Okay, so right now I just quit my old job and moved back with my parents (yeah...I know) and even though I am not presenting nor will I be for prolly a couple months, I hate hate HATE my facial hair like nobody's business. I have been shaving every day as close as I can get (against the growth, too) and in addition to the occasional slice this is causing majorly BAD razor bumbs all over my neck (where my hair is the worst - I've got like none on my face, chin, and upper lip).

I am really too broke for laser hair removal right now, but I want to start that as soon as I get a job (BONUS of living with parents, NO bills, lolz, so any money I make can go to what I need for my transition). But, in the meantime, I seriously need to solve this problem cuz not only do the razor bumps themselves hurt and look like sheeit, they prevent me from getting as close a shave and thus there is stubble left over (gaawd). Plus, now I won't be able to shave for like 3 days till they go away and even though I won't get a lot of facial hair in that time (the way mine grows) it will be enough to make me feel like garbage.

I have heard epilators are good for getting rid of hairs and getting smooth skin. Has anyone tried this? Any other tips on what you've done/what you're doing pre-laser/electro are much appreciated. This has been quite a...dysphoric day for me. I will be honest, there have been some frustrated tears and the mirror is my ENEMY.

P.S.

Today is my one month monthiversary on HRT - yaaay, lolz!

Unfortunately, for facial hair an epilator is not an option. Facial hair is simply just to dense to pluck out without bawling your eyes out.

As much as it might suck, don't shave against the grain, or get some really moisturizing/soft shaving cream when you shave against the grain.

I know how you feel, I hate it, but I just try to muster all my strength to pretend its not there.

Laser and/or Electrolysis are pretty much the only way to go in terms of facial hair removal...

I'll second what Skye said about the epilator. They are fine for leg, arm, and body hair but they hurt like hell on the neck and face. Trust me I tried it once and never will again.

About razor burn: use oil. The blades will glide smoothly over the skin; no scraping. Both with the grain and against the grain. I use virgin coconut oil.