Hair Removal During MTF Transition

Note: This article shares general information about hair removal only and is not medical advice. For laser, electrolysis, or skin concerns, talk to a qualified clinician.

During transitioning, there are a host of aspects that a trans woman must take into account. One of those is body hair.

If you transition before puberty, you may not have developed body hair, facial hair, and so on (although that largely depends on your genes).

If you did develop some hair before transitioning, it may be a trigger for your dysphoria.

Shaving is obviously not a permanent solution and it is undoubtedly painstaking.  So, let us look at some other alternatives in this article. 

 

Before that, it is important to understand that there are three main phases of hair growth.

In each of these phases, there is growth across various parts of your body.  The first phase is the anagen phase, which is also known as the growth phase, and the hair follicle is nourished by a blood flow facilitating hair growth.

It is highly recommended to undergo treatment in this phase, since the hair is in a growing stage while it is supplied with blood.

In the next phase- the Catagen phase- the hair begins to get shut out of the follicle. In other words,  the growth phase has concluded.

After this phase, treatment with laser and electrolysis is not as effective.

Finally, there is the telogen phase or the resting phase. Treatment is generally less effective in this phase, since the hair is resting in the follicle while new hair grows underneath. It is worth noting that different hairs may be a part of different cycles at the same time.

This is the reason why, following laser or electrolysis, some patches of skin may show hair regrowth while others may not.

In that case, you would require more sessions.  

 

This article discusses two primary types of permanent hair removal - laser and electrolysis. 

 

Laser is ideal for those with dark hair and fair skin. The reason is that the laser tends to detect the melanin or pigment in the hair shaft and a beam of light is projected, which converts into heat and damages the follicle to stop hair growth altogether. 

Thus, if you already have light hair, it may not be very effective. 

It is also important to note that there are several types of laser machines. 

Alexandrite laser is one type commonly used in laser clinics.

When you are undergoing laser treatment on your face, you are provided with a pair of goggles to protect your cornea.

It is not very painful either. However, that will depend on the area where you are getting it done as well as your pain tolerance. 

 

Today, many trans women have turned to IPL laser or an intense pulsed light laser, which can be used on many areas of the body when following the device instructions.

Moreover, some devices are marketed for a range of skin tones, though results and suitability vary by skin tone and hair color, so check the device guidance for your skin tone. Although it may not be as effective as professional laser systems, it is very inexpensive in comparison.

Moreover, you can do it at the convenience of your own home. You can change the settings depending on your pain tolerance; if it is high, you can turn it up to Max.

Professional laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions, and costs vary by clinic, area treated, and location.

Trans women typically have hair growing practically everywhere, making it an extremely expensive procedure. Thus, for many, IPL is the best bet.    

 

Electrolysis is the second method of permanent hair removal. While it can be painful for many people, it is often effective.

Electrolysis treats each strand of hair individually and thus, there is a need for your hair to grow out a bit.

Moreover, it can be effective for many hair and skin types, though results vary and multiple sessions are usually needed.

Electrolysis can help in many cases. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the hair follicle and treated with either shortwave radio or direct electrical current.

This damages the hair follicle to prevent hair growth. Electrolysis is painful in general, while being particularly painful in specific areas, such as the upper lip.

Again, since hair grows in different cycles, you would be required to undergo multiple sessions.

Eventually, session length may shorten as less hair remains, although the procedure can still be uncomfortable for many people.   

 

In conclusion, permanent hair removal takes a lot of time and effort. However, if you are a trans woman dealing with gender dysphoria, hair removal can be one option to consider.

We hope we’ve helped. Good luck!!  

 

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