Hormone Replacement Therapy and Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal and the Trans + Non-Binary Experience

The process of dealing with unwanted hair is an inconvenience for most to say the least, but it is especially challenging for trans and non-binary folks who can be highly emotionally and mentally affected by their natural hair growth. The day to day process of managing and correcting hair patterns associated with a particular gender can alone be triggering and distressing for some, most heavily affecting transfeminine identifying people. The anxiety experienced when one’s physical appearance is incongruent with internal gender identity is known as gender dysphoria.

At Sacred, we believe all people—especially our friends in the trans and non-binary community—deserve to feel gender euphoria, which it is our pleasure to help facilitate. For those experiencing gender dysphoria due to hair growth, you may find that you can experience euphoria through treatments like laser hair removal to permanently reduce hair.

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal is approved by the FDA as a safe and effective method for permanent hair reduction. The goal is to achieve around 70-90% reduction before moving on to the maintenance phase. Usually this takes a minimum of 6-8 sessions because we need to to treat the hair at least two times during each of the three growth cycles. After we have achieved sufficient reduction, touch ups will be recommended at a frequency dependent on your regrowth.

LHR is essentially using a high level of energy or heat to weaken and disable the hair follicle, so there are a variety of pre and post-care measures to consider with your esthetician prior to treatment. With our Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) lasers, we are prepared to treat most skin tones and hair colors. The best results will be seen in those with darker hair and lighter skin.

Laser Hair Removal on Hormone Replacement Therapy

The main unique challenge that trans and non-binary folks can face when it comes to hair removal is related to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). In any case, both internal and external hormones can have a major effect on hair growth patterns. Estrogen causes hair to become finer and grow slower, which will actually expedite the course of hair removal treatments. On the other hand, testosterone will speed hair growth and cause it to become more coarse and dense which means that it might be more stubborn or require more treatments/touch ups to achieve and maintain the desired result.

Laser hair removal has historically and increasingly been associated with gender euphoria, or reduced stress and increased mental well-being in trans and non-binary individuals. Our estheticians at Sacred are committed to compassionate care for the LGBTQIA+ community and creating a space for folks to not only feel safe but celebrated! Everyone has a different destination and set of goals for their physical gender presentation, so feel free to stop by or schedule a consultation and we look forward to helping you achieve yours soon!