Perhaps somebody here knows a solution to my dilemma. As the headline suggests, my facial hair is a problem. As I'm from Germany, I'll have to live as women for some months prior to be eligible for permanent hair removal or prescription of hormones.
While there might be ways to convince therapists that it's needed to get some hair removal very early, it might be unsuccessful. Still I can go to a doctor all by myself and pay for it... but I don't know if I'll be able to afford.
That said, what do you recommend for facial hair removal in my case?
1) I'm blone with some red touch in it.
2) After a full wet shave, a beard shadow reappears after about 6 hours.
3) Even with moisturizing cream, my skin doesn't allow daily wet shaving.
You might guess the main problem already: If I go 24/7, I will have a beard shadow at the afternoon while still working. And the next day the beard shadow is easily spottable.
So what to do?
Is there any way to conceal the beard shadow?
Is there a moisturizer which is more efficient?
Do I need to change my shaving equipment?
Ive got the same problem except my beard is jet black in contrast to my light skin. It SUCKS! So far it seems that Laser or Electro is the only option to really do away with the beard shadow and razor bumps that we all hate.
Hopefully someone else has better input that this, for both of us! :)
Quote from: PiaBianca on July 24, 2013, 08:19:37 AM
Perhaps somebody here knows a solution to my dilemma. As the headline suggests, my facial hair is a problem. As I'm from Germany, I'll have to live as women for some months prior to be eligible for permanent hair removal or prescription of hormones.
While there might be ways to convince therapists that it's needed to get some hair removal very early, it might be unsuccessful. Still I can go to a doctor all by myself and pay for it... but I don't know if I'll be able to afford.
That said, what do you recommend for facial hair removal in my case?
1) I'm blone with some red touch in it.
2) After a full wet shave, a beard shadow reappears after about 6 hours.
3) Even with moisturizing cream, my skin doesn't allow daily wet shaving.
You might guess the main problem already: If I go 24/7, I will have a beard shadow at the afternoon while still working. And the next day the beard shadow is easily spottable.
So what to do?
Is there any way to conceal the beard shadow?
Is there a moisturizer which is more efficient?
Do I need to change my shaving equipment?
Coming from Greek stock, a lot of women had some facial hair. I loved how the women owned that and no-one cared. As a Greek male, I have a *major* battle with hair. My legs have like three hairs coming out of each follicle ha ha ha - when I get the full-body wax thing - MAN IT HURTS - I used laser hair removal for the backside - and HOORAY a hairless backside. At least my back is hair free.
For the face and your position, (too blond to laser right?)....um what happens if you like *dye* the beard with a good dark colour and one that gets into the roots/follicles and then go get zapped by a laser therapist? (I'm sure laser therapists could advise you about this--the issue with blond hair and laser is that the hair doesn't capture the heat of the laser because white hairs reflect the light, but dying the hair should have the same effect - and frazzle fry those follicles on the face...).
Or *gulp* facial hair waxing by a really good beauty salon person?
facial waxing sounds terrifying!!
Quote from: dr girlfriend on July 24, 2013, 09:29:48 AM
facial waxing sounds terrifying!!
I totally hear u. there are heaps of nerves in the face too--but I wonder if there's like a nerve numbing agent or a cream or something that dulls the pain (the actual waxing would be able to be done safely)...
Quote from: stavraki on July 24, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
For the face and your position, (too blond to laser right?)....um what happens if you like *dye* the beard with a good dark colour and one that gets into the roots/follicles and then go get zapped by a laser therapist? (I'm sure laser therapists could advise you about this--the issue with blond hair and laser is that the hair doesn't capture the heat of the laser because white hairs reflect the light, but dying the hair should have the same effect - and frazzle fry those follicles on the face...).
Yeah, you got it. My hair is very blonde although it keeps going darker with every year. But I wouldn't want to ask a laser therapist about the whole thing, because in Germany those aren't doctors and most of the time they just want the dollars. So they tell everybody that they will succeed and it would be all right; many get a sunburn or worse.
So which doctor should I ask? A dermatologist? Is there a test to see, if my hair would be prone to laser treatment?
Quote from: stavraki on July 24, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
Or *gulp* facial hair waxing by a really good beauty salon person?
