Hey girls,

I was wondering if starting facial laser hair removal before starting HRT is a good idea. I know that it will take a long time to finish so from that perspective it’s most certainly a good idea. And then there is also the possibility of the facial hair getting lighter with HRT where the laser won’t be as effective anymore so that’s also a plus for starting before HRT.

But what gives me some hesitation and doubt is that if I start laser hair removal without suppressed T that completely new hair follicles would grow which would ruin the results of previous sessions. Is that possible? Or are all the hair follicles I have in my face now all the hair follicles I will ever get/have and I don’t need to worry about that? (I hope you understand what I mean)

  • Ada@lemmy.blahaj.zoneM
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    11 months ago

    If you’ve got dark hair, then yes, it’s absolutely worth it. It’s something you can do to “start the ball rolling” before HRT is accessible, and HRT doesn’t really make much of a difference to the long term outcome you’ll get from laser.

    But what gives me some hesitation and doubt is that if I start laser hair removal without suppressed T that completely new hair follicles would grow which would ruin the results of previous sessions. Is that possible

    Nope. Once a follicle is down, it stays down. However, hair grows in a years long cycle, which is why it takes multiple sessions spread over time. Even if you get all of the active follicles (which you won’t. Laser will get most of them, but not all of them), new hairs will become active every month.

    HRT can turn terminal hair follicles (the thick darker ones) in to vellus hair follicles (the light thin ones), and it can slow down regrowth, but both of those effects are minimal on facial hair

  • FeminalPanda@lemmings.world
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    11 months ago

    Depending on your financial situation I would recommend places that do a lifetime guarantee. Like Milan laser. I can go as many times as I want but it’s expensive. They do have sales and payment plans though.

  • Cassa@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    11 months ago

    It depends on your hair.

    “New” follicoles can show themselves if you take laser (can also happen on t blockers, but not as likely), and that just means it will take more sessions.

    laser is the second longest lasting hair removal.

    it works best on dark hair on light skin, but there are diodes that should work with dark skin and light hair as well. If you have orange hair or multicoloured hair strands then you’re fucked - welcome to my club 🥲

    Basically if you can, then laser is a great way to reduce dysphoria.

    • Ada@lemmy.blahaj.zoneM
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      11 months ago

      laser is the second longest lasting hair removal.

      I wouldn’t phrase it quite that way.

      Laser hair removal is permanent. The issue is that it’s not 100% effective. It doesn’t matter how many times you laser, some hairs always survive, and they will keep growing. But the ones it does zap stay zapped.

      Electrolysis has a better hit rate for making hair follicles stay down, but if you’ve got dark hair, it’s much slower to receive electrolysis than it is to receive laser.

      I’ve only ever had laser hair removal on my face, the tiny amount of hairs that remain are manageable with tweezers.