Ok, I wasn't sure where to put this, so general transition seemed the best choice. Right now, my course is to begin transition in the next two years.
My main problem right now is my hair. In the 28 years of my life, I have never had my hair grow even halfway down my neck. I would like to get to at least shoulder length by the time I start therapy (about a year from now). Are there techniques for helping me to grow my hair longer? I know there are no products in existence to help me.
With time, hormones might be able to help with that. Unless your hair is really curly the most likely reason it won't grow very long is because testosterone shortens the activity period/growth phase of the follicle. Won't happen overnight but estrogen will increase the length of time of the growth cycle and hence the overall length.
As the song line goes "it's going to take paitence and time to do it right " but you asked for some help so here goes.
One of the tricks to growing your hair is to keep it healthy. This means ironically you do have to get it cut occasionally (I get mine trimmed every 8 weeks or so). This is to keep your hair healthy and free of split ends (evil).
I suggest you say goodbye to the barbers chair and go to a hairdressers, (it is more expensive but life on the 'e' side is more expensive sadly), and tell them you are wishing to grow your hair longer. You don't have to come out to them you just tell them. Just next time you go in for a trim tell them your trying to grow it listen to any advice they give you, and bring money every place has there own brands they sell and recomend and they are all expensive. (But some smell oh so nice)
Gypsy
Quote from: Ms Grace on May 20, 2014, 03:08:36 AM
the most likely reason it won't grow very long is because testosterone shortens the activity period/growth phase of the follicle. Won't happen overnight but estrogen will increase the length of time of the growth cycle and hence the overall length.
I am not sure this is right. Men can have very long hair despite testosterone. Actually testosterone can be quite beneficial to the strength of hair. What is detrimental is DHT, which is created from testosterone. Estrogen makes the hair maybe longer but weaker, progesterone also strengthens the hair and improves hair color. I think a good hormonal mix would be to have estrogen for sure, but also maintain some progesterone and testosterone - pre op this should not be a problem unless taking antiandrogens, post op one has to add progesterone and possibly even testosterone to get the right balance. I noticed for example I lost a lot of hair regularly plus even had some hairline recession over 10 years of being post op and getting an oral estradiol monotherapy. Since adding progesterone, I lost less hair and had some regrowth, so maybe now I can actually manage to get it longer than bustline ;)