Since I'm very algesic, I won't do anything like that. Even thinking of the pain involved scares me stiff.
Pluck it. It works. But it is painful.
Quote from: PiaBianca on July 24, 2013, 11:29:16 PM
So which doctor should I ask? A dermatologist? Is there a test to see, if my hair would be prone to laser treatment?
this one should be a no-brainer to research online, I reckon :) (I'll just hava quick look after this post to see what is unearthed).
And I'd say to seek a hair specialist, actually, or someone formerly trained in laser-therapy procedures who is, perhaps, part of an allied-health professional system.
I just had another idea. I wonder if there are 'keratin drugs' that stain the hair follicles, specifically, (without changing ur whole skin). I know you can take supplements for suntan. I'm pretty sure hair-follicle staining should be a science.
there are a lot of blond people who need laser, after all, and some bright spark money schemer somewhere will have already done this....
Quote from: Joanna Dark on July 24, 2013, 11:50:16 PM
Pluck it. It works. But it is painful.
Which brings me back to myself being very algesic.
But in the end... if it's the only way I'll have to try.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/549168 (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/549168)
the above is good science on the topic. There's a debate about whether or not the follicle stem cells are destroyed when hair with a lot of melanin in the shafts is irradiated with laser. And it looks like staining the follicle does not destroy the follicle stem cells. However, the authors of the above article warn that the science has made the assumption that it is the stem cells that laser targets, suggesting that light therapies may subtly alter the stem cells and not destroy them. authors could demonstrate that dying follicles caused hair loss after laser. But the question was regrowth and whether or not that occurs.
I haven't looked hard enough to see if there is a longitudinal study, that did hair counts (not stem cell follicle counts) at 6 weeks post laser.
If I had spare cash, and time, and were I wanting the blond off my face, I've read enough to give this a try. I would dye my hair with a deep, blue-black colour, and zap my face. You know, you should be able to find a laser therapist who will do 'just one one inch patch as a test run please') for free. After all. If this works, there's a whole truck load of new business for them.
feel like negotiating with them to do a trial?
Try using a paste of turmeric, salt, and honey.....if you massage it into where the hair is growing and leave it in 30 minutes or so before washing it out, it will make hair grow more slowly and less thick. Eventually the hair will stop growing after a few months of daily use. The curcumin in the turmeric gets into the follicle and interferes with protein synthesis, thus acting as a hair growth inhibitor. Try googling turmeric hair removal for more info.
Quote from: Oriah on July 25, 2013, 12:39:05 PM
Try using a paste of turmeric, salt, and honey.....if you massage it into where the hair is growing and leave it in 30 minutes or so before washing it out, it will make hair grow more slowly and less thick. Eventually the hair will stop growing after a few months of daily use. The curcumin in the turmeric gets into the follicle and interferes with protein synthesis, thus acting as a hair growth inhibitor. Try googling turmeric hair removal for more info.
I don't know where you got this knowledge from... but if that works, it'll be a life saver for me. Did you try it yourself? It sounds reversible, so I'll have to stick to the process even after my hair is gone...?
Quote from: PiaBianca on July 26, 2013, 03:14:28 AM
I don't know where you got this knowledge from... but if that works, it'll be a life saver for me. Did you try it yourself? It sounds reversible, so I'll have to stick to the process even after my hair is gone...?
I use it and am seeing good results. It's an old trick from ancient India. After enough time, it should have a permanent, nonreversable effect. The follicle just sort of gives up and dies.
It works quicker/better if you pluck or eppilate or wax.....but it isn't necessary. The paste should be applied after whatever hair removal means you use, so if you shave, apply it after shaving, not before
Im gonna give this a go!
Quote from: stavraki on July 24, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
Coming from Greek stock, a lot of women had some facial hair.
Ti kanis Stavraki?! ;)
OP, you should get on the facial removal ASAP. It will really do wonders for your presentation.
I said it before and I'll say it again: I think the quickest way to do it (short of laser) is plucking. Use ice to numb the area and then grit yo teeth. You don't have to pluck all of it you just have to thin it out. It does wonders.
Quote from: Oriah on July 26, 2013, 11:09:09 AM
I use it and am seeing good results. It's an old trick from ancient India. After enough time, it should have a permanent, nonreversable effect. The follicle just sort of gives up and dies.
