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 Lucille : I have been reading all of your info and it has helped a lot as I am 63. The cross-dressing started when I was in junior high but got lost when I went to Vietnam twice and it just returned three years ago. I have read your info about clothing and shoes and have found that payless shoes has a much better collection then Nordstum as you go there you better take the bank. I have no hair any anywhere on my body which is great. The only problem that I have is when I by clothes or get dressed my wife thinks I am gay and loves to put me down, what a bitch .So thank you for all the great information as it truly has helped. Jane
Dear : Jane
You are right about the take the bank to the payless shoes . There are other alternatives what do I mean ? It’s very simple stop hiding who you are , so girl your wife loves you need stop to see that she feels threatened that she going to losing the man she married you need sit down and talk to her what’s going on with you and if you love her you need to tell her that . I should know I been married for 35 years and still married and have a excellent relationship with my wife and I serve my country too.
THINK ABOUT IT GIRLFRIEND
Thanks
Angel
I started out trying Nair seventeen years ago, but gave up on it, couldn’t abide the chemicals. I used a hair growth retarder on my legs for a while and that thinned out the growth. The last couple years I took to shaving, but that became thirty minutes three times a week during my baths. Bought an epilator and am happy with that for the time being. Takes me about two hours to epilate all over. I have started using an after shaving product called “The Cool Fix” available through Sephora. Originally designed for mens razor burn, it is a cooling balm with exfoliating ingredients that prevent ingrown hairs. Women who have borrowed it from their husbands/spouses rave about it in reviews.
what hair retarder have you been using?
I shave cause it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get rid of hair but it is such a waste of valuable time. I would do laser or electrolysis if I had the funds.
Hey girls. I purchased a NoNo device almost a year ago and before that I had been a plucker with my tweezerman slant edge for at least two years. I swore by the tweezerman as the best way to get a truly smooth face. However very time consuming each tweeezing session. Have not used the NoNo as consistently as I should because of a very busy schedule but the couple dozen or so sessions I have done have yeilded definite results with very small randomly spaced bare skin patches spread throughout the beard and mustache area. Had I used it every week for the past year I believe most of my face would be bare skin by now. Miniscule or No pain at all and the bare patches appear to be permanent. The device ran me almost $300. but was worth every penny. I would not go back to tweezing as that is not permanent. My advice if money is tight: sell your TV or stereo and buy a NoNo. Good Luck.
Hi girls! I would like to share what I have found works wonderfully for me!
I use to shave, and would tell anyone that, shaving is the best way for me to get in tune with my fem side, and have a little fun with yourself at the same time!
After a nice hot soak in the bubble bath with candles and music and a nice bottle of wine, your skin will be so soft, and the razor will work effortlessly at that time! Raise up out of the water and apply aloe vera from your plant at home, and shave. Gently follow the razor with your other hand, the aloe will make things so silky smooth you will be able to feel if you have missed any strays. When you are done, you will feel so sexy you can not imagine. I do not get any bumps that way or razor burns ever!
I always felt so sexy after words girls, that I had to play! Lol! Try it and I promise it will work for you to!
I have moved on to using an epilator at this time, and would never go back!
“Important” Most who have ever tried an epilating device, would tell you that they are barbarik! and extremely painfull, and would never submit to that type of torture!
Make sure you read the available information on how to use the device, and what to expect, as far as how it will feel, techniques to use, and most important, the first time you use the device will be the most uncomfortable. It hurts less and less every time! I guarantee it girls!
Benefit? My results are unbelieveable! I stay so smooth and soft for 6 to 8 weeks before I need a touch up! That’s right honey, SMOOTH AS SILK FOR TWO MONTHS!
You only need to use your epilator 6 times a year! That is pretty Awesome if you ask me! The best way to go by far if you are financially challenged, and are unable to afford several costly electrolysis sessions required for acheiving permanent hair removal!
the best device by far for overall performance, dependability for me has been the, ( Emjoi, Sin Dolar rechargeable epilator. It comes with the depilitating head, as well as a very goor shaving head that has two different trimmers on each side of the shaver. Good size and very comfortable to use! Light weight and portable, so you can take it and use it anywhere! Cost? 39.00! Nothing else comes close! Mine is over two years old and is just like new!
I sure hope this testimonial helps some of you girls out there! I wanted you to hear my incredible results!
Just remember the first time use, is by far the most painful! I promise it gets easier honey!
I love you all, and thanks for the oportunity to share with you! All my love! XO! XO! Dee!
I am lucky that the HRT has decreased my body hair so much that I am waxing every 6 months now. My hair growth pattern has changed as well. No more male crucifix of hair across my chest and down my belly! No more belly button lint! Butt is much less hairy with no more hygiene problems down there!
Thanks, Lucille for caring for us!
Joelene
I agree exfoliation is important. I use a home made sugar scrub before I bathe, a cup of sugar and a combination of lotion and oil, about a 50/50 mix. I use Dove cream oil lotion and Hawaiin Tropics dark tanning oil then slip into a very warm bath for a few minutes. I then use a almond shower oil from L’Occitaine for cleansing and as a shave lubricant. Believe me you will not find a more exquisite experience! Your body and face will be softer and smoother than you could ever imagine with very little razor burn. I have been shaving my bod for near on 20 years so listen to me. After bath, still wet, I follow with another coat of tanning oil and then a coat of body butter by Keyano Aromatics. I am nearly 50 and my skin looks like a teen’s. BTW avoid mineral oil and parabens, they are petroleum pruducts, stick to natural stuff from the fruit and veggie world when choosing oils and lotion.
My face gets shaved, until electrolysis is finally done. I’m still perfecting waxing in other places. Plucking is good but requires a lot of diligence. For convenience, other places get shaved too. A funny story: I had a red bump on my face that kept getting bigger. I was getting alarmed and was on the verge of getting help when one morning the bump was gone and a dark hair about 3/4″ long was sticking out of my otherwise smooth face. It was a stealth ingrown hair! Also, it’s amazing how often one’s hand can get kissed. So ya gotta keep it smooth, girls!