Double post from >hair removal (delete if not allowed, im new here.)
LONG VERSION
Hi everyone! My name is Justice, and for the past year I have been deeply affected discomfort regarding my body hair and especially my facial hair. At this time I'm only 21 and at no given time in the past year of HRT have I had the opportunity to find a way to actually start talking my body and facial hair. It has kept me from going out every day, seeing friends, getting food; just existing. Shaving irritates the hell out of my face and skin, leaves me in lots of big unsightly loud red razor burn and irritation. I breakout and bleed and scab and it's just... awful. I have been trying to pluck my entire face which works but between it taking about 5 hours straight, being agonizing, and only lasting for a week, I couldn't do it anymore. Plucking will relieve you of that blue shadow if thats what you seek, but comes at a price. I could never afford electrolysis as I can barely support myself having no job. Not to mention the anxiety of how LONG it would take gives me anxiety. Considered buying at home at electrolysis hair removal kit, as I hear a decent one is around $30. I would consider this a valid option. I could never DREAM of affording laser so thats out the window. Also considered buying a at home laser kit, specifically the Remington iLight Pro and the Tria 4X. However those aren't permanent solutions and you have to replace the bulbs which is more long term spending.
So back to square one. Trans, stubbly, and sad. I have also spent countless hours searching.... Epilators. I have skimmed every possible website and thread on the entire regarding Transgender use of epilators for facial hair removal. And it's mostly just a lot of unclear information and vague answers. Some people saying it's a horrible idea, some say it causes skin damage, some say its impossible, it doesn't work; and the few accounts speaking highly of them are lacking any explanation or supporting information. So really it just leaves normal folks like me and you to stay trapped in the circle. So what did I do? I went out and bought an Epilator!!
I specifically got the Braun SilkEpil 9 Silk n Spa. You can find it on amazon for like 120 bucks and its seriously the best. This one comes with a exfoliating brush which I use for my face before epilating and so far still no razor burn.
I've been using it for about a week and im glowing about it. no more razor burn!!!! no more bumps!!!!!!!!! my face is smooth and soft for days!! i can sleep at peoples houses without worrying about what ill look like in the morning. I can go on dates and not worry about people feeling my face and neck and feeling stubble! I can live and feel alive again.
But there are... cons. The pain is gruesome. horrifying. torturous. This is pain like I have never felt in my life. It's like every human sense and thought and cell in your body is screaming at you to stop. It hurts so bad. I am covered in tattoos. Like my hands, got one on my face.. just lots here and there. I can say with confidence and qualification that epilating your facial hair hurts a lot like getting a tattoo. It's that same kind of nerve wracking and pull away pain. but the good news is that it works. If you intend on getting Laser or Electrolysis long term, I would not do this often. When you pluck, the follicle begins to grow back distorted which inhibits the systems that electro and laser use to target hair. aka short time plucking / epilating cause short term complications, and long term plucking / epilating cause long term complications. Also they say scarring can occur long term, but I use a array of moisturizers and toners to prevent scabbing and aid the healing process. Remember facial hair is thick and coarse. it can leave tiny open wounds that will scab and dry and get infected. Epilating does 5 hours of tedious plucking in 5 headsplitting minutes. difficult, painful and testing. but if you want the hair off you, if you want the bumps to end, if you want happiness and smoothness and you can't afford long term solutions and have like 100 bucks laying around? Try an epilator. I will continue to add to this post, just wanted some of this information out there.
SHORT VERSION:
You can epilate your face with satisfying results. it works.
pros:
no blue shadow
no razor burn
no stays smooth longer
grows back slow
can do it quickly
cons:
very painful
risk of skin irritation
risk of scarring
seriously hurts
impedes long term removal
I recommend the Braun SilkEpil 7 or 9. those two have the most advanced technology so they can grab reaaallly short hairs. I havent used an older model but I don't see why it wouldnt work, just not as well. if you don't have 100 to splurge on the 9, go for a different one.
