There’s nothing like silky smooth skin to make a girl feel extra feminine!
For crossdressers and transgender women, hair removal plays a big role in creating a feminine appearance. But when you’re dealing with lots of face or body hair, things can easily go wrong.
The secret to a smooth, hair-free chest, soft feminine face, and silky smooth legs lies in avoiding some common mistakes.
Here are 5 MTF hair removal mistakes to avoid – and what to do instead!
Mistake #1: Not Exfoliating
All methods of hair removal can cause ingrown hairs, particularly in the beard, chest, and bikini area. You can reduce ingrown hairs by exfoliating your skin 2-3 times per week. This helps get rid of dead skin cells that can trap the hair.
To exfoliate, gently massage your skin with a washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating scrub. My favorite tool is The Body Shop’s exfoliating Body Polisher washcloth. You can find similar exfoliating clothes on Amazon.
It’s important to note that exfoliating immediately after hair removal can irritate the skin. Instead, it’s best to exfoliate either right before or a few days after the hair removal process.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Moisturize
Dry skin is another cause of ingrown hairs, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. (Besides, you want the added benefit of soft, smooth skin, right?)
Pure aloe vera gel is a great moisturizer to use immediately after hair removal. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer and skin soother.
Another option is to use an unscented lotion or body oil. Perfumed lotions can irritate freshly shaved, waxed, or lasered skin, so avoid them for the first 24 hours after hair removal.
Mistake #3: Not Treating Ingrown Hairs
Exfoliating and moisturizing your skin can help prevent future ingrown hairs. But what should you do about existing ingrown hair bumps?
First, let’s talk about what NOT to do. Resist the temptation of shaving over the ingrown hairs or attempting to extract them with a needle. These actions can lead to infections and scarring.
Instead, try using a specialized ingrown hair treatment like Tend Skin or PFB Vanish. These products are designed reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Mistake #4: DIY Hair Removal Gone Wrong
Professional waxing, electrolysis, and laser hair removal treatments are expensive, so it can be tempting to try to do them on your own.
However, be careful as some DIY hair removal techniques can lead to painful side effects if your technique isn’t perfect. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Waxing – Mistakes to avoid
Newbie waxing mistakes – like waxing over the same area twice, pulling the hairs in different directions, or pulling too hard – can lead to rashes, bruises, and torn skin. Ouch!
If you still want to do it yourself, I recommend investing in a professional waxing treatment first, so you can observe and learn the proper techniques.
Laser hair removal – Mistakes to avoid
Home laser hair removal systems can save you a lot of money compared to professional treatments. However, it’s important to understand the risks (including burns, scars, and hyperpigmentation) if the devices are not used correctly.
Proceed with caution, take your time, and carefully follow the provided instructions.
Electrolysis – Mistakes to avoid
While there are some home electrolysis machines available, I do not recommend venturing down this path.
Performing electrolysis hair removal is a complex process, which is why professional electrologists are required to obtain licenses.
Not only are most home electrolysis machines unreliable, but there’s also a considerable risk of burning or scarring yourself. It’s best to consult a professional electrologist for this particular procedure.
Mistake #5: Going for the Biggest Bargain
I’m all for beauty bargains, but don’t let price be your sole criteria when choosing a provider for hair removal treatments.
Opting for an ultra-cheap price tag may result in a waxing service that leaves behind stray hairs or a laser treatment that yields patchy results. In the worst-case scenario, you could even end up with burns or scars.
Check the qualifications of the person treating you and read the reviews on any place you are considering. Yelp is your friend!
Also, keep in mind that upscale places tend to put more emphasis on comfortable treatments. If you’re a waxing or laser wimp like me, it’s worth spending a bit more for a less painful experience.
In conclusion
To achieve silky, soft, feminine skin, it’s crucial to avoid these common MTF hair removal mistakes. This is a major DO for any crossdresser or transgender woman.
Now that you’re aware of the don’ts to steer clear of, here are some articles that delve deeper into the topic of hair removal:
- Transgender Body Hair Removal – Which Method is Best for You?
