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.
Why didnt epulator come up …ive been using one for years…and i dont have a lot of hair left…it was painfull to get used to…i do not use it on face yet but all the rest…
Hi
I tried laser on chest and back first I had about 7 treatments and didn’t have a lot of success with it my hair thinned but still grow back. I’m not sure where to go from here should I be using more female hormones treatments and can anyone suggest a good hormone treatment. I’m very opened to hearing from other if you have advise to offer. Thank you in advance I look forward to hearing back with any welcoming advise.
Alex❤️
I found laser to be very good for dark or black hair yes it stings but hey it works & basically after 3 x 1 monthly treatments , I was almost hair free, & electrolysis is pain free compared to laser
Good Morning. I tried laser hair removal for my face about 5 years ago. My skin is olive and my hair was partially grey. The treatments did not permanently remove the hair, but it is much lighter/finer.
I am 73 ,now, and have been shaving legs since the1960’s, chest and groins in the 1990’s.
I did have ” cold laser” in the ’90’s on face and neck…wouldn’t call it a success by any measure. Could have been the technical skills of the operator, type of EQ, Color of the hair.
I enjoy” doing the job” & at my age will continue as long as I need to remove hair from my old body.
Dr.TJ
Hi TJ! We are both the same age, and you look fantastic! Very cute legs! I find now at my age, and after some laser treatments a few years my body now is pretty much hair free! I now hardly ever wear panty hose. I don’t need to! Keep going girl!
Thanks Suzy Q…
You’re always so complementary,always so sweet!
Have Healthy, Happy Holidays, girl.
Later,Dr TJ
Hi, Lucille,
Thanks for the info. I was under the impression that laser was better.
I tried electrolysis years ago. The upper lip area was painful, and the nose area really painful. Also, 1 hr sessions resulted in some swelling. (FYI, I have dark skin & dark graying hair.)
I was quoted $60-300 for laser treatments. I’m still leaning toward laser, since it’s initially faster.
Since I want to go ft, having to shave twice a day is definitely a downer!
I’ve done laser treatment on legs, armpits and body more than five years ago. NOTHING grows back. My skin color is average (white) and hairs are fairly dark and were thick.
My cosmetologist cannot wonder enough. She claims my results are far better than those she has on women.
Hi I tried hair removal creams and shaving l have very little body hair and very slow growing facial hair and actually enjoy shaving my legs also l use cream to prevent razor rash in the bikini area.
It would be wonderful to have no body hair, also tried no no but went back to shaving
Wendy
Hi, I have been on HRT for nearly four years. I’ve been using estradiol and I started medroxyprogesterone four months ago. My body hair has pretty much disappeared. Just vellum hair. No body shaving!!!!!! My beard is still there (yuck). Have a good one, Kaycie.