Transgender Hair Removal

Transsexuals, transgenders, crossdressers and transvestites are all faced with unique hair removal issues. Beard hair can pose a problem when even shaving leaves stubble and shadow. Waxing and threading are not recommended for thick facial hair removal, and depilatory cream can easily burn delicate facial skin. This leaves two main options for stubborn facial hair.

Electrolysis for Transsexuals
Electrolysis is heralded as the primary method for permanent facial hair removal. After electrolysis is complete there is no hair regrowth, and no shadow or stubble. However, electrolysis does take a long time. How long does facial hair electrolysis take for a transsexual woman? 1 to 4 years is the norm, with the average falling somewhere around 2 years. Electrolysis is also expensive. Expect to pay around $70 an hour, with one 30 minute to 2 hour session a week in the initial months. Toward the end of treatment the sessions will be less frequent, 1 or 2 a month to finish up the hair removal process. Electrolysis can cost anywhere from $25 to $150 per hour, depending on the practitioner.

Laser Hair Removal for Transsexuals
Laser hair removal is cheaper and less painful than electrolysis, and takes less time for significant results. Rather than treating the face hair by hair, a laser is used to "zap" multiple hairs at once. This makes the process quicker.
The drawback, however, is the fact that laser hair removal is less thorough and permanent than electrolysis. Because the process works by targeting the pigment in the air follicle, light or pale hairs may be missed. Some have suggested that laser offers permanent hair reduction, while electrolysis offers hair removal. For people with dark skin or pale hair, laser may not be worth it.

Combination
Another option, especially for women with dark hair and pale skin, may be initial laser treatments, with electrolysis follow up. The initial laser treatment thins out the bulk of their hair and should make things manageable with shaving and reduce stubble and shadow, while electrolysis targets the stragglers and leaves your skin as smooth as a cis-woman's.

Crossdresser and Transvestite Hair Removal
For male crossdressers, transvestites, and female impersonators, see my sections on male hair removal for some tips for other areas of the body.

Why Shave?

Why do people shave? The answer is a complex one.
Some people like the smoothness of hairless skin. Others find in areas like the armpit it helps you smell fresh and stay clean.
Also you can't deny that, especially for women, there is a large social imperative to shave. For many women it is simply not an option to leave hair under your arms or on your legs.

Some men shave their chests or legs because they find it more comfortable to be hairless. Also a hairless body shows muscle definition easier, making you appear fit. Some men shave or wax their backs because as for women, there is some cultural imperative to be hairless in that area. Some women also prefer a man with little or no body hair.
For men, shaving the face can be more comfortable, especially in warmer months. A beard can get itchy and sweaty in the summer. Waxing the face is not recommended for men.

But contrary to some people's experience, shaving does not have to be a tedious or painful process. With a quality razor, moisturizing shaving gel or cream, and plenty of hot water, shaving can actually be a relaxing and luxurious part of your day.
When done slowly and carefully, shaving actually exfoliates your skin- leaving it smoother and softer than before. And with a good shaving gel or cream and moisturizing lotion, your skin can only benefit.