Facial Hair Removal and Hormones

[AnAnxiousMess]

So, random question for the group...

 

I'm currently in a space where I cannot actually begin transitioning (family, partner, general fear and anxiety), but am hoping/looking to do whatever small things I can—minor insurrections, I guess you could call them, against masculinity. I'm AMAB hoping to one day go MtF, but right now it's restricted to clothing, makeup, and hair. I'm looking into laser hair removal for my face—I'm a good candidate, apparently, with very pale skin and very dark hair—but I have two questions for those who've been where I am or even further:

 

Is it worth doing if also not doing HRT—as in, will it be effective enough if I remain in this body?

 

Second, I don't have a beard, have never grown one, and just have persistent 5 o'clock shadow no matter how often or well I shave... Did any of you find that, post laser hair removal, family or close friends took notice of it? As in, is the effect so obvious as to draw attention from those you might not want to draw attention from? I figured if that's the case I could always lie and say I just had it waxed, or I could say a half-truth, which is that as someone with super dry skin shaving has always hurt and I got tired of that, but I'm curious to hear from others as well.

 

Also, anyone in Canada have experience with NewDermamed? I had a consultation with them earlier today and am curious if I should look around more before signing up for eight sessions at around $1,600.

[Carolyn Marie]

HRT for trans women has no effect on facial hair, unfortunately.  So whether you get HRT or not, it won't effect how well your LHR or electrolysis will be.  Either way, you should be left with an almost hair-free face, which I gather is not something you really want, at least right now.  So why not wait until you are ready to take that step?  Rushing things could easily complicate your life.

 

Carolyn Marie

[AnAnxiousMess]

It is definitely what I want, I just don't want to draw too much attention in doing it. That said, doing so might force some conversations, which is not necessarily a bad thing... just a scary thing.

 

thank you for the info, though. I'm glad to know it's something that won't be impacted whether or not I wind up doing HRT.

[Jani]

You could either ignore the comments or say you strongly dislike shaving.  That is a common enough complaint to be plausible.  It will be easier to bear now as with estrogen your skin will change and it will (may) be more painful.  

[Laura76]

Early in my transition whenever anyone says anything about me and shaving, I would ask them if they are willing to shave my face each morning for me. Of course they wouldn't so, I would always respond with,  "you can do whatever you want with your face, let me decide what do to with mine."