There’s nothing like silky smooth skin to make a girl feel extra feminine!
As a transgender woman or crossdresser, hair removal is an essential part of your feminine image. But let’s face it – when you’re dealing with lots of facial or body hair, it’s easy to 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.
It’s easy to forget hair. Hormones have made my body hairs very fine, and they have also thinned out a lot. So I get surprised when I rediscover some, a few even longish. I’m sure they are visible in the right light, so greater diligence is called for. Epilators work best for me there. There’s a nice long comfortable delay before hairs start coming back out.
On the face, I still have some electrolysis to finish. That’s my preferred long-term method. So it’s shaving in the meantime, but not daily. Epilators also are good on the face.
I only had an ingrown facial hair once. There was this red spot that started raising; I thought it was an aggressive zit. What a surprise when one morning this 3/4″ long hair appeared!
i just shave
Love the look of the legs, great job! You have a nice set of breasts too, 😉
I get a full body wax every 5 weeks, I found a wonderful Esthetician who takes care to pull the hairs in the right direction to minimize ingrowns… As far as exfoliation goes I use a Scotch-Brite kitchen sponge daily. It sounds harsh but you get used to it, works wonders.
I use an Epilator and i love it, my first was a body curve model that hurt quite a lot. now i have a multi headed one and it is so nice to use, best in the bath leaves my legs feeling amazing
Call me crazy but I use an epilator… the noise is worse than the name. But in reality is not that bad considering waxing. It is a little painful so I do it after a glass of wine, or two… anyhow the results last more than shaving and the skin glows. Exfoliate and moisturize at least 3 times a week. I used to shave but now I feel a lot better with my epilator. ♡
I had professional laser hair removal on my face and neck and it was fabulous. Unfortunately, I still have some more coarse gray hairs that will need electrolysis. Also, and by the grace of GOD I have fairly light hair so my arms and legs require a shave but I can go a day or 2 in between and no one would notice.
Laser is expensive. I have been using a “ Silk’n Flash n Go” for a few years now. It’s not perfect, but, it does work. Maybe not if you have a very heavy growth, but, even then it will help. My arms, legs, and underarms are pretty much gone with hair. Just a razor touch up on the legs, but s huge difference. My face, is much better than before, but, still need to shave every day. The “shadow” is much reduced in the pm. It’s easy, and you can use it in the comfort of home. Not for all hair types, so read upon it!!!
I had laser hair removal on my face. Now I have practically no shadow. I’ve been shaving my arms, legs, chest and armpits for years. Even when I don’t shave for a while, very little grows back.