As you’re making your transition, unwanted hair that keeps cropping up can be annoying and embarrassing. No one wants to shave, wax, and pluck only to have the hair return a couple of days or weeks later. What if you could get rid of the hair permanently? We can do that; getting rid of unwanted hair is all we do, and we have various methods for different areas of hair growth.
We aspire for Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal to be the go-to spot for transitioning clients, as we have been experts in the field for over 20 years and know how to remove hair in a private and discreet setting. Our experienced team members will work with you hand in hand to achieve your goals. Call 212-750-2000 today to schedule a one-on-one consultation at our NYC office!
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Transgender Transition
When you are a MTF (male-to-female) transitioning individual, you have no doubt tried pretty much every way of getting rid of unwanted hair already. But endlessly waxing and shaving is annoying, plus it leads to unsightly razor burn, ingrown hairs, stubble, and razor bumps. And your skin hates all of it!
If you can get rid of 85% of the hair for good, what’s not to love? That’s how we can help at Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal. Our 12 state-of-the-art hair removal lasers target the hair follicles, damaging or destroying them and stopping them from growing hair.
Why Choose Transgender Laser Hair Removal?
Individuals who are MTF transitioning have probably considered laser hair removal but may have heard it’s painful or that it doesn’t work. At Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal, we have 12 lasers that beg to differ.
Here’s how it works
We pick the appropriate laser that matches your skin type, hair color, and treatment area. We set the laser wavelength to match the color of your hair. Then, we deliver short pulses of laser energy onto the unwanted hair. The melanin in each hair absorbs the laser light energy, which instantly converts to heat. This heat then travels down the hair shaft into the hair follicle, where it is anchored. The heat damages or destroys the hair follicle, precluding it from growing hair in the future.
Voila. No more hair!
The trick is to catch the unwanted hair in the growth phase of the hair lifecycle. The roughly 5 million hairs on the human body are sneaky because they each operate independently of one another. Each hair follicle is constantly moving from the growth phase to the transition and then to the resting phase. During the transition and resting phases, the follicle is already shedding the hair, so the laser energy cannot get down into the follicle to damage it. That’s why repeated laser hair removal sessions are necessary to catch as many hairs as possible in the growth phase at once.
Laser hair removal permanently removes about 85 percent of hair growth, although in some areas, such as the underarms and bikini, the percentage can be higher. That makes laser hair removal the best way to deal with unwanted hair in your transition.
Why Is Laser Hair Removal Ideal For Transitioning?
There is no comparison between the effectiveness of laser energy for hair removal and other methods, such as shaving. It’s perfect for large areas, such as the face, legs, underarms, chest, and back, because the laser energy can target large areas with each pulse. This is in stark contrast to the one-by-one removal with electrolysis.
By damaging the hair follicles, the surface skin is not damaged at all. You certainly can’t say that about waxing or shaving. When you compare the pain, there’s no comparison either. Waxing large areas, such as the underarms or chest, can be akin to medieval torture. With laser hair removal, you’ll feel a sensation similar to a small rubber band being plucked against the skin when the laser energy is delivered. We also use novel cooling methods to make the treatment more comfortable.
There is some sensitivity afterward for a couple of hours, but that can be handled with some soothing lotions or over-the-counter hydrocortizone. That’s it. Although you can’t get rid of every hair, 85 to 90 percent hair reduction sure is helpful during your transition.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Affect Laser Hair Removal?
As you’re undergoing hormone replacement therapy with your MTF transition, your hair growth patterns will begin to change. But this takes time. Combining HRT with laser hair removal can be really effective in accelerating the process. The laser treatments are completely safe during HRT, so you can do both at the same time.
Some people transitioning want to see how their hormone replacement affects their hair growth patterns before investing in wholesale laser hair removal. Instead, they have laser removal done on priority areas that are very visible, such as the face. This really speeds up the process.
Laser Hair Removal Before And After
Do I Need To Tell My Romeo & Juliette Team Members About Which HRT Medications I Am Using?
Yes, we should know which hormone therapy medications you are using prior to your treatments. For some of our lasers, this can make a difference.
Do I Need To Be On My HRT Medications During My Hair Removal?
No. The hormone medications will begin to change your hair growth patterns, but you can have laser hair removal before, during, or after HRT.
