I don't post a lot because it is still scary for me but ya, gonna do it anyways so here goes.

After debating for awhile about whether or not to shave/remove my body hair (hate it), yesterday I took the plunge and did it. Well did half, the lower half. I was deciding on whether or not to do the rest but ran out of hot water LOL!

Part of the reason I was debating was because I knew it would take forever and the upkeep is a time sucking chore but also because I was scared because it is quite a change in appearance and well, I like never change my appearance ever. So far nobody has noticed but really it is because I haven't really done anything or gone out since then yet and ya, am pretty scared about what happens when that does happen. When/if that does happen basically I plan on just saying, I hate body hair so ya, it is gone, which is true.

So ya, basically, am wondering if I should take the plunge again and do the rest or wait and go slow? I do love how it feels oh so nice and smooth, my lower half that I did that is, but at the same time is also feels kinda weird, like I am naked now w/o all that hair covering/hiding me lol. It also made me look much more whiter than I thought!

Another reason why I was thinking about doing the rest today is cuz well it is summer here (barely), way below normal temps so not hot at all recently, but summer still, so like if I was wearing shorts could see smooth legs and hairy Chewbacca like arms (not quite that bad tho), so it would prolly look terrible! But not shaving means I still have the option to hide and I tend to hide..

So anyone have any words of advice or encouragement? How was it when you first did it and was noticed by friends/family/strangers?

Thanks in advance !

I was like you. To mow the lawn or let it grow and wait and hope some dies off in time with HRT.

I just gave up one day and started with little at a time and soon wow all i wanted was off.

Yes maintenance is a must but much easier with just stubble.

I bought a epilator for my legs and that kept it gone longer.

Now years later its just normal legs and underarms.

Electrolysis here and there on my face.

Ps do not be scared at posting. It is all good and there is never a bad question, never.

Shaving my arms was one of the few defining moments of my life. When I first saw my arms the way I've always wished they could look, I had such euphoria. I knew in my heart, I could never, ever go back. (More details here).

YMMV, of course.

I agree with Suzi and Izzy the euphoria was amazing! Now maintenance is so easy and really relaxes me. Nothing quite like a warm bubble bath and female maintenance. Talk about feeling feminine! It was one of the very first outside changes I made when deciding to transition. I am like you though and have been tanning regularly now. EECK blinding white skin!!  Now it is tan and smooth. Do what makes you comfortable though. 

I think you should go for it, and get rid of that hair!

Posting can be quite scary even after you've been doing it for a long time. Try not to worry too much because we're all here to support you. I remember the first time I shaved my legs, it was a great feeling and I did notice how much lighter my skin looked. I actually shaved just about everywhere when I first started and I loved it and have been doing so for about 2 years now. I shave quite frequently and it feels awkward and weird if I don't and I hate seeing and feeling it on my body. I think you should give it a go, it'd make you feel a lot more feminine! No one I knew really cared or noticed and I don't think strangers would even care at all. Try it out, it'll be a new and exciting experience for you. Do what makes you happy! ^_^

Had my arms waxed a few times... now hardly anything grows. Been three months since the last time and is still hairy less than many cis women. Still going in for another in a month or so.

Reading replies is actually much harder for me than posting. Took me awhile to open this lol. I'm weird..

I will prolly do it tomorrow or w/e I have spare time when I shower next, since will prolly take awhile. Still pretty freaked out by what others might think/say/do if/when they notice but I will have to do it sometime anyway, might as well get it over with, right!?!

I was planning on waiting till I started hrt because I hoped it would slow down growth and make it thinner but seeing as god only knows when that might be (stupid gatekeeping therapist of mine  ) and seeing on how it still looks ok and pretty smooth after a day now, prolly will just do it.

The joy of waxing! For me arms and legs were never too great an issue....but chest hair and that bit at the top of the back, just a bit painful. I feel good for having it done, but my partner still really hates it. So it goes.

Actually, you're not weird. I'm the same haha. Sometimes I feel like I might of said something bad or stupid or probably come off as weird but hey, everyone's different and weird in their own way. ^_^

Shaved feels so nice!

I was pretty lucky, the males in my family aren't particularly hairy.  I first started when I was at university - it was just so much easier to clean up my gravel rash from roller blade falls.  (Well that was the excuse).   Never grew arm hair.

Just get rid of it if it bothers you - the rate it comes back drops as HRT kicks in, and most people have got better things to do than to stare at your legs. 

I was very hairy and the first time I shaved my legs, I was amazed at the result.  Bloody stuff grew back.  It was then I realised the maintenance required.  So I got an epilator and started making sure it was a regular job.  My wife used to wax my back and shoulders.  Since HRT, the back and shoulder hair has gone and everything else has slowed.  Nothing much hurts either.  It gets easier but it was daunting at first.  I have (over the past 5 years or so) never had any comment about having no leg or arm hair.  It just is what it is.  So go for it if that is what YOU prefer and that is your answer if anyone asks - I prefer it this way.

You're not weird for being afraid to post about any of these issues. You brought up a question I myself had.

I spent a good 15 minutes in the shower one day shaving a patch of my lower leg and got frustrated by both the wasted water and how long it was taking. This was a month ago, that one patch is still semi smooth and I love the way it feels. Need to dedicate a day to shaving and this time will use the electric razor first, then climb in the shower for the rest. My only concern is it's summer, haven't started treatment yet, and hesitant about wearing shorts with bare legs. Though, I could lie and say I'm a swimmer (which I do love, but I'm not that dedicated, I swim for fun).

Facial hair is different, I have to shave daily, and I hate it

I love having hairless arms and legs. I just find it incredibly depressing when mine grows back crazy fast

People don't notice these things. Once you start hair removal you really can't go back.  It just feels and looks so good.  The face is the major challenge and it always takes the longest.  A good tip is to start beard removal as early as possible.  A beard free face helps you look younger, feels really good and requires less makeup.

Aisla

I always shave my whole body all 3-4 days. Not that I am very hairy (I dont have much hair after I started the HRT, but I want everything to be perfectly silk). I would always advice to remove all the body hair because it has been for decades that women do that for their esthetical presence (it goes back to the egyptian women who did that with sugaring). I will get a philips lumea precision + soon to remove my hair permanently (it costs 700 € but it has many many good reviews and my friend has this on her own and I can agree she is hair free). Anyway I never limit my time down when it comes to my body hygiene and beauty stuff. Thats why I probably shower for 45 minutes when ever I shave. For caretake of the skin I always go with a moisturizing cream + sun screen at the begin of march to get no skin aging due to tanning. I also oil my skin with body oil after it. Try my steps and you will never want to return, I mean my skin feels as smooth as baby skin especially on longterm. I hope my tips help you out :3

Have already started facial hair removal, had 4 sessions of laser so far, gonna be an endless battle I'm afraid! I just got so much of it . Was thinking bout having her do arms/legs but I'm sure that would cost an arm and a leg (hehe), and I have other things I need to spend my $$ on first.

So a few days after shaving, legs are still somewhat smooth but can def see and feel the stubble coming back (damn black hair!). Unfortunately also have quite a bit of redness, mostly on my upper legs, which can be hidden by shorts at least, so now am wondering how I can avoid that if I do arms cuz can't hide that. It was a brand new razor and blade btw that I used.

Thanks for all the replies everyone, much love!!