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.
hi
i have been shaving for about 6 years now three days a week an only now can i see slower hair growth an ligher two. but it takes ages to do .
Rach
As far as I am concerned electrology is the only way to go for facial hair, brows, neck, and upper chest. Shaving was a pain in the a–. No matter how close I shaved I still had a sign of beard shadow and several hours later it was even worse. Laser was expensive and did not work on light hairs and ever the dark hairs came back. I have tried it all. I am so so happy I spent the time, money, and endured the pain to do electrology. It is just so wonderful to never shave again or worry about beard shadow. I have stated before when commenting on other subjects how great it is to just dab on a little blush, add lipstick, and run a brush thru my hair and go to the grocery store and even when I really dress to go out it is not necessary to cake on foundation. Trust me girls, beard shadow is a quicker givaway than opening your mouth. Even the slightest beard shadow is seen without speaking.
Susan Heiss
Hi friends,
Like Staci I was also cursed with excessive body hair since a young age.
I have been getting my back, ass, and crack waxed monthly by a profesional since I simply cant reach these areas. The pain is tolerable and so worth the sexy smooth results. I have been self waxing the rest of my unwanted body hair with great results. Finally I closly shaving my face which I need to do twice a day when I want to feel extra femme.
Cheers
Monica
I have been epilating for years, but my epilator just broke down, so i’l let it grow since its winter and let you know in a few weeks if the reduction is permanent 😉 i also use an electrolysis pen on the little areas like eyebrows & ‘trail’ which is slow going but cheap and works just fine.
I have tried waxing but it made me break out something awful so I don’t do it any more. I shave my body about every other day but have stubble in as little as 8 hours. Have done laser on my pubes and my face but I waited too late for the face. Too many gray/white hairs and the laser is not getting them. My overall bread is lighter but not gone. The face cost me $3800 and it will not turn out as I had hoped because I waited too late.
rhonda
Thanks
As far as Nono goes ther are 2 diferent ones for sale. One is $189 and the other is $279. Maybe thats why some have success and others don’t
hi. lucille l pluk my fasial hair .i use a revlon tweeser it works very well.another thing that also works for me,i use warm towls.
I have plucked for 3 years my neck and facial hairs. As a result my beard is extremely light. But it is very time consuming- 2 hours minimum a day to get all visible hair. I am tired of this and considering laser hair removal. I understand that you have to let your beard grow out for electrolysis and I would prefer not to do that.