When Is The Best Time During My Transition To Opt For Laser Hair Removal?
As mentioned above, some people want to see how HRT will affect their hair growth before going all in on laser hair removal. Others want to speed up hair removal by doing both at the same time.
Many who are MTF transitioning choose to come to us for laser hair removal prior to starting their HRT to give the process a jump-start. After all, the sooner you can get rid of your facial and chest hair, the better!
Can I Wear Makeup After My Transgender Laser Hair Removal Session?
After your laser session, the pores where your hair follicles reside will be a little sensitive. You can wear makeup to conceal any lingering redness, but if you can go without, that’s not a bad idea. If you can schedule your session at the end of the day, then you can let your skin rest overnight, and that should be sufficient.
Patient Testimonials:
“This place is amazing. The results are amazing. The most important part for me since I deal with customer service is that on top of treatments being very effective compared to other salons. The customer service has been exceptional 5 star. They work with you on whatever your needs might be. The results are life changing, and I mean it. ”
– R.B.
“R&J is absolutely FIRST class. The owner and his staff are true professionals. They are very personable and very friendly. It’s a business but you would never know it. You are always greeted like you are family. Cleanliness gets a super A plus. I would recommend R&J to anyone. They pride themselves on being on time but always keep you informed of your scheduling. The technicians are GREAT at their job. Truly first-class people .”
– B.H.
“Most professional laser hair removal I’ve seen in New York and I’ve been to a lot of them. Other places seem to charge you less by dividing all the parts of the body to the smallest increments but R&J prices on larger areas so in the end it makes it more budget friendly. I’m very happy with the results I’m getting from here. 100% recommend!”
– D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why LHR is the Best Option if you are Transitioning?
Laser hair removal is often considered the best option for individuals who are transitioning for several reasons. The first one is that it offers a long-term reduction in hair growth. Laser hair removal also offers long-lasting results compared to other forms of hair removal methods like shaving or waxing.
Another benefit of laser hair removal for individuals who are transitioning is that it selectively targets specific areas of the body to help people achieve either a more masculine or feminine appearance, depending on the patient’s case.
Can You Get LHR Before Gender Affirming Surgery?
Yes, individuals can undergo laser hair removal before having gender-affirming surgery. Pre-operative laser hair removal can help reduce hair in surgical areas, improve surgical outcomes, and minimize the need for post-operative hair removal. However, it is important to consult a professional before getting laser hair removal prior to your gender-affirming surgery. This is done to minimize the risk of experiencing complications.
How Long Should I Wait After Getting LHR to Undergo my Gender Affirming Surgery?
The waiting period for laser hair removal and gender-affirming surgery may vary depending on individual circumstances and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. It is usually recommended to wait a couple of weeks between the last laser hair removal session and surgery to allow your skin to heal properly. Without allowing your skin to heal properly after a laser hair removal session, it can increase the risks of potential complications, such as scarring and burning.
Is LHR Covered Under Gender-Affirming Care?
Whether or not laser hair removal is covered under gender-affirming care depends on your insurance coverage and the policy of your health care provider. Many insurance plans recognize laser hair removal as a medically necessary component of gender-affirming treatment and may cover it accordingly. However, it is best to consult your insurance provider before scheduling your appointment, as some policies may not cover laser hair removal.
What is the Best Hair Removal for Transgender People?
Laser hair removal is often considered the best hair removal option for transgender individuals who are seeking to transition. This is because of its long-term effectiveness and ability to target specific areas of the body. However, it is important to note that the best hair removal method may vary depending on your preferences, your skin type, and the pattern of your hair growth. As such, there is no single best type of laser hair removal. Your healthcare provider will offer you suggestions, depending on your unique case.
How Permanent is LHR?
Although laser hair removal offers transgender patients a long-lasting solution, it may not result in complete hair removal or provide permanent results. Some individuals may experience hair regrowth over time, although the hair is often finer and lighter in color. However, it is not uncommon for patients to require repeat sessions to maintain their results. This is because the laser may not completely destroy the hair follicle, which can result in a recurrence of hair growth.
Schedule Your Trans Laser Hair Removal Consultation In NYC!
If you are interested in learning more about Transgender laser hair removal, contact us 212-750-2000 at to schedule an appointment.