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
P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
I found Nair for men on Amazon it’s totally painless and does a fantastic job at removing hair on the entire body except the face. And its really affordable.
you look very nice
I nair my entire body except for a “double” ball area, that and my face are shaved, as well I do touch-up and maintenance with a razor.
I definitely want to get rid of my facial and neck hair – which is light haired – permanentl. And therefore I’m currently undergoing a long (and expensive) electrolysis treatment process – now about 1 year in and expected to take at last 2 years in total to clear these areas.
As for my body, I prefer having my hairs removed with sugaring, because it does’nt irritate my skin as much as traditional waxing and last somewhat longer to than waxing.
Good razors help a lot
Hair removal/mngmt along with makeup are my two hot topics for improvement.. my waxing product is no longer offered and finding my way back to success and comfort has been challenging.. my west coast home offered more open gender boutique waxing services than my now small town midwestern home.. so finding services i feel comfortable going to has been challenging.. oh ya and now we are covid/quar post-quar challenges as well… i appreciate your article and along with my OL community i look fwd to more advice and more info.. thankyou bewell
I use an epilator On my chest, breast area but only about once a fortnight or occasionally once a week. But I am fortunate in that I do not have any hair growth under my arms at all and although very grateful for that I have no idea why, but for the last umpteen years my underarms have been hairless and smooth, just love it! I agree with earlier comments that a smooth hairless skin is very desirable and what we all want and need.
I also use a hair growth inhibitor which I think helps.
I’ve been very lucky. I have very little facial hair. I did some laser treatments years and that pretty got rid of my tiny stubble. Also, my entire body is pretty much hair free. I only shave my legs maybe every couple of weeks and even they don’t really need it. In the summer like now I hardly ever wear panty hose and just shorts or sundresses. Here I am the other day out shopping! I think too as I get older, body hair becomes a non issue. I’m 74! Hugs, Suzy
You look good for 74. Are you on hormones ?
Thanks Angel! Not on hormones. I just exercise and try to eat right. I also have been blessed with sort of a feminine body build. I’m 5’6” and around 150 lbs. Hugs, Suzy
Looking good Suzy, enjoy your youthful look.
I use nair hair products took off most of the hair. be careful don’t leave in long and stay away from private areas big no no.Thin i shave private areas and touch up where nair missed. Don’t forget to lotion on nothing like that smooth feeling. I use jergens