It works quicker/better if you pluck or eppilate or wax.....but it isn't necessary. The paste should be applied after whatever hair removal means you use, so if you shave, apply it after shaving, not before
This might work if you are young but I can't imagine it working on a 30 year old like me. My hair is thick. I don't even have much and can't grow a beard but it seems like it would get really expensive really fast at which point I would just do laser. I mean if you spend $100-$200 on tumeric as you will need so much of it, when do you just do laser instead/. It sounds interesting but what about my skin? I don't want to stain it and look like I am jaundiced.
Quote from: Joanna Dark on July 26, 2013, 02:08:23 PM
This might work if you are young but I can't imagine it working on a 30 year old like me. My hair is thick. I don't even have much and can't grow a beard but it seems like it would get really expensive really fast at which point I would just do laser. I mean if you spend $100-$200 on tumeric as you will need so much of it, when do you just do laser instead/. It sounds interesting but what about my skin? I don't want to stain it and look like I am jaundiced.
you may be surprised. This method comes from ancient india.....and have you ever seen the facial hair on a hirsute indian woman? It's pretty darn thick.
I've been doing this over a month and haven't even used $2 worth of turmeric....and I've taken to using lotion instead of honey as the paste base. It's pretty cheap.....if I had a more money I'd think about laser....but it's out of the question.
as for the jaundiced look....it'll stain a little if you only use soap and water, but a milk or yogurt scrub takes it right out...or a gentle swipe with a cotton ball wetted with hydrogen peroxide or diluted rubbing alcohol.
Laser would be quicker and probably better and more convenient, but ifor one transitioning balanced on a dime (like me), it works in a pinch
Quote from: Oriah on July 26, 2013, 02:39:15 PM
you may be surprised. This method comes from ancient india.....and have you ever seen the facial hair on a hirsute indian woman? It's pretty darn thick.
I've been doing this over a month and haven't even used $2 worth of turmeric....and I've taken to using lotion instead of honey as the paste base. It's pretty cheap.....if I had a more money I'd think about laser....but it's out of the question.
as for the jaundiced look....it'll stain a little if you only use soap and water, but a milk or yogurt scrub takes it right out...or a gentle swipe with a cotton ball wetted with hydrogen peroxide or diluted rubbing alcohol.
Laser would be quicker and probably better and more convenient, but ifor one transitioning balanced on a dime (like me), it works in a pinch
I am in the same position as you that is why I pluck. It hurts. But I read your post on the other thread about using blush to take away the bluish tint of beard shadow which sound like a great trick. I should be getting laser soon however. thanks god as I don't present female most times because of beard shadow though I doubt people can see. But it bothers me terribly.
Quote from: Joanna Dark on July 26, 2013, 02:50:20 PM
I am in the same position as you that is why I pluck. It hurts. But I read your post on the other thread about using blush to take away the bluish tint of beard shadow which sound like a great trick. I should be getting laser soon however. thanks god as I don't present female most times because of beard shadow though I doubt people can see. But it bothers me terribly.
I hope all goes well with your laser!
I know what you mean about beard shadow....I present female about 95% of the time, but I'm always freaking out.....everybody tells me I look fine and my makeup is pristine, but I almost always seem to see phantom beard regardless.....I suppose we're our own worst critics.
Quote from: Joanna Dark on July 24, 2013, 11:50:16 PM
Pluck it. It works. But it is painful.
i have removed three fourth of my beard by plucking, using diamond tip tweezers.
It only hurts a little, do it fast.
Remove them in a random pattern, and let the skin heal between twee-zing.
Quote from: Oriah on July 26, 2013, 11:09:09 AM
It works quicker/better if you pluck or eppilate or wax.....but it isn't necessary. The paste should be applied after whatever hair removal means you use, so if you shave, apply it after shaving, not before
Okay, I did it wrong. Have to do it again after shaving. :)
Quote from: Oriah on July 26, 2013, 02:39:15 PM
Laser would be quicker and probably better and more convenient, but ifor one transitioning balanced on a dime (like me), it works in a pinch
Since I'm blonde, laser is out of scope unfortunately.
Quote from: oneprettywoman on July 26, 2013, 10:17:19 PM
i have removed three fourth of my beard by plucking, using diamond tip tweezers.