- MTF Facial Hair Removal: Top 8 Ways To Remove Or Reduce Beard Hair
- Permanent Hair Removal: What Really Works? (Male to Female Transformation Tips)
- Bikini Hair Removal Tips for Your Male to Female Transformation
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your preferred hair removal methods, and do you have any additional tips to share?
Take my hair removal poll below and share your comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
MJ, please, take a few deep breaths, and learn to use periods “.”
Hi Michelle! Congrats and best wishes with your transition!. I just wanted to put my two cents in, as to help you with your hair-removal decision. I have been a laser technician for 16 years, and have helped many clients through their transition by removing their facial and body hair. Electrolysis is the older form of permanent hair removal, so I suggest laser. There are no needles, its much faster, more effective, cleaner and less painful. Also, with laser hair removal, you do not have to first let the hair grow in before the treatment, as you do with electrolysis. You can treat your entire face in less than 30 minutes, and walk out with baby-smooth skin. 4-6 sessions are necessary before you can ditch the razor for good:)
Please see my website for a more detailed explanation of the procedure.
Good luck to you Michelle!! smoothendings.com
– Donna
I paid for laser. It was really expensive in the $5000 range. And VERY PAINFUL. I went for a year and they treated my face, back, and chest. After a year, there was no difference in my facial hair and only minimal difference in my chest and back hair. I was very disappointed. I had hoped to have a solution to my nasty, manly hair.
For the record, I’m fair skinned and have dark brown hair. They told me the only way I could be a more ideal candidate for laser was if I had black hair. So, I figured I should’ve seen much better results.
I generally use Nair for my legs and upper body. As I’m getting ready to start my transition, which is more effective, laser or electrolysis? Any advice would be gratefully accepted ladies.
Hi Lucille
Ok I havent personally tried this yet, but I plan to soon. Its all over Pinterest that a good DIY hair removal way is to make a paste in a bowl with Turmeric. Some say add a little castor oil some don’t.
Another one is coffee grounds and lemon juice( Yuck) but it supposedly loosens all hair, even beard hair over 30 days and it falls out. The turmeric paste is said to be permanent. You apply the paste to your face leave it on overnight (8 hours) wash it off in the morning. It will leave a yellow tint to skin which comes right off with coconut oil. Like I said these recipes can be found on Pinterest. I suggest trying on a place thats inconspicuous first.
Hope it helps
Peace
Summer
Hey everyone; I hope all is well.
I have been using the Silk-n-FlashnGo and it has worked fantastically. It is a bit pricey but in the long run it pays for itself every time you use it. You can’t go quite by the instructions, but then again remember they were written for a presumptively cis-female user base.
All of my upper lip hair is gone and although the chin hair has put up quite the fight, it is giving way to the intended results. The product as a whole gets a big thumbs up from me.
My pleasure, hun. Its best to order it direct from Silk-n-FlashnGo’s website
https://www.silkn.com/flash-and-go/
Keep me posted on how its going.
Marlo 🙂
Marlo, your comment and product recommendation for hair removal is appreciated.
For obtaining the product, any suggestion on the retail outlet type, or via order online source, would be helpful. Facial hair is my nemesis.
Thank you for your attention, and possibly advice. 🙂
my boob is small
Hi Lucille,
Very useful tips thank you so much. I anticipate great results from your suggestions can hardly wait for my next opportunity to dress so that I may see and feel the improvement as I have been making many off the mistakes for years.
Gorgeous Cynthia
I tried shaving for years, with mixed results. I usually did a pretty good job of hitting all the trouble spots (behind the knees, backs of the thighs, etc.) but often had nicks and razor burn, and always got ingrown hairs. Several months ago I had my first waxing at a salon, and I will never go back. I’m not overly hairy to begin with (Thank Goddess!) and I still get occasional ingrown hairs on my back, but I found a great salon and a skilled aesthetician. She recommends a sugar scrub or salt scrub to exfoliate afterward, and I haven’t had a single ingrown hair since. I still shave some areas, but a razor will never hit my legs or bikini area again! 😉