Hi everyone! I have been on HRT (estradiol and an anti-androgen) for almost 2 weeks now, and am super-psyched about that!! I am getting antsy about my transition though and want every thing to go much faster, I'm sure everyone going through it has been there. I have created my own transition time table, with roughly when I want to get things done by, and that has helped me so much in just staying calm and knowing there's a plan in place, even if I have to change it a bit later on. Staring with hair removal is one of my next big steps, and I am not sure when I should start that. My doctor told me that laser removal is a good way to start, as it is usually cheaper and paves the way for electrolysis. But how long should I wait to start doing this while I let the hormones take effect? Three months? Six? Thanks for any advice, I am very anxious to get this facial hair cleared up asap!

-Jess-

I did six sessions of laser about a year before HRT, and it did a good job in some areas, but not much in the thicker areas. Then I started electrolysis two months before starting HRT.

I'd recommend starting early because if your hair is anything like mine, it'll grow a lot slower on HRT. In the beginning I needed to go for 24 hours without shaving before sessions, but now I need almost a week of no shaving for the hairs to be long enough.

Already on HRT?  You should do it yesterday!  The sooner the beard shadow goes away, the sooner you will look your best.

I don't think there is a wrong time to start hair removal, it's not even really a transition thing as anyone and everyone generally wants hair controlled. If there is some official hair removal hair regret group out there let me know.
As an aside if you have never disclosed to associates you may be interested in hair removal there can be questions when you get started.

Thanks everyone! I contacted a local electrologist a little while ago, and they also said I should wait til the hormones start taking effect. weird. anyway, I guess I'll start looking into laser hair removal soon then. Thanks again!

Quote from: Jill F on November 17, 2013, 02:37:49 PM
Already on HRT?  You should do it yesterday!  The sooner the beard shadow goes away, the sooner you will look your best.

Tell me about it, this beard line, even with heavy make-up, is not helping me pass at all!

Yeah I would say ASAP because the hormones might slow down facial hair growth and also thin the hair, possibly making hair removal less effective. Of course, the hindrance may be negligible. But I think at least with laser, the thicker and darker the hair, the more effective it is.

HRT won't reduce facial hair for most people, but *can* make the hair lighter and finer - which makes laser more difficult or impossible. (And as laser is the cheaper, faster method...) My laser tech also said to start before HRT b/c the hormones would make it hurt more, and that certainly came true in my experience.

Laser meant I was 99% hair-free within six months, which was priceless.

Everyone is right.  Get started on laser right away.  Since it looks like you have light skin/dark hair, laser should work really well for you.  Do your research on types of lasers... you want a place that has the right type of laser to be most effective for your skin/hair type, and someone with plenty of experience. 

Check out this site for more info.  http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/35257/LASER_FREQUENTLY_ASKED_QUESTIO.html#Post35257

It should help you figure out what will work best for you, and what type of laser you should be looking for.  Figure out where you fall on the Fitzpatrick Skin Chart, and then what lasers are recommended for that skin type.  If you are type I-III, I would suggest finding a place with a Candela GentleLASE Alexandrite laser.  I've also heard good things about Lumenis LightSheer Diode lasers, and they work on skin types I-IV. 

This page also gives guidance on what sort of questions to ask, and how to find a clinic in your area with the laser you are looking for. http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/31339/Questions_to_ask_when_choosing.html#Post31339

Hi!

If you hair growth has slowed down then maybe you should consider using Lightsheer Diode, because best results can be achieved with exceeding shorter hair lengths.  The laser can carry lots of heat down shorter than longer hair paths into the follicle. I had my first session a fortnight ago, and she told me to have a really close shave for best results, and less pain.

Bye!

Now, Today!!!

I had laser treatment early in life however I did not have all hairs removed. Now electrolysis is the only choice, such pain & expense & time is required.

Start now girl friend.

Quote from: Jill F on November 17, 2013, 02:37:49 PM
Already on HRT?  You should do it yesterday!  The sooner the beard shadow goes away, the sooner you will look your best.

Yes!! If I didn't have the immediate blue shadow right after shaving, maybe I'd pass now... at least as very androgynous. I get lots of double takes now. ASAP is always the correct answer.

Have your laser tech zap you every 3-4 weeks if possible. Cis women get zapped every 6 weeks to allow the hair to recover and grow back (to be zapped again). I'm on a 3 week schedule and having AWESOME results after 4 sessions.

Watch out for anything that has "IPL" if you go for laser. IPL stands for intense pulsed light and has a much wider spectrum of wavelengths, and not actually laser. It's not focused enough to permanently remove male pattern facial hair, though it does work temporarily.

