Laser hair removal is an advanced technique to achieve long-term hair reduction. This method uses concentrated light to destroy hair follicles and reduce hair growth. This method of hair removal can be especially helpful for transgender people who suffer from gender dysphoria.
Permanent hair removal with laser hair removal adjusts their appearance to their gender identity and makes them appear more confident. Would you like to learn more about laser hair removal for transgender people? Then let's talk about it!
Table of contents:
- Part 1: How does laser hair removal help with gender reassignment?
- Part 2: Hormone therapy and its effects on laser hair removal
- Part 3: How much does laser hair removal cost for transgender people?
- Part 4: Can transgender people remove their hair at home?
- Part 5: How to choose a hair removal clinic for transgender people?
- Part 6: Conclusion
How does laser hair removal help with gender reassignment?
Laser hair removal plays an important role in the gender reassignment process as it has a huge impact on the appearance of any transgender person. Here's how it affects trans men and women!
For Trans Women
Hair on the face, chest, arms and hands can be very bothersome for trans women. Laser hair removal for transgender people helps them achieve permanent hair reduction and rid them of facial and body hair, allowing them to achieve a traditionally feminine look and have more confidence.
For Trans Men
For trans men, laser hair removal is a customized approach to selectively removing hair on their body. They can keep their facial and chest hair while getting hair removal done on the other parts of their body. Most trans men opt for laser hair removal only on their arms and back. This helps them optimize their body image without compromising their masculinity.
Hormone therapy and its effects on laser hair removal
Both trans men and women need to ask their laser specialists about their ongoing hormone therapy sessions. This is because hormone therapy affects laser hair removal results. Discussing everything beforehand, including your expectations, will help you develop a personalized plan to achieve the results you want. Here's how hormone therapy affects laser hair removal results:
trans women
Trans women are often given hormone therapy to reduce hair growth. This involves administering antiandrogens that block estrogen and testosterone. The result is that the user develops more feminine features, such as enlarged breasts and less dense hair than before.
This also makes laser hair removal easier and more effective. The results of laser hair removal improve as hormone therapy continues.
trans men
Unlike trans women, hormone therapy works very differently for trans men. After HRT, hair becomes thicker and hair growth is faster. The excess hormones in the body stimulate the hair follicles to increase hair growth.
This can affect laser hair removal, so you need to consider all aspects before deciding on laser hair removal. Increased hair growth means that the results of lasering may not be consistent. You may need more than the average number of sessions. You may also need more frequent touch-up treatments to remove unwanted hair from certain areas of your body.
How much does laser hair removal cost for transgender people?
Laser hair removal can be a significant financial investment as it requires multiple sessions and the cost for a full body removal can run into the thousands. The cost per session for laser hair removal depends on the reputation of the clinic, its geographical location, the treatment area and the professional services offered by the clinic.
For smaller areas of the body such as upper lip, chin hair and armpits, a session can cost between 50 and 250 euros, while for larger areas such as arms, legs, chest or Brazilian hair removal, the cost is on average 600 to 850 euros. If you go to a reputable clinic with highly qualified professionals, the cost for each body area will certainly be on the higher side.
The total cost including all sessions can run into the thousands. Does health insurance cover the cost of hair removal as a gender reassignment procedure? Well, it varies from insurance company to insurance company. Some insurance companies do not cover these costs at all, while others only cover the cost of hair removal necessary for genital surgical procedures.
Therefore, it might be difficult for trans people to get these costs covered by their health insurance. For further confirmation, you can contact your health insurance provider and get their opinion before making a final decision.
Can transgender organizations help?
Health insurance companies usually do not cover these costs. Fortunately, there are various organizations that cover the costs of permanent hair removal, such as electrolysis or laser hair removal, for trans people. You can contact these organizations and apply for funding for permanent hair removal. However, you must first meet the requirements to receive funding.
Can transgender people remove their hair at home?
Laser hair removal at transgender clinics or salons can be a little uncomfortable and overwhelming. Is the fear of discrimination or that others might not understand you holding you back from undergoing professional laser hair removal?
How about trying a device for home use? We have a recommendation for you! Try the new Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal device to get salon-like results at home. Let's look at its features:
- Multiple Modes: The Ulike device has four functions: Normal, Fast, SHR and High, making the device suitable for different areas of the body. So, with a simple investment in a single device, you can perform a full body treatment.
- Fast: The handheld device has a dual light source with a total energy of 26J. This allows the device to cover the entire body in a few minutes. It also has an auto-glide mode that completes the full body treatment in just 10 minutes.
- Extremely effective: Unlike conventional hair removal devices, you will see initial results after just two weeks. You will notice a reduction in the number of hairs by 73.33% within 14 days.
- Budget-friendly: A 3-session laser hair removal treatment will cost you on average around €1,000-3,000 for one area. Can you imagine how much it costs for a full body treatment? In contrast, the Air 10 costs only a quarter of that total amount
- Safe: If you're worried about the safety of a home laser device, rest assured! The device is backed by recognized dermatologists. It also has a SkinSensor feature that detects your skin tone and stops flashing if your skin tone is very dark (IPL devices are dangerous for dark skin).
- For everyone: It is a trans-friendly laser hair removal (IPL) device. Its different modes are suitable for both thin hair on trans women and coarse hair on trans men. For thin hair, you can use the normal mode, while the SHR mode can easily burn thick hair.
It is usually recommended for transgender people to consult a professional before starting any treatment. This is best to ensure the safety and effectiveness of laser hair removal. Once you get the green light, you can either have the treatment in the salon or use an at-home device.
How to choose a hair removal clinic for transgender people?
Do you want to find a clinic that offers laser hair removal for transgender people but are unsure what to do? All you need to do is consider the following points and choose a safe and convenient clinic for your treatment:
- Find the right providers: First, find providers who are knowledgeable about and respectful of the transgender community. They must also have experience with the unique needs and concerns of transgender people. It's best to ask other transgender people for recommendations.
- Schedule a consultation in advance: If you have a clinic on your list, schedule a consultation with them. Most clinics offer free or very low-cost consultations. If you feel comfortable sharing your concerns, expectations, and medical history during the consultation, then you're in the right place. Once they understand your goals, they can create a personalized plan for you.
- Prepare your questions: Prepare some questions to ask during the consultation. You can ask them about their previous experience with transgender clients, the results of treatment, and the number of sessions you will need.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal plays an important role in the transition process of transgender people. It can help trans women achieve a more feminine appearance, while trans men are treated only in specific areas while keeping their beard and chest hair.
However, it is important to know that HRT can affect the results of laser hair removal. Since it is an expensive procedure, you must consult a professional before treatment. The expert can create a personalized plan for you so that you can best achieve your goals.
