Nothing will make you feel more feminine than smooth, hair-free skin!
The good news is that there are lots of hair removal options for crossdressers and transgender women, including shaving, waxing, depilatories, etc.
However, the holy grail is permanent hair removal. This is especially true for those planning a full MTF transition.
So, which method is the best option? Should you consider electrolysis, laser hair removal, professional treatments, or DIY devices?
In this blog post, I’ll share what actually works for permanent hair removal – and the pros and cons of each approach.
Electrolysis
First and foremost, electrolysis is considered the only TRULY permanent method of hair removal.
It involves inserting a tiny probe into each hair follicle and using electricity to damage the follicle, preventing hair regrowth.
Because each hair must be treated individually, electrolysis is very time consuming.
It also requires more than one treatment per follicle, so you could be looking at years of weekly or bi-weekly appointments.
PROS:
- It’s the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal.
- It’s effective for all skin and hair colors.
CONS:
- It takes many sessions. For example, transgender facial electrolysis averages 70-90 hours all the way up to 300 hours.
- It can be quite painful, especially in areas like the upper lip.
- There’s a risk of skin discoloration or scarring if not performed properly.
COST:
Licensed electrologists charge from $75-$100+ per hour, so the full treatment can add up to thousands of dollars. However, once the hair is gone, it’s gone forever.
Laser Hair Removal – Professional
Laser hair removal is the most popular “permanent” hair removal method, but it’s important to know that it’s only FDA approved for hair REDUCTION.
Laser hair removal uses lasers to damage hair follicles, reducing growth. It can thin the beard by 70%-85%.
Laser hair removal can inhibit hair growth for several years, but some or all of the hair can grow back – especially in people with fair hair.
This means that you may need to have repeat maintenance sessions every 6-12 month.
PROS:
- It can treat large areas at once.
- It’s much faster than electrolysis.
- Most people see a significant reduction in hair growth after 3-8 sessions.
- The hair grows back lighter and finer.
- It’s less painful than electrolysis (though not totally pain-free).
CONS:
- It’s only effective for hair reduction, not 100% hair removal.
- It’s most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. If you have darker skin or fair hair, it will not be as effective.
- There’s a risk of skin discoloration or scarring if not performed properly.
COST:
Laser hair removal costs $50-$400 per area per appointment depending on size. This can also add up to thousands of dollars over the course of the treatment.
You can also check Groupon for deals, but be sure to research the facility carefully. Bargains aren’t always the best idea when it comes to your face and body.
Laser Hair Removal – At Home
With the high cost of laser hair removal, there are now some decent options for doing it yourself. DIY devices can indeed work, but they aren’t without drawbacks.
Here are the pros and cons of at-home laser hair removal:
PROS:
- It offers considerable cost savings over professional treatments.
- It’s more convenient since you don’t have to schedule appointments.
CONS:
- It’s time consuming since at-home devices are smaller than pro devices.
- It’s less effective since at-home devices aren’t as strong.
- It’s hard to treat certain areas (like the back) when you’re treating yourself.
- There’s more risk of side effects since you aren’t a trained pro.
- The devices can be painful to use.
RECOMMENDED DEVICES:
Many of the products marketed as laser hair removal devices are actually IPL devices (described below).
However, the TRIA Beauty Laser Hair Removal Device 4X ($499) uses the same diode laser technology used in-office by dermatologists.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is similar to laser hair removal, but it uses a different kind of light. Instead of a concentrated laser beam, IPL uses a broader spectrum of light that isn’t as focused.
Because of this, IPL can cover a larger treatment area, but it takes more sessions since the light is less powerful.
Pros:
- Faster than laser hair removal since it covers a larger area.
- Good availability of at-home devices.
- Usually less painful than laser hair removal.
Cons:
- Requires more sessions compared to laser hair removal.
- More risk of irritation due to the broader light spectrum used.
- Can only be used on lighter skin tones / darker hair tones.
RECOMMENDED DEVICES:
Here are some popular and highly rated at-home IPL hair removal devices:
- Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System – $303
- Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System – $267
- JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover – $459
- Silk’n Infinity 400,000 – $399
Let’s talk hair removal
Now that I’ve covered the options for permanent hair removal and reduction, I’d love to hear what YOU think.
