Excess facial or body hair can be distressing for some transgender and gender diverse individuals. Consistent hormone therapy can sometimes minimize hair growth, or lighten the presence of hair on the body, but hormones alone may not be enough to reduce the amount of hair. Some individuals require other methods of hair removal to achieve satisfying results.
Common methods for hair removal include:
- Laser
- Electrolysis
- Waxing
- Depilating creams
Laser
Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment for individuals who have unwanted hair on their face or body.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy unwanted hair follicles. During a laser hair removal session, a handheld device is used to deliver laser energy to the surface of the skin. The light passes through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment of the hair follicles.
Laser hair removal results in hair reduction (hairs become lighter and finer), but not always complete hair removal. Multiple laser treatment sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.
Laser hair removal isn’t ideal for everyone. It works best for individuals who have darker hair and lighter skin.
Side effects associated with laser may include:
- Discomfort or pain
- Localized swelling
- Skin redness
- Hyper pigmentation (temporary skin darkening)
- Scabbing
Electrolysis
Electrolysis destroys the growth center of unwanted hair using an electric current. A very fine probe is inserted through the surface of the skin at each hair follicle. The hair is then carefully removed with tweezers.
Of all the hair removal options, electrolysis typically results in permanent hair removal. However, it is a time-consuming process and may take many months for all the unwanted hair to be removed.
Electrolysis is the preferred method of hair removal for those pursuing genital gender affirming surgery (vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, phalloplasty) since it is the most permanent.
Side effects associated with electrolysis may include:
- Discomfort or pain
- Skin redness
- Localized swelling
- Tiny blisters
- Scabbing
- Dryness
- Ingrown hairs
Body Waxing
Waxing is an effective way to remove hair from almost anywhere on the body. During a waxing session, a thin layer of hot wax is applied to the area. A thin strip of cloth is pressed down onto the wax and quickly pulled away in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Both the wax and hair are removed during this process. Waxing is not a permanent form of hair removal. It requires regular treatments to maintain smooth, hair-free skin.
Side effects of waxing may include skin irritation, rashes, bruising, or torn skin.
Depilating Creams
Depilating creams are a topical form of hair removal. When applied to the skin, they cause the keratin in the hair shafts to decompose, resulting in loss of hair of the area.
Depilating creams are available over the counter and have the benefit of being able to remove large sections of hair at once. However, the results are not permanent and regular treatments will be needed to limit hair growth.
Depilating creams aren’t as effective for individuals with coarse body hair, and people with sensitive skin can have skin reactions from these creams.
If you are interested in facial or body hair* removal, speak to your Care Pathway Center team to learn about your options.
* Medically necessary hair removal is limited to specific areas of the body