Hi Jason, or may I call you Laura?

Cute name and there is no reason to hide here!!

Body hair;  in the initial stages try using Nair or similar products, they can be helpful on body hair, don't use it on your face or near mucus membranes.

Professional waxing is great, and don't be nervous! People of  all genders get their hair waxed. I used to get my back waxed, a difficult place to reach for yourself!!

A female razor, or rather a razor designed for females ,(as I'm pretty sure razors don't have a gender ) can be a lot better on your legs and arms and tummy etc. There is info in the WiKi about how to shave, at least there used to be. Remember to keep well moisturised and to be careful and slow.

Some girls here have had great success with epilators, I nearly climbed the wall and jumped off the roof. No way could I use one.   

The home IPL laser systems are in most people opinions pretty useless. Particularly for us with 'male' hair types which tends to be thicker and more dense. For your face, high power laser or electrolysis are the options.

The home type of lasers appear to work on woman who have very faint hair growth compared to when we are starting off.

If you are going to do laser try a place that treats woman with POCS, they tend to be very experienced with heavy hair growth and have the equipment to handle it. BTW laser works best once you are on HRT. In fact body hair growth changes when you are on HRT.

Most laser places will do a test patch for you. Laser works best on dark hair light skin. My laser people were fantastic, I was the first TG person they had worked and I went in male attire.  They were so lovely and so accepting that they in fact helped my come out. They also gave lots of info on treating my skin properly.

Do remember, most young woman get advice from their peers, magazines, mothers and professional beauticians as they grow through adolescence. We often have to catch up on that knowledge so take it when you can get it.

For example, my hair stylist spent an hour with me the other day teaching me how to brush and style my hair! So much to learn So much fun doing it

Fun things to do? Get your eyebrows professional shaped! Great fun and feels good. Polish your toe nails, if you are reluctant to polish your finger nails. I used to before I went FT and presenting in male attire, no one seemed all that bothered.

In fact you will be amazed on how little people notice, and if you do little things it builds up your confidence, and CONFIDENCE, is the answer. There is NOTHING you need more than confidence.

With confidence you can do anything. I have.

Hugs

Cindy

Hi cindy, your reply is very comforting this morning. I think I may be starting to come to terms with my emotions. Slowly but I'm sure I'll get there.

About my hair as well, its not like male hair. Its fine, dark hair and very soft. Its just that my hair in particular grows at a very fast rate which makes it look quite thick. Its a dark brown colour but as I said its very fine and my skin is almost perfectly white. My skin seems to remove every bit of tan I get. Which is quite disappointing as I would like to have at least a little bit. A bit of the tan I got when I spent 2 weeks in lanzarote has stayed but only minimal on my outer arm, the rest of my body is very much white.

And yes, you may call me Laura. It makes me feel better  .

Hugs.
Laura.

I took some of your advice today and bought myself a new razor. I got really hot and nervous and very much confused when I was standing around the female section in the store. I was worried the looks some people might of given me but I stuck there for about half an hour browsing through and finally managed to pick out a couple of products to help remove some of these spots.
I'm not sure how to start though as I I felt really ill and hot when I was trying to keep from anyone in my house finding out.
I'm going to go for a shower, any links or tips you could provide on how I can start shaving off some of my body hair would be great. I think I'll start with my legs as I normally wear trousers.

I cant wait ;-)

Quote from: Jason_S on January 20, 2013, 06:59:43 AM
I got really hot and nervous and very much confused when I was standing around the female section in the store. I was worried the looks some people might of given me but I stuck there for about half an hour browsing through and finally managed to pick out a couple of products to help remove some of these spots.

That was an amazing flashback. 

You never forget your first time.

Mine was to buy clothes. I was with my boyfriend.

Anyway, sorry to divert your post, this one is about you and you are doing absolutely fine.

Congratulations Laura!!!

That is a big step and a very brave one. Each step is massive but once we start they get easier.

First time you may find the trimmer blade on an electric razor can bring the forest down to a manageable length.

So long since I started shaving the forest that were my legs!!

Ok I hope you have plenty of blades and a face cloth.

Have a nice shower and get nice and warm and relaxed.

I think I started from the ankle and worked up.

Make sure your leg is well covered in shaving foam and start a few strokes at a time, the blades will clog with hair, flush them with water and if needed wipe sideways with the face cloth to get rid of hair, try not to cut yourself doing this . Aim to say get to your knee on each leg. Be very careful around the knees, easy to knick yourself. Remember it isn't a race and it will take a few goes.

The inner thigh is a difficult place to get too. So take care.

After make sure you moisturise. Any baby oil or lotion will do. You may want to use it often. I, and many other girls, moisturise my body after every shower, and sometimes if my legs itch, moisturise again rather than scratching.

Your legs will feel so totally awesome that you may get quite emotional. Even trousers will feel  different caressing  your legs. As for stockings!! well get ready to walk on clouds

Once you start body shaving you may want to start a routine; I didn't say that being female was low maintenance did I? So shaving legs every 40 hours, underarms , chest whatever, keep a cycle going, that way you can stay on top. It also feels good. There is nothing to say that feeling good is a bad thing, so get used to it

You also start to realise why woman go to beauticians and waxing salons etc. It is a lot easier getting someone else to do it for you. And you also realise that looking after yourself is fun and a bit of a chore but we all do it, because it feels and looks good.

Oh and buy a box of elastoplasts!! you will need them, getting nicked is something that takes practice to overcome.