It only hurts a little, do it fast.
Since I'm very algesic (I told ya), I'm keeping that as backup.
Quote from: Oriah on July 26, 2013, 06:09:40 PM
I hope all goes well with your laser!
I know what you mean about beard shadow....I present female about 95% of the time, but I'm always freaking out.....everybody tells me I look fine and my makeup is pristine, but I almost always seem to see phantom beard regardless.....I suppose we're our own worst critics.
We are are own worst critics! BTW, that blush trick def works. I got hit on a lot more yesterday lol I am sure the plucking helped too but that trick def disguised some of the remaining shadow and eased my discomfort. But yeah I dream of laser as I will feel so much more comfy once this horrid hair is gone. I really don't have much but it is enough to look horrid if I don't do something.
Quote from: oneprettywoman on July 26, 2013, 10:17:19 PM
i have removed three fourth of my beard by plucking, using diamond tip tweezers.
It only hurts a little, do it fast.
Remove them in a random pattern, and let the skin heal between twee-zing.
Yeah I just have regular tweezers but the diamond tipped ones prolly work like a charm. I got half of my chin and lip hair (the only place I grow facial hair other then my neck but u can't that) yesterday and tomorrow I'm going in for the kill. Hopefully I'll be shadow free for a couple weeks and then my financial situation will allow me to get laser...and skin resurfacing...and a juverderm shot in my nose to straighten and lift it. If I could do all that, I would be so so so happy--and pretty!
So can any of you tell me if you had any success with the turmeric facial hair removal??
@Oriah: Thanks for the turmeric tip. I apply 2 tbsp salt + 3 tbsp ground turmeric + 4 tbsp milk*, and keep it on for 30 minutes every day. I have been doing it for 20 days, snapping photos along the way. Aiming for a total 90 days, and will then post my results. How have your results been?
Also transitioning on a dime, but if 3 months of turmeric don't get me noticeable results, I'm off the wagon and will try papaya. Do not want to mix them so as not to confound the variables.
Good luck to all in fighting your hair :)
*that's actually a 4-day serving
No use continuing for a whole 3 months. Comparing my photos from a month ago and today (PM me if you want them, not a fan of posting my hairy mug), I have to conclude that turmeric hair removal for androgen-driven hair is bollocks (note to self: make before and after pictures with a couple of days growth, otherwise it's hard to compare). I haven't seen myself shed a single hair, and I highly doubt it would just vanish in thin air (leaving the other hairs around it intact). Not a single hair shed either with the scrub/mask itself, or in the shower. No change in vellus/terminal ratio. Same hair pattern.
In other words, no real hair growth changes at all within 30 days. I don't buy the "keep at it" argument, our time is finite and most anything gives you visible results after a month. Eg building muscle is a slow and arduous process, but you're bound to see results after a month of daily 30-minute workouts, innit.
However... I had a blooshot spot on my face for a couple of years, which I thought was unremovable. Within the 4 weeks (I think I noticed it around the 2.5 weeks mark) of applying the turmeric face mask for a half an hour daily, the blemish faded and is hardly distinguishable from the area around it. The minimal number of days is is probably way lower (I would keep the mask on only until it dries, not for a full 30 minutes), but that's not what I was testing, just a side-effect. The gist of it: although it does not work for androgen hair removal, if you want cheap and safe blemish removal, do try turmeric. It will give you very good results at least in the short term (I have not yet been able to check the long term effect). In my opinion, that's why turmeric's included in Hindu skin medicines.
However, I've found proper research about liquorice and its epilatory effect (on rats), inspired by hair removal customs from Turkmenistan - the photos after 3-6 days might make your jaw drop:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262016270_Topically_applied_glycyrrhizic_acid_causes_hair_removal_in_rats
In case the link dies, look for Zaper et al Pharm Biol 2014.
According to the paper, liquorice works within days, at least mixed with ethanol and urea and heated up, then cooled down. I will probably just grind it, mix it with milk and slap it on, though. The rats were female, however - so it still might rain on our parade. A monthly test commencing next week, have a great weekend everyone!
Results of the liquorice root test: no noticeable changes after a month of daily 30-minute facial masks. Screw this, I'm getting electro. Do not waste your time like I did =)