5 Passing Tips for Trans Women: Avoiding Common Mistakes
For transgender women, passing as cisgender is about much more than vanity. It's about being able to live authentically, be treated with basic dignity, and avoid discrimination or even violence. Passing allows you to blend in seamlessly with other women as you go about your daily life.
Unfortunately, passing can be very difficult, especially early in transition. Without the right information, it's easy to make mistakes that out you as trans. However, with some simple tips and tricks, you can begin passing consistently.
Here are some of the most common mistakes trans women make, and 5 passing tips for trans women on how to avoid them on your journey to womanhood.
1. Hygiene is Essential
One of the easiest ways to get clocked as trans is poor hygiene. Shower every day, shave your legs and underarms, apply lotion, and wear deodorant and a subtle, feminine fragrance.
These little self-care rituals are associated with womanhood. When you look and smell clean, you are inherently more likely to be perceived as female.
Make sure you moisturize your face daily as well. Dry, flaky skin will emphasize any shadow from facial hair. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells that can cling to hairs beneath the surface.
2. Apply Makeup Strategically
You do not need to wear a full face of makeup to pass. In fact, caking on too much foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick can work against you. However, a few key products can enhance your feminine features.
Focus on mascara and eyeliner to play up your eyes. Curl your lashes and apply two coats of volumizing mascara. Use brown or black eyeliner on the top lid only to define your eyes - skip the raccoon eyes!
A sheer layer of foundation evens out skin tone without looking cakey or too made-up. Add a rosy blush to the apples of your cheeks. Finish with a moisturizing lip balm or stain in a natural rose shade.
Read: Makeup Must-Haves for Every Stage of MTF Transition
3. Get a Feminine Hairstyle
Long hair does not automatically make you pass as a female. The right cut and style are crucial for framing your face in a delicate, feminine way.
Do your research and find an experienced stylist who specializes in women's cuts. Bring photos of looks you like for inspiration.
Some ideal cuts for trans women include long layers, soft bob, pixie with side-swept bangs, shag, and curly shag. Avoid overly layered chops and textures that are too piece-y. The right products are key too - embrace leave-in conditioners, oils, serums, and creams. Learn to style your hair in loose waves or smooth blowouts.
4. Dress to Blend In
Early in transition, avoid flashy prints, edgy looks, and bright colors that draw the eye. You want to blend in seamlessly, not stand out. Build a wardrobe of basic pieces in soft, muted, traditionally feminine colors and silhouettes.
Great options include flowy blouses, skinny jeans, sundresses, skater skirts, cardigans, ballet flats, kitten heels, and dainty jewelry.
Look for details like ruffles, bows, and lace. Target brands popular with cis women like Old Navy, Forever 21, and H&M. Shop online thrift stores for bargains.
5. Remove Excess Body Hair
Body hair can be a stubborn source of dysphoria. Commit to regular removal through shaving, waxing, sugaring, epilating, or hair removal creams. Laser treatments and at-home IPL devices from KetchBeauty can provide longer-lasting reduction over time.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) handset offers a cutting-edge method for hair removal that is longer-lasting than traditional methods.
Facial hair should be a top priority. Eliminating beard shadow is critical for passing. Use color-correcting makeup on problem areas after shaving very closely. Seek professional laser hair removal on your face for the best results.
Making these small but meaningful changes to your daily habits and rituals will help you present yourself as female to the world. Be patient and compassionate with yourself through the ups and downs. With time, care, and practice, your feminine essence will shine through. Sisterhood and womanhood await you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, passing as cisgender is an important aspect of being a transgender woman, as it allows for a more authentic and respectful experience in daily life. However, passing can be challenging, especially early in transition.
To increase the chances of passing consistently, it is important to prioritize hygiene, apply makeup strategically, get a feminine hairstyle, dress to blend in, and remove excess body hair.
By making these small changes to daily habits and rituals, transgender women can present themselves as female to the world and embrace their feminine essence. It is important to be patient and compassionate with oneself throughout the journey to womanhood.