Have you tried any of the procedures or products above? If so, what were your results?
Please take my poll and share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
I had a consultation for full body laser hair removal, but they said you had to stay out of the sun, which I didn’t want to do. I decided to get full body sugaring instead, as it leaves you completely smooth and hairless, and is better for your skin than waxing. My technician has me come in every three weeks for underarms and every six weeks for everything else. Attached are two photos of me after sugaring.
I have actually done both Electrolysis and Laser. Laser is by far the easiest with no pain whatsoever. I had bought a package leveraging the Groupon price-think i paid around $250 or so for 6 sessions which covered lower abs down to “it” and buttocks. seemed to have worked ok but now i do see the fine hairs growing back so as Lucille points out, it takes more than just a few sessions. Make sure you check on Groupon for a better deal. BTW-they cannot use the Laser near your tattoos-it will not only hurt like a ….. but may take some of the tattoo off too.
Electrolysis or at least finding someone who will do the lower areas can be a challenge. It took me months to find this lovely women on Long Island that specializes in MTF. I have been going to her for close to a year (a bit off and on) and probably need another 6 months to get to a point of being surgery ready. I will also go back for more Laser even though there is some overlap, Laser can cover a larger area more quickly. I have my Electrolysis friend concentrating more on the specific area that would be directly involved in bottom surgery.
Hope all that helps.
I am 50 years old and have been on HRT for 18 months. I live and work full time as a woman. Ive had FFS surgery, breast implants and voice feminization…
I’ve tried all the above methods to include facial waxing. I did go to E3000 in Texas last year and received lidocaine injections for a full 8 hour facial clearing. The ladies are great and very thorough. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to return for subsequent treatments. While the lidocaine injections were quite painful, the procedure itself was completely pain free.
Currently I go every 4 weeks to have the remaining facial hair waxed; its about an hour long session… which hurts around the chin and lip. The pain level is not as bad since my first visit but it does hurt.
I live in the Chicago land area and have access to many doctors… one of which does do intravenous sedation with lidocain injections; Dr. Zukowski… the problem is he is very selective on who he treats. I have not been to him as my kidneys are not 100% and was rejected as a client. Very frustrating.
There is another place in Chicago that just does lidocain injections… http://www.electrolysis100permanent.com, I’ve never been to them but plan on doing a consultation, as its local and can be done on a Friday and recover over the weekend.
I’m to the point of wanting to go back to finish with 2 more facial clearings with electrolysis…
As stated above by Selene, growing your hair out for 3 days is very horrible and depressing.
I simply schedule every month a sugaring session. Its simple and very effective. It costs 100.00 each time but my hair issues are almost none. The results are amazing and it’s part of an accepted schedule knowing when I am engaged in a rendezvous it is appealing. Also diet has helped with smoother hair. Lots of water and avocados.
I simply schedule every month a sugaring session. Its simple and very effective. It costs 100.00 each time but my hair issues are almost none. The results are amazing and it’s part of an accepted schedule knowing when I am engaged in a rendezvous it is appealing. Also diet has helped with smoother hair. Lots of water and avocados.
Hi Lucille,
I’ve been given a prescription for Vaniqa, a cream that reduces hair growth by affecting the hair follicles via enzymes. I use it at least once per day. I can’t say it’s helping as its only been a short while of use. But I discovered that it is very expensive at retail cost, nearly $200 for only 1.59 ounces! I’m a veteran so my cost is low as in copay. I figure at that cost, it has to be effective. I will keep using it as long as I can get it.
Hi Meran, I had not heard about Vaniqa, but just added it to the post. Thanks for mentioning it! Please keep us posted on your results.
It just seems to me that we can send a man to the moon.Send a robotic miniature jeep to mars but we can’t come up with a creme to permanently get rid of unwanted hair. I think in the near future they will come up with one though
Hi girls. I have grey hair so my only method I can use is electrolysis. I can shave close but since I’be been on hormones, my hair is thinning. What a difference. In fact, my whole body is changing for the better Geri.