Oh no, I was so nervous I forgot to get any gel or foam. My hair doesnt grow very long and it is very thin. Its my abnormally sensitive skin which makes things more difficult. Its rather thin and will go red from very little irritation. I have to rush back to the shop to get some, I was also thinking of getting wax strips for under my arms. My hair grows back prickly when its very short so I want to get rid of it as much as possible.

Hee Hee.

Be careful Hon. If you have sensitive skin don't self wax the underarms. You may be climbing the wall!!

Lots of lather, and take your time and lots of moisturiser. 

Janet  posted some good tips for shaving as well.

Ok, well I'm back with my things now. I'm so excited. I guess I'll stick to just shaving my armpits then. Maybe get them done at a later date. I'm not confident enough to go to that kind of length just yet.

Off I go then.

Hee Hee

Hugs

Waiting in anticipation - but I have to go to bed!!

Well, it took me just over an hour but I managed to get one leg up to my knee done before people started becoming suspicious. But I have to admit, it feels INCREDIBLE. Its free, I feel even just my jeans on my leg. I can't wait to do the other one later tonight.

I'm going to do half my right leg now. Its amazing just how much of a confidence boost just these simple things are giving me.

I seriously cannot believe I have never done this before. I can't even explain how refreshing it feels to not have any itchy hair at all.
Unfortunately, even though I was very careful with how fast and hard I shaved I still managed to nick the top side of my knee in 2 places. It stings a bit but it should wear off soon.

Well, today has been a real experience for me. I think I spent a total of around 5 hours in the bathroom shaving most of my legs. Went through 3 razors but it was so worth it.
I think to get what I felt was the best result I used the gel I got and shaved it off slowly and carefully, washed it. and repeated twice, for both legs. Then moisturized both legs afterwards while they were still a little damp.
My legs feel smooth, soft and a little bouncy. Its crazy but I could really get used to feeling this way. Its amazing. I would like to start trying some things on but I'm going to go the extra length tomorrow and start removing more of the hair on the upper section of my legs. Carefully of course. I think I'm gonna need some more razors, my hair is fine and came off very easily. Just surprising at just the shear amount of it, didn't look like there was anywhere near as much as I took off 

I'm going to moisturize them one more time tonight before I go to bed and see how it feels in the morning.

Congrats Laura,

Yep I think people get a bit shocked how hairy they can be!! But the first time is the toughest, after that it's maintenance.

Well it was my first day back to work after doing my legs over the weekend. I was so nervous. In fact I almost burst into tears in the bathroom. But I got through it and even told my mum about shaving my legs. She said it was perfectly alright. In fact I showed her when I got home. She says they are very smooth and soft, apparently I have really small ankles.
I will take some pics soon once I get around to doing the top section of my legs.

Quote from: Jason_S on January 21, 2013, 12:10:13 PM
Well it was my first day back to work after doing my legs over the weekend. I was so nervous. In fact I almost burst into tears in the bathroom. But I got through it and even told my mum about shaving my legs. She said it was perfectly alright. In fact I showed her when I got home. She says they are very smooth and soft, apparently I have really small ankles.
I will take some pics soon once I get around to doing the top section of my legs.

Good girl Laura,

It takes time and it is very emotional, we are letting thoughts and feelings see the light of day that we have kept hidden.

-And if you think you are emotional now - wait till you get E through the system

I..i did it. I can't believe it. In the last moments last night before we went to bed, it just kinda popped out of me.
I.actually told my mum how I feel, inside. We spent 2 hours talking last night. I admit it was very emotional for me, I'm still trying to get through my head what made me just blurt it out.
It was a bit confusing for my mum at first, but I think we crossed the first bridge together. My dad is away at the moment and I worry to think what he will say. I'm not going to tell him yet as it frightens me to death.

I still find it difficult at times to be myself, old habits I guess. But I've started in my path to finding the real me. I wonder just how far it will go.

Quote from: Jason_S on January 22, 2013, 05:13:41 AM
I..i did it. I can't believe it. In the last moments last night before we went to bed, it just kinda popped out of me.
I.actually told my mum how I feel, inside. We spent 2 hours talking last night. I admit it was very emotional for me, I'm still trying to get through my head what made me just blurt it out.
It was a bit confusing for my mum at first, but I think we crossed the first bridge together. My dad is away at the moment and I worry to think what he will say. I'm not going to tell him yet as it frightens me to death.

I still find it difficult at times to be myself, old habits I guess. But I've started in my path to finding the real me. I wonder just how far it will go.

It will go where it goes, and you have control. It is your life.

You are a wonderful young woman and you have a great Mum. I think you will find your Dad will be very accepting as well, I think  Mum will make sure of it

I said a few 'days?' ago that when we start there is no going back. Once the girl is out there is no putting her back.

What about the future?

One word, a simple word that many don't understand.

My very very dear Laura.

May I be one of the first to wish you Welcome.

Welcome to :

I can't thank everyone enough for the help they have given me these past few days. I'll continue to update here as my journey progresses. Who knows, in a few months I could be wearing dresses
I continue to shave and cream my legs. It feels wonderful, a bit chilly I must admit as its the middle of winter but thats a small price to pay.

I have completely shaved my legs though now. All the way up. I even went shopping with my mum for some new things. That was fun, I felt less nervous being with someone.

I hope you will stick with me during the ride, I feel its just beginning and I have a long way to go yet. I haven't even begun to think of what physical changes could happen in the time ahead.

By the way, is it normal to get a strange sensation up your spine or round the groinal area when a boy talks to you in a certain way? Kind of like a soft caring voice sends a wonderful sensation up my back. And I felt myself becoming aroused when I was moisturizing the top areas of my legs.

Is that strange?