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.
Hi I am Kay I have been a closet crossdresser all my life. That is until the last few years, but I have come to find out that society doesn’t realize that it’s the 21st century. I’ve started going out more in public dressed as a woman but I see the people react strangely to it. I do have a few people that actually accept me for me have stayed my friend and they dont judge me and they understand that I’m going to be me.I had a friend of mine he took me to Walmart he was my driver because I don’t have a license and when he saw four guys trying to give me a hard time he had my back. Most of my friends are female and some of them say they are cool with it but actions speak louder than words and you can tell by their actions that they’re truly not okay with it. The one thing I’ve learned is you have to love yourself and be okay with yourself and I am so I wish you all the best of luck and I hope to hear back from somebody soon bye 🙂
im not that brave. Since i have a g f i cant go crazy but still enjoy femming up so i go to gay clubs where im accepted. wal mart ready im not but that dosent mean i cant have fun
hi kay i know wot u mean it is the 21stcentury people should be more open and accepting it is awfull people react this way if you were coulered or asian ordifferent ethnick and they were being harrased the police would arrest the becouse we are transgered people think it is alright to hurt us we have the same rights as foreign people have but u babe well done you are stronger than u think it is great your freinds have accepted your lifestyle well done my family and freinds have turned their backs on me i am happy abput that i now live my lovely life in peace all my love best whishe tricia
I have to say that the right hair style and color will make the best first impression. I went to a popular wig shop in my city. The owner was so helpful. She spent time pointing out my skin tone, eye color and the shape of my face. She even took into account my height and body shape. My intent was to buy two or three different styles and colors. Instead I purchased one really well made wig that looked perfect for me. In the past, I’ve always gotten compliments on my legs and classy style of dress but now people tell me how great my hair looks. Thanks for the tips, they really help.
hi they are right i have a few brown wigs i have always been brown haired wen u get that certain look you feel a million dollors nothing can put u down i love my wigs i have 3 of which i can style whith my heated rollers and my curling tounges it is great fun styling my wigs you look absalutley beutiful look forward to hearing from u soon tricia
I wish I could have a woman do a roller set and style on me I have a wig I wear sometimes but I could never find the right style for me.
hi have u tried ebay for wigs they have a great selection and the prices are good
Hi – try accessing a few sites selling wigs, some give tips on the most suitable wig style for your shape of face;I’m in U.K. and used discogirl.co.uk
My personal preference are lace front wigs. The synthetic ones are not as expensive as they were when they first came out, many you can add heat to, and a good one will give you a natural hairline. I prefer mine with a part so that it looks realistic. Lace wigs give me the ability to wear my hair down or up, and to the back, in natural looking styles <3
I am quite timid but growing my hair out was my way of taking the first step. I’m a free spirit and people simply take my long, flowing hair as a reflection of who I am. The bonus is getting compliments on my hair from complete strangers–I became friends with a woman who accosted me on the elevator, saying I had pretty hair and to wear it down more. It was one of the first times I felt affirmed, and I wasn’t even dressed up!
This seems to work for me…
I get complements on my hair all the time…
…and other assets 😉
You look so pretty and feminine. I’m sure you have no problem passing as a female. What a lovely feeling it must be. Wish you all the love and happiness possible in this crazy world
What a lovely photograph of a very pretty girl, your hairstyle suits you perfectly.
You look fab!
I look more passable with a medium length, more like a hippie if it’s long. Has to cover my neck and sides of my face.
I’ve been scared to go out in femme until I made the decision on July 19th 2012, to live my life my way. and on that day, I went and got my hair done, Went to Eye Dr. to get my eye’s checked, I got my woman’s eye glasses, from there I’ve gone out many times, including to the movies all on my own, getting called Ma’am everywhere I go, why did I wait so long? I’m loving myself and life. I hope everyone can do what I’ve done. Bravery? I don’t know!
Hi Tammi, when I read this I at first said, ‘easier said than done’, but then realized–hey! she’s in the same position I am in, and just said ‘F-it I’m gonna do this!’ Thank you so much more motivating me. When it comes down to it, who cares what people think!
I wish i am as brave as u. i am a male to female trans just waiting to be put on hormones and i am very shy. i wear female clothing all the time just not go out like it, i am just very shy.