Going Fulltime before Laser Hair Removal

[Guest]

Hi all, I am really wanting to go fulltime. I have not done any laser treatments yet on my face and was wondering how many of you all went fulltime before getting laser done?

I've been timing my facial hair growth, and though my hair is coming back more sporadic due to HRT, I am still having to shave daily. I am able to shave in the morning and not feel or see any stubble until late in the evening. With that said, I'd be able to go to work all day without any worries.

-Milani

[Jani]

Milani you can do it, it just takes a bit of attention related to face care. I understand you don't need to have any hair showing for laser so that works to your advantage as you can continue to shave. You'll be red for a while after treatments so lotion and foundation can help with that.

I am doing electrolysis so for the two days I let the hair grow I just stay in and around the house. My beard hair is mostly white and there's not many dark hairs left. You look very feminine so I would say you should have no issue at all.

Cheers,

Jani

[Guest Kaylee]

Hi Milani,

I know this doesn't answer your question, but I did a lot of laser prior to going full time, but just before I came out... I also had a full beard.

I waited an extra 6 months waiting for the beard to die down.

If you feel you are ready, and have no issues with being bristly by the end of the day... I say go for it

[Guest AllisonRae]

Hi Milani,

I started laser 2 months prior to starting HRT last year. I feel I should of waited now. HRT helps tremendously! I just did session 9 a few weeks ago and am becoming pretty smooth now. If you are not currently using a moisturizer, you probably should consiser it since laser does cause skin irritation. And for a day moisturizer, make sure it has sunblock. You need to have your complexion as light as possible for best results with laser.

Hugs

Allie

[Charlize]

We are all different. I've been on HRT and have been full time for 3+ years now and have yet to do anything but shave. I'm also able to get away with once in the morning. I'd like to have that gone and may still get electrolysis but it wasn't a reason to not go full time for me.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Kaylee]

Allie did mention something I think could be important to some, regarding laser and timing with HRT.

I'd had 7 laser sessions, and was really quite smooth. About that same time, by T spiked almost to male levels. My beard went crazy, and started growing again, and I lost tons of progress.

I would certainly wait for laser until on HRT.

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

As one who proudly proclaims to have done most of her transition completely out of order (someone has to be an example of what not to do), I did go full time before laser. However, it required a lot of makeup to conceal the beard shadow I had, and I also had to time my outings to 7 hours or less and then hurry back home. (think Cinderella's carriage but it turned into a beard instead of a pumpkin)

I don't recommend this, quite frankly. It took a lot of effort, time, and makeup. Just waiting until you've had a few laser sessions first will make a big difference.

[Guest]

Wow thank you all for sharing your experiences, advice and thoughts on this. I think I am still going to roll forward with going fulltime (just can't take it anymore!) prior to getting my laser done.

Jani - I think that I might do the same thing that you had done when it comes time for my laser treatments. I have lots of vacation time, so I guess it would be ok for me to take off from work to let the stubble grow in.

Charlize - Yes, I am feeling the same way... I don't feel that its a total showstopper... It'll just be an extra task.

Lizzie - I totally envisioned myself doing all of what you mentioned you had done - Curfew, concealer, and effort. Maybe I will also carry around a travel shaving kit in my purse for touch-up shaves

Kaylee and AllisonRae - Sounds like you both had similar experiences with getting laser before HRT. Thank you both for your advice

~Milani

[Guest Promethea]

If you're comfortable go for it!

I went full time with the curse of an always visible beard shadow and didn't wear makeup for the first year! I only started wearing makeup to cover it when I moved to a much more conservative place and had to look for an office job.

I've gotten a few laser sessions, and there is a difference, but it's still there. I do cover it quite well with makeup, though. I feel some days I don't do it quite right, but I think I notice it more than other people.

If you'd like some tips to cover any shadow here's a video I made:

[Guest]

Wow thanks for sharing the vid Promethea!

[Gretchen]

Amazing video. Thank you very much for sharing that Promethea.

[tracy_j]

Good video

Prompting me to try other things

Thank you Promethea

Tracy

[VickySGV]

Good video!! I used that method for a number of years, but found that for me a Brick Red lipstick worked the best (orangeish red). Derma Blend which is a blemish or tattoo cover foundation has been my favorite for wear in bright lighting situations such as when I am doing public speaking and saves the steps of doing the red base and concealer. I have had neither electro or laser hair removal, and have been full time since September of 2011.