The joy of wax

 I thought I'd share some tips on hair removal by waxing. This is partly inspired by Lynn's recent post and its comments.

If you are a TGirl like me who went through puberty that left you overmasculinised, then it's likely that you'll have ended up with insufficient hair atop and too much over the rest of your body. Inadequate top thatch can be remedied by applying a wig, hairpiece or hair extensions. But the excess hair elsewhere can be shaved, epilated or waxed. 

Shaving is easy enough but the results last just a day or two before the scratchy hairs come out again. Pulling on a pair of fine stockings over scratchy leg hair is not much good. As I've suggested before, use a men's razor not a women's one. This is because male pattern hair is thicker and such razors are designed for that, and because razors for the female market are overpriced.

Epilation is longer-lasting but even a quality epilator creates an experience that ranges from very painful to merely unpleasant. The results can be good but you do have to nerve yourself and I have almost stopped using this method.

Personally, I recommend waxing for the smoothest and most long-lasting finish. 

Do it yourself. There are various products such as Veet (formerly Immac) that enable you to do this. Products for women, however attracted to them any TGirl may feel herself to be, are not likely to be strong enough to deal with the thicker hairs that male-pattern hair growth has created on your body, therefore swallow your pride and accept that Veet for Men or similar will be the more effective version of the product. Or you can go for the full kit with proper wax, applicators, strips etc and the appropriate fondue set, as I call it, to melt the wax. 

Testing. You should test a patch of skin first to ensure that it does not cause a reaction. Give it a couple of days to see if there is a rash, eczema or other skin problem. If so, don't go any further with the product as you will regret it. Find an alternative product or alternative system.

Professional waxing. Although waxing yourself may be straightforward enough on legs, arms and chest, it is not going to be easy on the back and must never be done within the panty lines.

So the very best way to get the smoothest skin on your legs, arms, chest, back, brows or more intimate areas is to go to a waxing professional. It will cost, of course, but the beautician may be nice to talk to, encouraging of your trans life and will leave you in perfectly smooth condition. The salon should be pleasant in its decor, smell nice, have a comfortable, disinfected couch to lie on, be clean and clinically safe and, ideally, your waxer will be friendly and encouraging. They should give you safety and product advice before they begin. In return, do please take a shower before you go.

I have gone to local salons for women in both male mode and female mode for back waxes and leg waxes. For all-over body waxes I have been a few times to a specialist. Here's a short report on one experience.

Brows. If you want your brows waxed then your best choice is to visit a salon or makeup store. Other processes like threading or sugaring may be available but I have never tried these so I can't comment. I am sceptical of those who claim you can wax your own brows successfully. There is also the danger of hot wax near the eyes. I wouldn't recommend doing this yourself, therefore.

Panty area. If you want waxing in the panty area then a specialist in intimate waxing is your only proper option as, firstly, the wax is different from standard body wax and is applied and removed differently since the skin in more intimate areas is more delicate; and, secondly, there are personal and professional reasons to leave intimate treatments to those who specialise in giving them rather than everyday beauticians. If you are a pre-operative TGirl then do not feel ashamed to go to a beautician who specialises in intimate male waxing. They are professionals and there need be no embarrassment in it. They do not need to know you are trans unless it is relevant, e.g. you go to a male waxing specialist in female mode. The fact is, though, you are not likely to have many clothes on anyway! Your professional won't be worried about any reactions your body has to being handled. But don't then ask for 'personal services' or try any funny stuff as this may land you in trouble. Whilst working, my waxer, Pauline, regaled me with stories about some men who have completely the wrong idea about the services they might get; and I could tell she was not the sort to stand for any nonsense.

Pain. How much waxing hurts depends a bit on your constitution. I find epilation unpleasant; others less so. I have had only minor discomfort with waxing and I'd say only the ripping from the tummy area isn't very nice, and the chest could be pleasanter. I have not found back, leg, or other area waxing especially painful, nor is the sensation of the hot wax going on unpleasant, but I have known others howl, especially the first time they ever had the strips ripped off them. Someone I knew didn't especially like having her brows waxed. Bear in mind that male pattern hair, as above, is thicker than female hair and takes more power to remove. The beautician's skill can also be a factor in what you feel. But an experienced professional is unlikely to make you suffer.

Post-wax care. You will need to avoid hot showers and sunbathing or tanning for a couple of days afterwards as the skin may be a bit red and sensitive. Lotion containing tea tree oil is a good product to apply if you are a bit sore, or aloe vera gel or salves, or your preferred moisturiser. Your beautician will often offer fancy oils and so forth for your post-wax skin care and it's up to your purse and skin type to decide if that sort of thing is for you. If you are or may be prone to ingrowing hairs, then use a suitable gentle exfoliating regime, but only once any soreness has gone. I use exfoliating gloves but loofah mitts are good. Rather than a brush or loofah, gloves/mitts can be got right round all your curves. 

Shine. In compensation for any soreness, though, the smoothness is heavenly. Stockings and lingerie go on and feel very differently from when you have hair or when you have merely shaved. If you prefer to be bare-legged, then you will probably notice your skin's natural shine. This can be enhanced with suitable oils but go easy or you'll just look wet. Gossamer thin 5-7 denier tights with a slight sheen are available and can make your legs look fantastic.

Regrowth. You are unlikely to see any new hair growth for at least two weeks, so this is a good treatment to have before going on holiday or to a festival or other long event. The irritation is mainly needing to allow a bit of visible growth before your next waxing, but that goes for epilation too. This is so that the wax has something to grip, if only a few millimetres.

All-over smooth is the only way to go

I hope those suggestions are helpful. I wish you a smooth autumn.

(Finally, if you have an adult sense of humour, or even a childish one, which is often the same thing, then Amazon still displays the hysterical review of Veet for Men from a man who ignored the warnings not to use the product in the panty area: Veet for Men review.)

Sue x