If, like me, you’re a thirty something trans woman capable of growing a beard to rival that of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant, and needing to shave on a daily basis in order to prevent that, then laser hair removal is something you’ve likely been looking into. Here’s what I’ve learnt so far from my experience.
Start early
It can take time to see the effects of laser hair removal and even longer to get the results you desire. Generally, people say anything from around 10 – 16 sessions are required on the face to achieve smooth results, and with each session approximately 6 weeks apart this is no quick fix!
This method of hair removal works by using a concentrated beam of lig… wait, we don’t need to go there. Odds are you’ve done your research, maybe even booked your sessions already. You don’t need to know how it works, just whether it does and how much it’s going to hurt. That’s where I come in.
It hurts
People often tell you the pain of Laser Hair Removal is similar to that of someone pinging an elastic band against your skin. Unfortunately, in my experience this is not true. Or at least would be true if the elastic band in question was made of acid-soaked electrified razor blades, that also happen to be on fire. To say it hurts a lot would be putting it mildly. For reference, I consider myself to have quite a high pain threshold, I’m covered in tattoos and have seen the extended editions of all of the Lord of the Rings movies. Laser is nothing like either.
It’s quick
The process is however super fast, which means that by the time you’ve heard the ‘pop’ yelped at the sensation as your top lip has been zapped to within an inch of its life and you have reached out to break the arm of the kind laser operator who did this to you, it’s over.
Simple as that. Odds are it took you longer to travel to the place than it did for the treatment. In fact, one technician I saw recently told me she deliberately slows herself down just to draw out the appointment as it makes customers feel like they’re getting more value for money – but it’s not necessary. Getting laser hair removal is wonderfully fast.
The aftermath
Leaving the clinic you may well feel like nothing much has happened. You might be a little sore or red (though this hasn’t always been my experience) but that tends to pass within an hour or two.
Over the next few days you’ll probably not notice anything immediately different. You’re advised not to shave for a little while and to just ‘go easy on your skin’. Please take this advice. When you do decide to shave again is when you’ll notice the first difference, and for me this has been the worst part of getting laser hair removal treatment.
Your hair will be… strange. A little frazzled maybe? Coarser perhaps? You’ll probably find it quite difficult to shave as close as you did before, and may find stubble more visible when you do. Don’t panic. This is normal and a direct result of the zapping. It will gradually lessen over the next two weeks as the hair falls out. You probably won’t notice this happen either. You might find one or two hairs on your pillow in the morning, but don’t be worried if you don’t.
Around two weeks later is when you’ll most likely see the start of why you’re putting yourself through all this. Queue three horrific photos of me to illustrate:
What you’re seeing here is a single session of laser hair removal and two days growth. When I first noticed the patchiness I was staggered by the results.
- Your results may vary. Don’t be disheartened.
- You may not see the same dramatic reduction after the second session (as I didn’t). Again, don’t be disheartened.
- Your chin will always look worse in photos shot from below. Do not be disheartened.
It’s worth it.
I’m only a handful of sessions in so far, and whilst there’s a long way still to go before my chin is as smooth as the proverbial baby’s bum, the difference it’s made to my day to day life is immense. Do I still shave daily? Yes. Can I still cosplay as Mr. DiCaprio at a moment’s notice? No, not anymore.
Shaving no longer takes me an hour and four razor blades each morning, and some days I don’t bother at all. My skin feels amazing, and my reflection has finally started showing me signs of what I want to see: Progress – real, visible progress.
When so much around transition is a waiting game, it’s things like this that keep me motivated and moving forward in a positive way. I know that every five or six weeks, for just a few minutes of wincing, I’m steadily getting closer to where I want to be.
So if you’re thinking about laser hair removal or you know you’re going to want it at some point down the line, my advice would be to jump on it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It may take a long time to reach the end, but virtually no time to see the path to the finish line.
Keep your expectations low, and your head held high – and I’ll see you on the podium for some champers.
Semi-pro tips.
Prior to your laser session, shave as closely as you possibly can. The longer the stubble going in, the more you’re going to feel each zap (and the smell of burning hair isn’t pleasant). Ideally, try not to shave for a day or two before, then give yourself a nice close shave on the morning of your appointment, avoiding any razor burn or irritation.
Set your expectations to low. Then dial them back even further. I’m almost certain you won’t be disappointed by the results, but don’t expect to have a baby-soft complexion the very next day.
Look for deals! Laser hair removal can be very expensive, especially if you’re paying per session. Keep an eye out for package deals and offers – they’re out there and will save you a lot of money getting started.
