Pregnancy can make you think twice about things you wouldn’t normally question. From your morning coffee to your skincare routine, it’s completely normal to double check anything that might affect you or your baby. If you’re already using IPL hair removal (or thinking about starting), you might be wondering if it’s safe to carry on.
The short answer is that IPL manufacturers (like Philips) suggest avoiding it entirely. This isn’t because there’s evidence that IPL causes harm. Instead, it’s because there isn’t enough research to confirm that it’s 100% safe. As a precaution, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidance and speak to your doctor or midwife if you’ve got any concerns.
What is IPL and how does it work?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It’s a popular hair reduction treatment that uses flashes of broad-spectrum light to target hair follicles beneath the skin.
The light is attracted to melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair its colour. When the light reaches the hair follicles, it generates heat to disrupt the growth of the hair. Over time – and with regular use – this can reduce the amount of hair that grows back.
Unlike laser hair removal, IPL devices are designed to be used at home. This makes them a lot more accessible and convenient.
IPL works on your...
Legs.
Underarms.
Bikini line.
Arms.
Upper lip.
Chin.
Tech tip: Check if IPL is going to be suitable for your hair colour and skin tone. According to Braun, “IPL hair removal achieves the best results on people with light-coloured skin and darker hair.”
Can you use IPL during pregnancy?
The safe answer is that no, IPL isn’t recommended while you’re pregnant.
Because pregnant people are rarely included in studies involving cosmetic treatments, there isn’t enough research to confirm its safety one way or the other.
If you’re already using IPL and find out that you’re pregnant, check the guidance provided by the manufacturer of your device. It’s sensible to chat things through with a healthcare professional too.
Why pregnancy can affect hair growth
Pregnancy hormones have a pretty surprising effect on your hair. A lot of women notice that their head hair feels much thicker and fuller while they’re pregnant. And the same hormonal changes also impact hair growth on other parts of the body.
Some women experience:
Faster hair growth.
Thicker body hair.
More noticeable facial hair.
Hair appearing in new areas.
This happens because pregnancy can influence the normal hair growth cycle. Hormones might cause hairs to stay in the growth phase for longer, which can make them more visible than they’d usually be.
These changes sometimes make removing hair feel like a never-ending task. Even if you’ve had good results from hair reduction treatments before, pregnancy-related hormones may completely change the way your hair grows.
The good news is that these changes are often temporary. For lots of women, their hair growth gradually returns to normal in the months after giving birth.
What are the alternatives to IPL during pregnancy?
If you’re putting IPL on hold, there are still plenty of ways to manage unwanted hair while you’re pregnant.
Shaving is a common one. It’s quick and affordable. Plus, it’s easy to fit into your daily routine. A good quality ladies’ shaver will make hair removal so much faster and far more comfortable.
Trimming is another practical choice. Ladies’ trimmers are especially good at maintaining those areas that become harder to reach as your pregnancy goes on.
Tech tip: Everyone’s skin reacts differently during and after pregnancy. Some notice their skin is far more sensitive, so be really gentle with any beauty treatments that you use.
When can you restart IPL after pregnancy?
There isn’t one universal answer because everyone’s situation is different.
Once you’ve given birth, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturers guidance that comes with your IPL device. If you’re not sure whether it’s right to restart your treatment, get some advice from a healthcare professional first.
Most women prefer to wait until their bodies have had time to recover and their hormone levels have started to settle down. It gives you a better picture of how and where your hair likes to grow.
Before you restart IPL…
Read the device instructions.
Check for manufacturer warnings.
Perform a patch test (if recommended).
Monitor your skin’s reaction.
Restart gradually. Don’t rush into it.
Choosing an IPL device for future treatments
If you’re thinking about buying an IPL device to use after your pregnancy, there’s a few important features worth looking out for.
A skin tone sensor is one of the most useful. It helps the device to see if the treatment is going to be suitable for your skin tone. It’ll then automatically adjust the light intensity to match it.
Treatment attachments make tackling specific areas easier too. Swap out different heads and you’ll be able to target spots like the face, your bikini line or under your arms.
What about treatment speed? Devices with larger treatment windows cover bigger areas faster. And that makes full-body sessions take up less time. It’s especially useful if you’re in a rush!
Some modern IPL devices also come with their own app. They’ll track treatments for you and send handy reminders when it’s time for another session. And, if you’re not completely sure what you’re doing, they’ll even guide you through a normal treatment schedule.
FAQs
Is it safe to use IPL when pregnant?
Manufacturers like Braun recommend avoiding IPL while you’re pregnant. That’s because there isn’t enough research to back up its safety. This guidance is precautionary and isn’t based on evidence of any proven harm though.
What if I accidentally got laser hair removal while pregnant?
Contact your healthcare professional if you have concerns and let them know about the treatment. They should be able to give you some helpful advice and reassurance.
Do IPL lasers affect fertility?
There is no evidence that IPL hair removal affects fertility.
Why are IPL lasers not allowed in pregnancy?
Because there’s limited research involving people who are pregnant. To be careful, manufacturers generally advise waiting until after your pregnancy before you restart treatment.
Need more advice?
Our ladies’ hair removal tips don’t stop there. For more advice from our experts, check out our in-depth IPL hair removal guide right here. It covers everything from the benefits, how to clean your device and loads more.
