Where to start, where to start..?

[SkylitLove]

I've always heard that electrolysis was better than laser hair removal.

Why is that? Electrolysis seems like it takes much longer since they have to do every single little hair.. not to mention it's pricey.
How does laser hair removal work exactly?

I haven't started transition yet. My goal this year is to get three things going on:
Permanent hair removal (specifically the face)
Therapy sessions and hopefully HRT
& Working on a female voice

So basically I'm wondering what I should go with for facial hair removal.
I'm a 17 year old Caucasian boy and my hair is brown. If that matters.

[Hikari]

There is little doubt that electrolysis works better than laser removal, but honestly even though it might take many passes for people with light skin and dark hair the results can get to be the same, at least it has on some people I know (I have not done laser, but I have done eletrolysis)

Less effective or not I am still looking into laser as electrolysis is painful, I mean very painful. It does however depend a great deal on where and how it is done though. I hear that laser is more like a rubber band snapping at your skin, which sounds like a nice European vacation vs  using electrolysis on my upper lip area!

Price really depends on how it is done, if it is in the home electrolysis is very much cheaper, I bought my unit for $8 new from ebay, home laser starts at $100. As far as professional rates; laser is probably cheaper most places, but I suppose someone could charge very little for electrolysis and make it cheaper but, I doubt it.

The real difference comes down to this, laser just doesn't work well for some people. If it works well for you, then it is probably better. If it doesn't work well I wouldn't push it as you could destroy your skin pigment, in that case electrolysis is a better option.

Since you asked how they work, laser attacks the pigment in the hair, hopefully killing it. Electrolysis sends an electrical charge at the base of the hair and destroys it.

[SkylitLove]

alright thanks (:

I'll probably start with laser. If it doesn't seem to work just right then I'll try electrolysis.

[MasterAsh]

Why is that? Electrolysis seems like it takes much longer since they have to do every single little hair.. not to mention it's pricey.

Electrolysis has existed in some form or other for a century. It has managed to also pass the FDA's standards allowing it to be advertised as "permanent hair removal."

Comparatively, laser is only a few decades old. Not enough data exists to pass the FDA's muster, so it can only be advertised as "permanent hair reduction."

Both methods operate on the same principle of using intense energy to destroy the follicle. They differ only in employment of that principle; electrolysis delivers energy directly while laser uses the hair as a conduit. In theory, laser should work equally as well as electrolysis, however given the nature of the treatment it involves many more variables. Those who report no significant change from laser treatments could as easily have received improper treatment as much as have an actual resistance to treatment. The same can be said of electrolysis, but its long history of practice does ensure a better chance of adequate treatment.

Either way, be sure to research the practitioner and/or the business thoroughly before committing your money.

[K8]

With dark hair and light skin, laser should work well.  You may need touchups later, but it is much faster (and cheaper) than electrolysis.  Using only electrolysis to remove male facial hair can take 200 hours.

Either way, be sure to research the practitioner and/or the business thoroughly before committing your money.

Absolutely.  (And I would add: or commiting your health.  The electrolysis in "Her Name Was Steven" was so wrong!)

- Kate

[SkylitLove]

okay! thanks. =]

I do have dark hair and light skin. I had heard before that it worked best with that because of something to do with eliminating the pigment in the hair.

But up to 200 hours to remove facial hair through electrolysis? Oh boy. I mean I'm willing to devote the time, but that's just a whole whole lot. Not to mention it'd cost a load. I'm definitely leaning to laser hair removal.

I can't seem to find anything around here though. My area is rather bleh for anything that'd be of use to me.

[jennajane]

I did six session of laser and then switched to electrolysis.  I found that after six sessions most of the hair was gone and that it was probably better at that point to switch to removing individual hairs.  I have so far invested about 15 hours into electrolysis and haven't shaved for 6 weeks.  I think the laser is more dangerous for the skin and is rumored to be link to skin cancer (what isn't).  I was lucky and didn't have a think beard to start.

You have probably heard this before, you're still young, get into a good therapy program and start HRT soon (of course that is a big decision and its yours to make). 

jenna!

[SkylitLove]

Yeahh. I was thinking something like that also maybe. Laser to get rid of a lot of it and electrolysis to clean up the remainders.

I don't have loads of facial hair right now since I'm only 17. It still grows all over but I mean it isn't as bad as it would be in another 10 years or something..

I want to get therapy and start HRT asap. My goal is this year.. but so far I'm having bad luck. My area doesn't seem to have anything that's useful to a transgender. I've been trying to find a therapist for the past couple weeks. Having horrible luck with this.

[K8]

SkylitLove, I saw a regular therapist (clinical psychologist) through my transition.  (I'm still seeing her, but less often.)  You may not need a specialist.  A general therapist may be a place for you to start.

Don't look just for help that says it is trans-friendly.  You have a normal condition - not something that needs to be ghetto-ized.  Talk to people in the helping professions and find out if they will be all right with you and for you.

Good luck.  I know it is awfully hard to get started (took me decades), but you can do it.

- Kate

[SkylitLove]

I suppose I could look around for someone like that then.. but will they be able to diagnose one with GID and the like? Through seeing a regular therapist, would I be able to eventually start HRT?

and I'm trying. I feel like I need to get past this bump and get started on it. Sure, things will be hard but getting started with it all seems like it'll be the toughest.

[K8]

Yes, getting started is often the most difficult thing.

I have been on physician-supervised HRT for a year and have my two letters needed for my scheduled GRS.  I have never seen a gender specialist.  A gender specialist may be very helpful to you and perhaps you will feel the need for one at some point, but you don't need one for HRT or surgical letters.

Now listen to your Auntie Kate and get out there and find a therapist who you can work with!

- Kate

[SkylitLove]

Alright! Thanks a ton. =D

Been looking for just regular therapists. I've contacted a few so far and left messages so hopefully I'll get some responses back. Doesn't seem to be too much that I can find, but I'll see what turns out from the ones I was looking into.