Question
I'm transgendered (M F) and have finally decided to do something about it. I'm also exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy, but haven't started (currently in counseling - discussing options). Anyways...
I'm looking at getting my facial hair removed. I have some basic questions that seem pretty common. My concerns:
I've seen people refer to their "skin types". Not sure what that means. I'm not sure if I'm a good candidate for LHR. The hair I'm looking to get removed varies from mid-blonde to light reddish brown (darker where it is thicker - goatee & moustache). I'm very pale skinned and freckle (and sunburn) easily.
Cost is a issue. I guess I would need 3-4 treatments, but am curious as to how much this typically runs. I'm in Keene NH, but might get treatment in Portland ME.
I know this next one probably depends on the person. I'm curious as to how "damaging" this is to the skin. Am I looking at redness/irritation that will last a while (like a sunburn) or something that fades more quickly (like eyebrow waxing)? Basically am I going to be presentable in public after treatment?
What about shaving? Do I need any stubble for treatment? Not shaving for a couple days (beard grows slowly) isn't something I normally do, but could if needed. Subsequent treatments make that more difficult (patchiness is common?) Would I be able to shave post-treatment (for the first couple at least) or do I need to let my skin relax and heal?
If I'm looking a 5 months (or so) and $500 - $600 (guess), how long should this last? Am I looking a single touchup treatment annually? Electrolysis may be an option of I have a few stubborn hairs that aren't staying dead.
How does HRT play into hair removal? Facial hair growth is slowed, so I'm guessing my treatments should "last" longer - less frequent touch-ups.
As I stated in the beginning, this is all very new to me. Please help! Thank you.
- e

Answer
I'm transgendered (M F) and have finally decided to do something about it. I'm also exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy, but haven't started (currently in counseling - discussing options). Anyways...
I'm looking at getting my facial hair removed. I have some basic questions that seem pretty common. My concerns:
I've seen people refer to their "skin types". Not sure what that means. I'm not sure if I'm a good candidate for LHR. The hair I'm looking to get removed varies from mid-blonde to light reddish brown (darker where it is thicker - goatee & moustache). I'm very pale skinned and freckle (and sunburn) easily.
Cost is a issue. I guess I would need 3-4 treatments, but am curious as to how much this typically runs. I'm in Keene NH, but might get treatment in Portland ME.
I know this next one probably depends on the person. I'm curious as to how "damaging" this is to the skin. Am I looking at redness/irritation that will last a while (like a sunburn) or something that fades more quickly (like eyebrow waxing)? Basically am I going to be presentable in public after treatment?
What about shaving? Do I need any stubble for treatment? Not shaving for a couple days (beard grows slowly) isn't something I normally do, but could if needed. Subsequent treatments make that more difficult (patchiness is common?) Would I be able to shave post-treatment (for the first couple at least) or do I need to let my skin relax and heal?
If I'm looking a 5 months (or so) and $500 - $600 (guess), how long should this last? Am I looking a single touchup treatment annually? Electrolysis may be an option of I have a few stubborn hairs that aren't staying dead.
How does HRT play into hair removal? Facial hair growth is slowed, so I'm guessing my treatments should "last" longer - less frequent touch-ups.
As I stated in the beginning, this is all very new to me. Please help! Thank you.
- e

Answer
For your color hair, laser is not really a good option. Laser works by being attracted to the dark pigment against white skin, so the darker the hair and the whiter the skin, the better the results. Unfortunately, laser doesn't really work on blond or red hair. Electrolysis is probably your best bet for this area.

Answer
Thank you for your response. I'll look into electrolysis.
- e