Do your research! Know what you’re getting. There are several different types of laser hair removal including IPL and electrolysis, each with varying levels of effectiveness, depending on your circumstances. Always make sure you know exactly what you’re getting and that it is suitable for your needs.
Get a scarf. It’s great for sneaking a red face out of the laser place after a session. Failing that, I’ve found a newspaper with two holes cut into the middle works just as well. 🙂
I’ve heard taking painkillers half an hour before the session can ease some of the pain, and there are other medications available to help with this too. I’ve not tried them myself, so can’t comment on their effectiveness. If you have, I’d love to know how you got on in the comments below.
A few notes here, as stated above doing lasers more often than 6-8 week is a waste of money. Also laser is good for dark hair and fair skin. Dark skin people can not do laser and light hair will be less or not effected at all.
Dear Victoria I’ve had 12 sessions still shaving twice daily wet foil am a lot whiter smoother will laser get total loss so I can have a woman’s complexion that I want will more mean better and better or am I wasting my money
i found a great beautician who is great , and have had around 6/7 laser sessions , its uncomfortable to a bit painful especially on the top lip……my tip [ without going daft ] is take a couple of painkillers before your session and it takes the edge off especially when your getting your top lip done …but i concur with everything Victoria says , be realistic and dont get downhearted as it is quite a long road to get the results you want
As a more mature person who started laser hair removal in my forties, 20 years ago when lasers and cooling the skin were more rudimentary, I took the stealth approach so as not to upset my wife.
I would say, if you can, to start well before you notice white beard hairs. My cheeks are as soft as the proverbial baby’s bottom but I left my chin and top lip till last and they can still grow a white forest. Not so much of a problem re visibility, I can happily shave just once a day, but annoyingly bristly. Then the only alternative is to go for electrolysis which I’ve tried and takes even longer than laser to see reduction and the pain is similar- but one hair and a time.
Beautifully written and soo right, I was late starting my journey and so had a lot of gray on my chin, I went through almost 3 years of electrolysis, after laser, laser by comparison is soo much less painful, so if you can have just laser… be grateful, and remember to thank the lady doing the treatment for you, they need a little loving as well xXx
My laser clinic don’t like clients to use pain relief, especially numbing creams, as they say they need feedback to avoid accidentally burning the skin. I think it’s best to check with your clinic before using anything.
I’ve so far had 6 out of 8 treatments for facial laser hair removal and the results are great. All the black hairs are gone, but I still have plenty of white ones that the treatment won’t help to remove. I go every 4-weeks, the only issue I’ve had is a slightly swollen top lip for a day or two after treatment. This coincided with starting on HRT, so be sure to tell your clinic if you have and medical changes so they can adjust the settings…??♀️
Thanks for all this good advice. There is nothing quite like getting another person’s direct experience instead of sales person’s patter.
This is super helpful! I’ve started the laser journey and given up twice now as I wasn’t seeing results quickly enough. I’ve just started again and I’m determined to stick to it. I have really dark shadow on my chin, do you have any make up tricks to help me cover until it is hopefully gone forever!!!
Electrolysis involves removing hair roots on the skin using the heat of an electric current. For a lot of the population, it’s a cosmetic extra. But for many people in the transgender community—typically trans women—hair removal services can be a lifeline, especially in cases where a transgender person must “pass” in order to access vital services such as hormone therapy or surgery. It’s not just about feeling comfortable in one’s own body, but also about being safe on a day to day basis.
This is some really good information about laser hair removal for a woman. It is good to know that you can be a little sore after the procedure. That does seem like a good thing to be aware of beforehand. After all, I know that I would have worried about that meaning that something went wrong.
hi I’ve just started laser treatment, has anyone else experienced spot breakouts.I seem to be having quite a few. if so does if decrease over time
Yes, i sometimes get bumps after certain treatments. It does lessons. Good daily facial care seems to do the trick..i.e exfoliating
Hi everyone,
I was doubting between electrolysis and laser but now I think I’m going to stick to laser and start asap. I just realised about being transgender at 35 yo and it’s good to see other people in the same situation. Thanks for the info.
Cheers 🙂
Hello, Your post is very inspiring to me. And your information about laser hair removal for trans women is very amzing and so much helpful for me. Keep it up and Thank you very much.:)
Hi Victoria,
Thank you for sharing the post. The results are looking amazing. Hair removal for transgenders are a bit different from women hair removal and some good information here.
Hi I’ve been on HRT for a year…I’ve noticed significant changes. I still have some shadow on my face.
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Shame its so expensive :'(