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.
That’s some really good info, you just made me look at my photos, lol I’m pretty sure I’ve been wearing mine pulled down to far, I think I will probably dress up tonight and Check it out, maybe make some new photos;-) thank you Lucille;-) have fun girls..
Some really good advice as always
Love the the advice and so glad I signed up for your newsletters.
Hello all,
I shop for synthetic wigs because they keep their shape and are much less maintenance and, much less expensive. I also pay attention to whatever honest feedback I receive on my hair from acquaintances.
Jamie
Hi Gurls, I was also terrified to step out as Christina and finally decided to travel to purchase new wigs and breast forms. Traveling en fem I still felt I was under a microscope. When I walked into Janet’s Closet I was greeted as Christina, the gurl I wanted to be that day. The experience was just amazing. To go shopping and feel completely safe and excepted filled me with joy. The girls assisted me and answered all my questions. Here are a couple shots of the new hair style. Looking forward to find more places and venues to visit. Chrissy you look great.
Christina III
I apologize for the three in a row. I have tried to post other pictures a few times now and have yet to see them posted, Nothing rude or naked.
Oh well
Christina III
Work .
This will
Maybe?
I tried to post different photos, lets see if the photos go thru this time? Sorry for the duplicates.
Christina III
Hi Lucille and
great blog and very informative ,I am already 26 months in hrt and I am in finasteride for my hair loss and it has been a great improvement with my hair, in these two pictures I wear my own hair with the flower blouse and jeans and a wig with a dress.
Thank you for everything you do for the transgender community xoxo.
Much love joanna♡♡
I spare no expense in getting top quality wigs. So important. And like you said Lucille, I try to stay close to my natural hair color. What do you think for a 72 year old. This is me yesterday out shopping.
Love your look honey, great for 72. I’m 71.
WoW excellant ….. very striking
If you can stay with your own hair let it grow as I did and find a hairstylist who will let you come dress if not still go tell her you want a feminine cut on your hair I found one who cuts it like I want it in layers it long and it nice to see me when dressed with out the wigs but if you must wear a wig don’t go cheap like from second hand store go to a wig shop or look on line some hair stylist will help you and one last if it dong look good or you feel if not you keep looking till you find the wig that is you