Community Conversation => Transitioning => Topic started by: kokochan900 on April 07, 2013, 11:18:45 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Electrolysis Reccomendation Letter?
Post by: kokochan900 on April 07, 2013, 11:18:45 AM
Post by: kokochan900 on April 07, 2013, 11:18:45 AM
Okay, so I live conveniently close to a skin treatment place that offers electrolysis sessions to customers, and I was just wondering before I go there if I need a recommendation letter or something for hair removal on my face.
I can't go in as female because I don't really pass yet, and if I'm seen with facial hair in girl mode that will be a dead give away of me being trans. Is it normal for guys to go in and get electrolysis on their face? Will they want to see some kind of medical reason for it if it's unusual? Will I end up having to out myself to them? Do hair removal places often reject transgender customers? I live in Florida by the way, if that helps.
I just want to play it safe and make sure everything is planned out before I call up. Thanks!
I can't go in as female because I don't really pass yet, and if I'm seen with facial hair in girl mode that will be a dead give away of me being trans. Is it normal for guys to go in and get electrolysis on their face? Will they want to see some kind of medical reason for it if it's unusual? Will I end up having to out myself to them? Do hair removal places often reject transgender customers? I live in Florida by the way, if that helps.
I just want to play it safe and make sure everything is planned out before I call up. Thanks!
Title: Re: Electrolysis Reccomendation Letter?
Post by: Beth Andrea on April 07, 2013, 11:22:41 AM
Post by: Beth Andrea on April 07, 2013, 11:22:41 AM
In the US, no.
The only reason, if one need be given, is vanity. 8) But electrologists (sp?), laser techs, and waxing salons are generally accepting of trans-people...
Tip: Laser is cheaper, and gets more hairs per blast-session than electrolysis...but doesn't get all of them like electrolysis does.
The only reason, if one need be given, is vanity. 8) But electrologists (sp?), laser techs, and waxing salons are generally accepting of trans-people...
Tip: Laser is cheaper, and gets more hairs per blast-session than electrolysis...but doesn't get all of them like electrolysis does.
Title: Re: Electrolysis Reccomendation Letter?
Post by: ZoeM on April 07, 2013, 11:42:28 AM
Post by: ZoeM on April 07, 2013, 11:42:28 AM
Doesn't seem to be needed, no.
One thing I will say, based on my experience, they'll probably know exactly what you're there for - even in male mode.
One thing I will say, based on my experience, they'll probably know exactly what you're there for - even in male mode.
Title: Re: Electrolysis Reccomendation Letter?
Post by: Jesslee on April 07, 2013, 04:23:44 PM
Post by: Jesslee on April 07, 2013, 04:23:44 PM
No you will not need a letter for Electrolysis. I live in Florida also and I have a lot of experience with both Laser and Electrolysis. I can say that I originally had laser done at my dermatologist's office and had only positive experiences the first year. I had to switch to Electrolysis because all that was left was blond hair, the first place I went to was horrible I found another place and the experience is somewhat more tolerable.
I will second what ZoeM has said whether you go in boy mode or girl mode whether you tell them why you are having it done or not, they will know what is up. Every place I went to knew why I was there, I only presented in boy mode and never said anything, but each time they knew. I had one technician tell me not to worry about hair in certain areas (around belly button) because "a lot of women have the same problem" she would also give me skin care advice "that all women use". She was always trying to drop hints that she knew, she was very polite about it.
The horrible place I went to was not so polite about it. I went twice, on the first visit the receptionist was extremely rude and you could tell she did not want me there, the technician was also very cold and I could tell uncomfortable about it (I almost told her just so I could see her reaction). On my second visit I got the same behavior from the staff except this time while I was sitting in the waiting area several other employees came into the receptionist's office and I could see that they were looking around the corner pointing at me and whispering/giggling at me. The technician was rude again, so I never went back and found a new place with much nicer staff.
I am not a very big person (I have always been referred to as "little") so I think they found the whole experience amusing, however if I was a larger person and seemed more threatening I am sure they may have been very uncomfortable about me being there. You should keep this in mind if you live in a more rural area in south Florida or central/north Florida, this is redneck country so you will need some street smarts and thick skin!
Also FYI, Marci Bowers has a list of genital laser/electrolysis providers for her patients, there are a few in Florida and they see people like us all the time here is the link: http://www.marcibowers.com/grs/hair_removal.html (http://www.marcibowers.com/grs/hair_removal.html)
Good Luck
I will second what ZoeM has said whether you go in boy mode or girl mode whether you tell them why you are having it done or not, they will know what is up. Every place I went to knew why I was there, I only presented in boy mode and never said anything, but each time they knew. I had one technician tell me not to worry about hair in certain areas (around belly button) because "a lot of women have the same problem" she would also give me skin care advice "that all women use". She was always trying to drop hints that she knew, she was very polite about it.
The horrible place I went to was not so polite about it. I went twice, on the first visit the receptionist was extremely rude and you could tell she did not want me there, the technician was also very cold and I could tell uncomfortable about it (I almost told her just so I could see her reaction). On my second visit I got the same behavior from the staff except this time while I was sitting in the waiting area several other employees came into the receptionist's office and I could see that they were looking around the corner pointing at me and whispering/giggling at me. The technician was rude again, so I never went back and found a new place with much nicer staff.
I am not a very big person (I have always been referred to as "little") so I think they found the whole experience amusing, however if I was a larger person and seemed more threatening I am sure they may have been very uncomfortable about me being there. You should keep this in mind if you live in a more rural area in south Florida or central/north Florida, this is redneck country so you will need some street smarts and thick skin!
Also FYI, Marci Bowers has a list of genital laser/electrolysis providers for her patients, there are a few in Florida and they see people like us all the time here is the link: http://www.marcibowers.com/grs/hair_removal.html (http://www.marcibowers.com/grs/hair_removal.html)
Good Luck
Title: Re: Electrolysis Reccomendation Letter?
Post by: kokochan900 on April 07, 2013, 05:52:34 PM
Post by: kokochan900 on April 07, 2013, 05:52:34 PM
Thanks everyone for your answers! I'm relieved to hear this.
I don't have a whole lot of facial hair, so it shouldn't take a lot of electrolysis to get rid of. And yeah, Florida is sooooooo totally redneck country. This place is covered coast to coast with confederate flags, and Romney bumper stickers. My Canadian heritage makes me feel all the more out of place. Blegh.
At least it's not so bad in my town. A moderately urban area with a lot of my fellow young people is usually pretty tolerant.
I don't have a whole lot of facial hair, so it shouldn't take a lot of electrolysis to get rid of. And yeah, Florida is sooooooo totally redneck country. This place is covered coast to coast with confederate flags, and Romney bumper stickers. My Canadian heritage makes me feel all the more out of place. Blegh.
At least it's not so bad in my town. A moderately urban area with a lot of my fellow young people is usually pretty tolerant.
Title: Re: Electrolysis Reccomendation Letter?
Post by: FrancisAnn on April 07, 2013, 06:12:15 PM
Post by: FrancisAnn on April 07, 2013, 06:12:15 PM
Ignore the rednecks, just take care of yourself. If dark hair laser treatments will work, if light the only way is electrolisis. Find a nice woman that will help you with your hair & have fun. Share with her while having treatments, she will enjoy helping you.