Nothing will make you feel more feminine than smooth, hair-free skin. There are lots of options for hair removal, including shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatories, etc.
But the holy grail is permanent hair removal. This is especially true if you’re planning a full transition.
So what’s best? Electrolysis? Laser hair removal? DIY devices? Creams?
In this post, I share what actually works for permanent hair removal – and the pros and cons of each method.
Electrolysis
First and foremost, electrolysis is considered the only TRULY permanent method of hair removal. During electrolysis, a small probe is inserted into hair follicles to damage the follicle with electricity.
Because each hair must be treated individually, electrolysis is very time consuming. It also takes 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.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the most popular “permanent” hair removal method, but it’s important to know that it’s only approved for permanent hair REDUCTION. It 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. That 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. That means it 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.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal
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.
Here are the most popular at-home laser hair removal systems:
- Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System – $267
- Silk’n Infinity 400,000 – $399
- Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x – $449
Creams and Natural Remedies
Finally, you might be wondering if there are any “natural” ways to remove hair permanently. If you search the internet, you’ll find all kinds of so-called permanent hair removal creams and home remedies involving turmeric, honey, onions, etc.
Unfortunately, these simply do not work. The only way to permanently stop hair regrowth is to destroy the hair follicles, which creams and natural remedies can’t do.
That said, there are some hair inhibitor creams that can be effective. These temporarily slow hair regrowth by blocking hair follicles with enzymes. But keep in mind that they only work for as long as you use them.
Here are a couple options for hair inhibitor creams:
- Completely Bare Don’t Grow There Body Moisturizer & Hair Inhibitor
- VANIQA – A prescription cream that reduces facial hair regrowth
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? What were your results?
Please take my poll and share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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transformation tips?
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.