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
Loading ...
P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
One think I didn’t see covered was bleaching?I know it’s only good for arm hair, but It works and reduces the shaving of the hands and forearms.Sally Hanson products are very good.its rather messy so you might want to put everything on hold after you apply the bleach.
So at 48yo, I’ve tried them all, more times than i care to remember. And yes the old adage “you get what you pay for” is 100% true here… Laser is indeed expensive and it does hurt a bit, but it’s permanent! And worth every penny in my humble opinion. I stated laser 8 months ago. Not only am I now hair free, all the follicles have closed up and disappeared, leaving my skin as smooth as a babies butt. Knowing what I know now, I so wish I’d bitten the bullet many years ago. All the money I spent on razors, shaving cream, waxing, depilatories, shaving bump/ ingrown hair treatments, occasional trips to the doctors office for large infected ingrowns, electrolysis, and even a home laser unit (which does work BTW, just not effective for large areas, great for strays though) would have gone a long way toward paying for the eventual laser treatments. And I haven’t even mentioned all the wasted time, energy, and frustration over the decades… Seriously though, I know the cost can be a challenge, but if you can find a way to do it, you will love the results… (keep in mind, us light skinned girls with dark hair are the ideal candidates).
XXX
KristyK
I’ve used Nair and had wax treatments, but after many chemical burns and $$$ down the drain for waxing, I’ve reverted to shaving. I use Aveeno Body Wash for the first passes, then moisturize with Aveeno Lotion and continue getting all the remaining hair. The only place I don’t shave (without help) is my mid-back area. It’s a daily struggle though and if I let it go, there are the itchies and nubs, which drive me crazy, so at this point, I rarely miss a day anymore. Nicks, cuts and ingrowns are a fact of life, but I’ll skip the waxing and chemicals until I can afford laser or electrolysis. Anyone care to discuss the pros and cons of each as well as cost? Anyone getting insurance coverage due to dysphoria?
I have a friend that is looking at fully transitioning from male to female. One of their concerns relates to the hair removal process. There are so many different methods that can help with hair removal, but, as you said, you definitely get what you pay for. We will be sure to find a qualified beautician or company! Thanks for sharing! http://permanence.com.au/about-electrolysis-2/hair-removal-methods-compared/
Ok so I have my method that I’ve been doing for a while, of course I exfoliate my skin first that’s the most important thing to do I use Olay age defying body wash it’s a great body wash after I exfoliate my skin I use conditioner to shave my legs instead of shaving cream I recommend garnier whole blends honey conditioner it has a nice smell plus it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth after I shave. I use bitc soleil shine it has five blades on it removes more hair I think with less irritation but you got to be careful because you can cut yourself easy with it, then I use Olay age defying body lotion I swear by this stuff I use it everyday one because it’s great and two I shave just about everyday, and if you really want to amp it up for smooth soft healthy sexy glowing skin I use a vitamin with biotin in it like natures bounty hair skin and nails vitamins. I have to say my shave routine works for me I have very soft feminine skin that looks healthy and has a glow to it and I noticed if I skip a day to shave my skin still feels quite soft and smooth.
I am a 73 yr old male who loves the smooth body and wishes He had breasts. I keep my body hair free from my armpits to my knees. I use a pair of tweezers and do a 1 ft square section at a time. It takes about two hours. The area remains hair free for about two-three weeks. It is very effective and surprisingly pain free. The first time I tweezed, it did sting. But the second and subsequent times, the hair withdrawal is pain-free. I would gladly answer anyone’s questions.
Shaving worked pretty well until recently. Now she has almost given up keeping me girly smooth. I do miss being bathed and shaved all over but my hair is just too rambunctious at this age.
I’m been trying to keep smooth legs and gentails but with great frustration using nair
Shower max but have to wait. Three days or more to reaply by then I’ve got ingrown hairs and have to wait longer lm Caucasian have curly hair on my legs and it just turns and goes back in I’m going to revitol is it any good. Is there anybody who can help me thanks