Did you realize that your hair is one of the first things people notice about you?
This means that your hairstyle can literally make or break your feminine image!
You deserve to look and feel your best as a trans woman or crossdresser – and it all starts with your hair.
Here are 5 male to female hairstyle mistakes to avoid – and what to do instead!
Mistake #1: Choosing The Wrong Hair Color
If you wear a wig or dye your hair, choosing the right hair color is key.
The wrong shade can wash you out and add years to your face, while the right shade will have an instant flattering, feminizing effect.
Here are my top two hair color tips to keep in mind:
Tip: Stay within 2 shades of your natural hair color
Unless your hair is naturally very light or dark, you should avoid extreme shades like platinum blonde or jet black.
Platinum blonde is not flattering to most skin tones.
Jet black is too harsh for many people’s skin tones.
Flattering hair color as seen on Janet Mock, transgender author.
Tip: Choose a hair color that complements your skin tone
Before you can choose a good hair color, you need to know if your skin has cool or warm undertones.
An easy way to determine your skin tone is to look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear more blue, you have a cool skin tone. If they look more green, you have a warm skin tone.
Then, choose a hair shade that coordinates with your coloring:
- If you have a cool skin tone, choose hair colors with a cool tone – like coffee brown, burgundy, or ash blonde.
- If you have a warm skin tone, opt for golden shades such as chestnut, auburn, or honey blonde.
For more on this topic, be sure to check out my blog post on Male to Female Hairstyles: What Does Your MTF Hair Color Say About You?
COOL hair colors complement cool skin tones – as seen on transgender vlogger, Gigi Gorgeous
WARM hair colors complement warm skin tones – as seen on transgender actress, Candis Cayne
Mistake #2: Opting For The Wrong Cut Or Style
The cut and style of your hair have a dramatic impact on your appearance. Hairstyles that are too short, too long, or too angular can have a masculinizing effect on your face.
Instead, flatter your face with soft waves and layers. Bangs are also a great choice if you have a high forehead.
I go into more detail on the most flattering hairstyles in this blog post: MTF Transgender Hairstyles: 6 Best Transfem Haircuts & Styles.
Long, straight, center-parted hair looks too severe.
Angular bobs emphasize the angles of your face.
Soft waves (as seen on trans actress Laverne Cox) are feminine and flattering.
Mistake #3: Revealing Thinning Or Receding Hair
If you prefer to style your own natural hair (vs. wearing a wig), be sure to pay special attention to its thickness. Slight hair loss might not be noticeable in male mode, but it can detract from a feminine appearance when presenting as a woman.
Hair loss treatments and hormones can help with hair regrowth, but in the meantime, wear a wig or hair piece. You could also try sporting a cute hat!
Mistake #4: Wearing A Cheap Or Worn Out Wig
If you’re going to wear a wig, pay close attention to quality. High quality human hair wigs can cost hundreds (or even thousands) or dollars, but you can find synthetic wigs for much less.
No matter how much you spend, you want to look for shine and softness. Wigs with dull, rough hair fibers scream “fake” from a mile away.
Also keep in mind that wigs have a limited life span. As soon as your wig starts to look dull or frizzy, it’s time to shop for a new one.
Mistake #5: Wearing A Wig Too High Or Too Low On Your Forehead
If you’re new to wigs, it’s normal to be scared that your wig is going to fall off. Your instinct might be to push the wig down, but this is not a flattering or feminine look.
On the other hand, if the wig isn’t properly secured, it can creep up your forehead. This doesn’t look good, either.
To keep your wig securely in place, use wig clips, a wig cap, or a wig grip.
For more information on wigs, be sure to check out my blog post on The Ultimate Guide to Transgender / Crossdressing Wigs and Hair Extensions.
Wig clips
Wig cap
Wig grip
Make everyday a good hair day!
Beautiful hair can transform your female appearance – and it all starts avoiding these 5 simple mistakes.
Now I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Share your best hairstyle tips and tricks and upload a photo of your femme hairstyle in the comments section below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Makeup Mini Course.
Really good advice. I buy great hair pieces. They cost over $600.00 each. I buy two a year. One thing to watch is as you wash you hair it will lighten up. All my hair pieces are of the same style. The cap is custom made to fit properly. The hair is custom colored also. Color is always the same. I am just now, after five years, I’m changing my style, just got my new one.
I’ve had I few fails but I know my style and length and it works. Short hair is NOT it. But even if it’s not styled and it’s a straight looking wig or even braided, it looks real. The real cheap wigs are like cheap pantyhose, one wear maybe two. The minute you sweat in them, they’re done. Not having any natural hair makes my sweating issue a hassle but with more expensive hair and styling for the occasion makes me keeping my pretty look a lot easier.
Rhonda,
If you have a Clairs place in a mall near you you might find them there.
They have alot of good stuff there. Or Zully has accessories too I as well as Torrid. Hope that helps.
Hugs
Stacey
I’ve always felt the right hairstylist is like finding the Prince Charming- there’s a lot of stylists out there & you’ll have to really, really search around before you find the right one for YOU!
When you do, AWESOME!!! Why? A good stylist knows you and your hair. You can bounce ideas off each other, and take your personal style to the next level.
BTW: when you DO find the perfect stylist for YOU, don’t be stingy with the tip. A good tip SHOULD make that person want to be an asset to you. On a $25;dollar wash/cut/style, I’ll give a $5 tip, but that’s me. But tip something!
After all, the hair is a woman’s crown.
A stylist can make it a beautiful crown or a mop head, so take your time and find the right one.
Remember, the princess had to kiss a lot of frogs before she kissed her prince.
Be patient in finding your right stylist.
You’ll be glad you did.
Ms. Melody
Ive
Where can I purchase wig clips? I prefer to buy them on-line. Great article and I learned a lot !! I’ll be 70 October 21st. What do you think of my appearance?
Kisses, Rhonda Renee Sheer
Rhonda,
Your looking great ! I have worn many types of wigs and now I am letting my Hair Grow. An I have natural curly hair so its getting very curly . I have to get it cut soon though.
Good Luck and Hugs,
Stacey Swit
Thanks, Stacy but you didn’t answer my question as to where I can get those clips. I can’t wear my hair au natural because I am balding to the point that I consider my self bald. So, I need to wear wigs.
Kisses, Rhonda
I tape up my Eyebrow using white paper fiber Medical Tape, to secure the taped Eyebrow I put a strip of tape across my Forehead.
That becomes the Wig’s Hairline
So the tape doesn’t show through the Wigs Part or if the Wig slides back alittle I use Foundation and some or my Contouring MakeUp on the tape.
I put some Contouring MakeUp where the Wig parts to blend in with the Scape.
I also never do Center Parts, it can bring attention the length of your male nose.
Thank You Gia.
You look marvelous, love the color of your lips, white eyes and a great application of your make up. Thank you again for the taping tips.
Christina III
I stopped using wigs a year ago and started let my hair grow. After a year I’m so happy with my own hair. This picture is with no makeup totally natural.