Look for either the alexandrite laser, or lightsheer diode laser. Those are the best as they are at around 810nm wavelength and perfect for hair removal in this area. Don't settle for anything less, it would be a waste of time, money, and pain. Always ask what model of laser they use before signing up for a package. And you can always ask us here if you have any questions

Good luck!

Quote from: Jennygirl on November 19, 2013, 04:08:16 PM
Watch out for anything that has "IPL" if you go for laser. IPL stands for intense pulsed light and has a much wider spectrum of wavelengths, and not actually laser. It's not focused enough to permanently remove male pattern facial hair, though it does work temporarily.

Look for either the alexandrite laser, or lightsheer diode laser. Those are the best as they are at around 810nm wavelength and perfect for hair removal in this area. Don't settle for anything less, it would be a waste of time, money, and pain. Always ask what model of laser they use before signing up for a package. And you can always ask us here if you have any questions

Good luck!

I only know the lightsheer duet... but it's totally awesome! There's a big laser and a little one... the big one pinches your skin and does a HUGE area (relatively speaking, but still...!) The little one sends fire (and brimstone) into your most tender areas (the bony ones that can't be pinched).

Hope that doesn't scare you off... it's the best feeling in the world killing all that androgen based hair!! (The endorphin rush sure does help, too).

The best time to start anything is in the past. The next best time is tomorrow. I agree with everyone else that you should start right away as it can take several session to clear out and your results are related to your hair growth cycles.

I think I get it... start TODAY!!! LOL, thanks everyone for the info and encouragement! I made a consultation appointment with a LHR specialist and hopefully soon after I'll have my first session. I've only been on HRT for 2 weeks now, so I don't think my facial hair has really gotten much shorter or lighter yet. Down the road, if I want to get the rest of my body hair zapped that might be harder, but I don't have enough money to make that a top priority at this point. The face is the most important thing to clear right now.

Quote from: FinallyMe84 on November 20, 2013, 11:14:36 AM
I think I get it... start TODAY!!! LOL, thanks everyone for the info and encouragement! I made a consultation appointment with a LHR specialist and hopefully soon after I'll have my first session. I've only been on HRT for 2 weeks now, so I don't think my facial hair has really gotten much shorter or lighter yet. Down the road, if I want to get the rest of my body hair zapped that might be harder, but I don't have enough money to make that a top priority at this point. The face is the most important thing to clear right now.

I understand that, depending on genetics and YMMV, HRT (AA's specifically) will reduce or eliminate body hair. It depends on the area and your own body.

Quote from: Jennygirl on November 19, 2013, 04:08:16 PM
Watch out for anything that has "IPL" if you go for laser. IPL stands for intense pulsed light and has a much wider spectrum of wavelengths, and not actually laser. It's not focused enough to permanently remove male pattern facial hair, though it does work temporarily.

Look for either the alexandrite laser, or lightsheer diode laser. Those are the best as they are at around 810nm wavelength and perfect for hair removal in this area. Don't settle for anything less, it would be a waste of time, money, and pain. Always ask what model of laser they use before signing up for a package. And you can always ask us here if you have any questions

Good luck!

Thanks Jenny! The place I'm going uses the Alexandrite laser! It's $175 per session for the face, but they have a package for getting the face and neck done which is only $800. With about 7-8 appointments that's some significant savings!

That's a really good price, especially if it is performed by a doctor and not a nurse/technician.

You should go for it!

I just got back from my 9th session... Holy crap I'm more swollen this time than any other time on the upper lip (the only place with any hair left at all really). He messed with the settings to target finer hairs and I think that was the difference. My face is on fire!

Can't wait to start this.  I just wish I could more cash somewhere to it with.

Quote from: Jennygirl on November 21, 2013, 02:35:02 PM
That's a really good price, especially if it is performed by a doctor and not a nurse/technician.

You should go for it!

I just got back from my 9th session... Holy crap I'm more swollen this time than any other time on the upper lip (the only place with any hair left at all really). He messed with the settings to target finer hairs and I think that was the difference. My face is on fire!

Ouch! Hope you recovered from it pretty fast! So, is that pretty much your last laser treatment for your face? You look great, btw

I am def going for it, gonna have my first sesh in early Dec 

Quote from: Sophia Hawke on November 21, 2013, 03:02:48 PM
Can't wait to start this.  I just wish I could more cash somewhere to it with.

That is always a concern, part of the reason I've waited this long to start it