Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hair removal => Topic started by: Britney♥Bieber on August 08, 2010, 08:44:38 PM

Title: Help!!
Post by: Britney♥Bieber on August 08, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
My facial hair is pretty light and thin, it's only on my chin and the sides of my face, and then it's darker and thinner under my chin, so I try not to shave so it won't get worse, but I shave every once in a while since it's so gross. I realized today that it's coming in darker on my chin and Idk what to do. Should I keep shaving? I can't afford electrolysis yet, so idk what to do. :(
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Janet_Girl on August 08, 2010, 10:52:27 PM
There is waxing or epilating.  Or tweezers.  But if you do, remember that these can make it harder when you do get to do electrolysis.  And shaving does not make it come in thicker.
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Britney♥Bieber on August 08, 2010, 11:56:34 PM
If it's not the shaving, why would it be getting darker? Is it just age? What do you suggest? Should I try herbs?
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Sarah B on August 09, 2010, 04:09:04 AM
Hi Andthenwekiss

I know that you have just began your journey and there are so many things for you to do and I'm sure you are aware of them.  However one of the things that you need to do, if it is what you truly want and that is to start hormone treatment.  The hormones currently in your body and your genetics are contributing to the darkening of your hairs and the extent of where they will appear on your body.

From what you have described in your post, the extent of the hair is not very much and like you the coverage I had at your age was similar.  When I finally realized that I had always been a female, I had to spend more time and money on getting rid of my hair.

I used a combination of waxing and electrolysis and of course I was on hormones, as a result my hairs turned white and thin and hence allowed me to work and not be worried about my face.

So waxing will keep them at bay and allow you to pass more effectively, quickly and allow you to live your life, thereby allowing you to earn money to provide the other treatments that you need.  However, it is imperative that you start hormone treatment as soon as possible, so that the hormones currently in your body now, do not wreck any further havoc on your body.

Take care

Kind regards
Sarah B
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Britney♥Bieber on August 09, 2010, 11:30:14 AM
I'm tying to get on hormones! I'm gonna ask my therapist how much longer because I do not want to wait any longer!! Today will be my fifth week, and I don't know how long it'll take. I'm praying that it won't take 3 months to get a letter =[ Thank you though I will look into waxing. Is it safe to wax like under my chin and my neck? Will waxing make it smooth? When I shave, it always seems to be a little prickly on the sides of my jaw which always grossed me out. I'm also applying to subway today so that I can hopefully start making money! GAHHHH =[
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Sarah B on August 09, 2010, 02:25:44 PM
Hi Andthenwekiss

Yes, it is safe to wax under the chin and neck and doing so you will end up with a face that is as smooth as a babys bum.  By the way, do not use herbs, they do not work period.

Take care

Kind regards
Sarah B
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Britney♥Bieber on August 09, 2010, 02:58:48 PM
If I wax, will it grow in darker or thicker? Also, do I have to grow it out to rewax? I'm assuming so since that's how you wax legs.
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Samantha_Marie on August 09, 2010, 03:12:49 PM
Whatever you do, don't pluck or tweeze. Ideal Image said under no circumstance am I to tweeze any area I wish to get treatment because it can cause problems.

Waxing is fine, shaving works but I'm the same, I HATE shaving. I'm unsure of your natural hair color but if you're olive tones with dark hair there's that at home laser hair removal device.

I'm going to be getting that for my arms and chest if hrt doesn't do it for me. Giving it about 6 months before I choose but for the face I'd look into options.

But get on HRT asap, not sure how old you are, but I can tell you the facial hair just gets thicker as you get older so the longer you wait on that...

I know a few states are actually making it where state funded health care covers hrt treatments. Maybe look that route, also, if you have any college grants, maybe apply some of that money towards getting on hormones.

And tell your therapist it's vital you start now. You are ready, you've been ready and it's time to move forward.

Gabby
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Sarah B on August 09, 2010, 03:35:57 PM
Yes, you have to wait until the hairs grow out again, which can be up to at least a week plus.  Waxing will not make the hairs go darker.  The constant pulling out of  the hairs via waxing, electrolysis and hormones will turn them fair and thin.

It is such a long time ago, its hard for to me to say what actually happened at the time, mainly because I was working and had no time to think about the changes that were happening to me.  Worked during the week, partied with colleagues and friends on Friday night , Saturday morning shopping and around midday I had my electrolysis appointment and Sunday afternoon was set aside for waxing and other beauty treatments.   Eventually I realized that sometimes I did not need to wax and occasional pluck with tweezers was all that was needed eventually waxing was not needed any more and  electrolysis continued until I was totally free.

I did not use waxing using strips, I used wax that you heated up, allowed to cool and they applied it to the face using a wooden spatula (a large ice cream stick or tongue depressor) and when it was solid pulled it off.

These were the times when laser was not around.  So I did not have that option at the time.  I hope this clarified a few things for you.  If you still have some questions please ask, I and others will help you if we can.

I agree with Gabrielle tell them you are ready to move on and you do not want any more damage done to you by the hormones that are in your body at the moment.  If the treatment is not coming forth with, seek another therapist.

Wishing you luck in getting that job.

Kind regards
Sarah B
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: aubrey on August 10, 2010, 03:39:06 AM
I agree if the therapist wants to give you the run around seek another.
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Britney♥Bieber on August 10, 2010, 11:53:16 PM
I'm pretty confident the therapist I'm working with will do his best. I've only been going for five weeks, so idk how long. But this week he's talking to the doctor about something. He said there's somethings we can do before he writes the letter, maybe anti androgens! Idk I'll get more details next week. Thanks for the help though!
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: justmeinoz on August 11, 2010, 12:00:57 AM
I will be fronting up for my third laser session on Friday,  so I should start to reach the point of just a few patches here and there soon.  Being a bit older I have quite a few grey hairs, which the laser will not affect, so the choice will be electrolysis or tweezers/shaving.

Shaving doesn't actually make the hair thicker, it's just that it is chopped off rather than tapering to the end, so it looks worse.

I would be happy if it stopped growing in my ears and stayed on top of my head too. :P
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: Britney♥Bieber on August 11, 2010, 11:12:26 AM
I've always been told that shaving makes it grow back darker and thicker, which happened to my legs the first time I shaved them a few years ago. I didn't keep them shaved though.