I'm really enjoying reading through all the responses and the discussion. I'm really grateful for everyone's responses so far.

I did 3 or 4 laser treatments a couple years ago with a diode laser I think. But I didn't feel it was really doing what it should. My hair never really fell out like it should have, it's almost like the laser wasn't strong enough or something. Anyway, I've sort of passed up the idea of doing laser again just because I wasn't sure it was really working for me and have gone straight to electrolysis now because at least I know it works for most people.

But I am a Type I, so I am wondering if maybe I found an Alexandrite laser if that might be more effective on me. I just really don't want to waste money on this if it's going to be the same kind of result.

As far as my electrolysis goes I'm going to try and go for 90-120 minutes this week, and then maybe move up to 3 hours next week if everything is okay. It's been 6 days since my appointment and my neck still looks a little spotty where I had the electrolysis. Seems like last time it cleared up faster than this time, it took a good 3 days for the red spots to go away (although the bumps went down within a day). I really hope I don't have any scarring or anything - but I also want the settings high enough to be effective. Am looking forward to what the electrologist says tomorrow when she takes a look.

I have been pricing laser in the Dallas area and there seem to be some really good deals out there with the economy in the tank. I found a couple of places in Plano,TX that were only $150 per session or less for a full beard treatment.  It just seems like an easy decission to get laser first then use electrolysis for anything left after 5 or 6 treatments. I have dark beard hair and tan easily so I'm going to start keeping spf 50 on my face to lighten the tan so it will be more effective.

Quote from: K8 on November 02, 2010, 07:52:58 AM
From what I can find in the medical literature (I'm not a doctor), HRT has little or no effect on facial hair once it is established.  I didn't have to shave regularly until I was 25, so before that HRT may have had some effect on my facial hair.  But once the facial hair is well established, HRT will have only a marginal effect on the growth and texture of the hair.  HRT affects the skin, so there may be some appearance of change in facial hair but I don't think that the hair itself is changed.  A few people may experience slower growth of the hair, but not everyone does.

From what I can see, the bottom line is that you might as well start electro as soon as possible.  Use laser to get the hairs that can be killed that way, but if you have blonde or white hairs you will need electrolysis.

- Kate

Just to step in. I agree with virtually everyone, go get lasered/electro ASAP. I'm doing laser and it has been spectacular so far. I have had one complete beard which is three sessions. I start the next, next week. Yippeee.
On the HRT question Kate is both right and wrong (sorry Hun). Hair growth follows a cycle that has been well characterised, I even published a paper on it when I was 20 . HRT will change the cycle of hair growth, no it won't stop hair from growing but it will adjust the time cycle. It is of course the combination of the AAs with P&E that has the effect. If you get hair removal before going on AA you are trying to remove hair on a male hair growth cycle which is quicker than a female hair growth cycle. The idea is to get zapped as the new cycle begins, typically for human females every six weeks or so, male hair growth cycle is a lot quicker. On the male cycle you may never get the chance to clear the dominant follicles, they are too active. On the female cycle you can clear the waves of follicles progressively. Hence people on a male cycle can get zapped for ages and have little effect.

Having read through this I will climb into my Professorial corner and say I don't understand a word of that, sorry.

But, get zapped ASAP and as soon as you start AA&HRT it should improve. As many have said laser works best on dark hair in light skin, it covers about one cm a zap. Electro goes hair for hair.

None of the 'home' machines are worth diddly.

Cindy

I'm butting in for a question : why do people want to go for laser then electro, instead of doing just electro ? Is laser cheaper per hour ?

Quote from: A on November 03, 2010, 05:21:24 PM
I'm butting in for a question : why do people want to go for laser then electro, instead of doing just electro ? Is laser cheaper per hour ?

Because laser works on a patch of skin instead of individual hairs it is quicker at doing the initial "first pass" clearance.

You then end up with many fewer hairs to "finish off" with the electrolysis. So in terms of elapsed time it shortens the time taken to complete the job by maybe 6 months or so.

Okay, thanks. Too bad mine is un-laser-able since it's too pale, though. Anyway, laser is not proven to be permanent, so I guess electro is safer.

Quote from: A on November 03, 2010, 05:33:44 PM
Okay, thanks. Too bad mine is un-laser-able since it's too pale, though. Anyway, laser is not proven to be permanent, so I guess electro is safer.

Actually that isn't quite correct. The process of killing is heat whether the method is thermolysis, Blend electrolysis, or shortwave diathermy.

They ALL use the same method to kill the hair - thus if one works they all do!

What everyone gets confused over is the fact the laser is not "approved" and that is simply because it wont work on all types of hair and skin - so as you yourself said it isn't suitable for everyone. Further more can not effect a complete kill of all hairs,  because some stubborn remainders turn white rather than dying. Thus is not suitable for a stand alone treatment.

But yes it is permanent in that the hairs which are killed are indeed killed, just as with electro by heat!

Just starting electrolysis myself.
Had one laser treatment last year and had massive breakout on face from that.
I tried to get expert advice, from a trans lady that's a beautician,  who's been there and done that.
She told me electrolysis is the way to go , and permanent fix problem until less. Hrt effects hair growth , it is ideal to get "T" levels under 5 or under 2.5 for best results.
The skill levels of operators can vary widely. You looking for someone that's skilled in working with trans ladies and fast.
I update on my personal progress

HRT or not, the sooner you start facial hair removal, the better.