If you currently have facial or body hair that conflicts with your gender identity – first off, we’re sorry to hear that you’re going through that. Dealing with unwanted body hair is always frustrating and must be even more so when it doesn’t feel aligned with your gender identity.
The good news is, you CAN get rid of unwanted facial or body hair for good. Laser hair removal is a safe, popular permanent hair removal option for all genders, including transgender individuals.
We’ll go over how laser hair removal works, its benefits, and how it can support you throughout your transition (or just make your current hair removal routine more low-maintenance) along with some tips on finding inclusive, non-judgmental solutions tailored to your needs. (Plus, a discreet, pain-free, clinically-tested laser hair removal alternative you can use in the privacy of your home!)
Laser Hair Removal for Transgender Individuals
Laser hair removal can provide a permanent reduction in facial hair or body hair. It works by using single-beam lasers to target individual hairs at the follicle. With continued treatment, those hairs become weaker over time and are eventually destroyed, causing hair to stop growing back.
Laser hair removal must be done by a professional at a clinic, and it’s priced per area. It’s one of the most expensive permanent hair removal options out there and can get especially expensive if you have a lot of body hair to target.
Combining laser hair removal with HRT is safe and can help accelerate results. You can get laser hair removal done before HRT, while on HRT, or after doing HRT once hair growth patterns stabilize.
Laser Hair Removal Resources for Trans Individuals
Some transgender organizations offer grants or other support for people seeking gender-affirming permanent hair removal:
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Trans Lifeline Microgrants – Trans Lifeline offers microgrants for gender-affirming hair removal, including laser hair removal. (As of this writing, this grant program is paused until further notice, but Translifeline hopes to resume distribution soon.)
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Point of Pride Fund – Point of Pride has a support fund for qualifying transgender individuals seeking electrolysis for gender-affirming hair removal.
The following resources don’t have to do with hair removal specifically, but if you’re seeking support throughout your transition or simply through being a trans or gender-diverse individual in the world right now, the following organizations are here to provide support, advice, and help:
Finding a Transgender Laser Hair Removal Provider
You absolutely deserve to feel comfortable during treatment. Here are some tips for finding a compassionate, inclusive laser hair removal provider near you:
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Ask your doctor. If you’ve received gender-affirming surgery or other medical care, ask your doctor for specific resources. Some healthcare clinics that offer gender-affirming care also offer laser hair removal for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. If not, they may be able to give you a referral for an inclusive provider. (Note that laser hair removal typically is not covered by insurance, even performed as part of gender-affirming surgery.)
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Ask around about friends’ experiences. Consult friends that you trust or local community groups for their advice.
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Search public clinic reviews for the word “trans” or “transition.” Good or bad, you might find the information you’re looking for.
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Ask when you inquire. Before you book, before you commit, send a quick email or make a quick phone call and ask if they treat transgender patients, just to get a pulse check. It’s not a given, but it can help you know if they’re likely to be safe or not.
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When in doubt, DIY. Laser hair removal itself should only be performed by a professional, but permanent hair removal alternatives like IPL can safely be used at home with similar results.
Related:
Is It Safe to Do Hair Removal At Home?
Does At-Home IPL Laser Hair Removal Really Work?
Laser Hair Removal, Compared
Let’s take a look at just about all of your hair removal options and see how laser hair removal stacks up:
|
Method |
Price |
Permanent? |
Maintenance |
Pain level |
DIY? |
|
Laser Hair Removal |
$$$$ |
Yes |
6-8 sessions over 6-12 months, then 1x/year |
4/5 |
No |
|
At-home IPL |
$$ |
Yes |
6-12 sessions over 6-12 weeks, then as needed |
2/5 |
Yes |
|
Electrolysis |
$$$$ |
Yes |
10-18 sessions over 12-18 months, then 1x/year |
4.5/5 |
No |
|
Shaving |
$ |
No |
2-3x/week |
2.5/5 |
Yes |
|
Waxing |
$$$ |
No |
Once every 3-4 weeks |
3.5/5 |
Either |
|
Epilating |
$$$ |
No |
Once every 3-4 weeks |
3.5/5 |
Either |
|
Hair removal creams |
$ |
No |
2-3x/week |
2.5/5 |
Yes |
If you’re looking for a more affordable permanent hair removal solution or you’re apprehensive about visiting a clinic, consider at-home IPL permanent hair removal. It’s similar to laser hair removal in that it uses light technology to target hair follicles at the root, but it uses broad-spectrum light pulses, making it easier, less painful, and safe to DIY at home.
At-home IPL devices like Lumi offer safe, effective hair removal you can do in the privacy of your own home. Plus, Lumi offers full results much faster than other permanent hair removal methods – think 6-12 weeks versus a year or more.
Like laser hair removal, IPL home treatment works just about anywhere – arms, legs, chest, external pubic area, face (below the cheekbones). But while laser hair removal is priced per area, Lumi is available at a one-time cost – already making it way more affordable if you’re targeting just one body area, but ESPECIALLY if you have multiple areas you need to remove hair from. It’s pain-free, easy to use, and FDA-cleared to offer a permanent reduction in facial and body hair.
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Related:
At-Home Laser Hair Removal vs Alternatives
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
FAQs
Is laser hair removal safe for trans individuals?
Yes, laser hair removal is clinically proven to be safe and effective. It’s an option for trans individuals and all gender identities, provided their skin tone and hair color makes them a good candidate.
Can laser hair removal target specific areas like the face or chest?
Yes, laser hair removal can target specific areas, including the face and chest. It’s typically priced per area.
How does laser hair removal work on different skin tones and hair types?
Laser hair removal uses melanin to target hair follicles, so it works best when there’s contrast between hair and skin. It may not be suitable for light blonde, red, or gray hair, or very dark skin. Ask your provider whether laser hair removal is a fit for your skin tone and hair type.
Is at-home IPL as effective as professional treatments?
Yes. Like professional treatments, certain at-home IPL devices like Lumi are clinically proven and FDA-cleared to provide a permanent reduction in body hair. They also do so faster than professional treatments like laser or electrolysis.
How long will it take to see results?
It typically takes 6-8 sessions performed over the course of 6-12 months to see full laser hair removal results.
