | It’s generally considered safe, though many people choose to wait.
Hormonal changes from breastfeeding may make your skin more sensitive, and postpartum hair shedding can reduce treatment effectiveness. Learn more about laser hair removal treatments while breastfeeding. |
| Can I get laser hair removal if I have a tan? | Wait for the tan to fade. Laser hair removal targets pigments in your hair. If your skin color is similar to your hair color, the laser could heat pigments in skin cells, leading to burns. We recommend staying out of the sun and away from tanning beds for two weeks before treatment. |
| Can I get laser hair removal if I have a sunburn? | No. You have to wait for your sunburn to fade and your skin to fully heal. Using lasers on sunburned skin can make it worse and increase your risk of infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. |
| Can I get laser hair removal while using prescription skin products? | Pause the product. Prescription medication or topical creams like retinol or Accutane can increase photosensitivity and make skin more prone to irritation. Stop retinol products two weeks before treatment. Ask your prescriber how long to wait to schedule treatment after stopping Accutane. |
| Can I get laser hair removal if I have tattoos or scars? | Your technician will check scars before treatment and decide whether to avoid that area. They will avoid all tattoos because the laser can heat the tattoo pigments and cause burns. |
| Can I get laser hair removal if I have varicose veins? | Usually yes. Laser hair removal shouldn’t affect varicose veins, but your technician will examine them before treatment and avoid them if needed. |
| Can I get laser hair removal if I have sensitive skin? | Yes. Schedule a consultation that includes a patch test, so your technician can see how your skin reacts and make a plan before doing a full treatment. |
| Can I get laser hair removal on my face or scalp? | Yes, except around the eyes and eyebrows. Laser hair removal is great for removing unwanted facial hair on the neck, chin, and upper lip. It can also shape the hairline or neckline for people who want to make a permanent change. |
| Can I get laser hair removal in the summer? | Yes, with sun discipline. Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen or cover up with protective clothing. Avoid sun or tanning beds for at least two weeks before each treatment and for several days after. |
Schedule a Consultation
If you still have questions, schedule a consultation to discuss any concerns. Laser by Monica can treat all skin tones and skin types using our advanced dual-wavelength laser technology. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Laser by Monica in Murray Hill, NYC.