For many members of the transgender community, undergoing physical changes to align with their gender identity is a significant aspect of the journey. So what do transitioning individuals need to know in order to safely treat their unwanted hair growth and achieve their desired results?

On The Skin Report podcast, Dr. Simran Sethi, an Internal Medicine doctor and Founder of RenewMD medical spas and Skin by Dr. Sethi, sits down with Nicole Bain of Nicole’s Electrolysis for an interview about gender-affirming hair removal treatments. Together they discuss the ins and outs of electrolysis and safe skin treatments for those undergoing gender transitions.

Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming care is the medical side of the gender transition journey and can encompass healthcare options for trans and non-binary individuals. As a proud provider of gender-affirming hair removal practices, Nicole is passionate about the positive impact these treatments have for members of the transgender community.

Nicole is an electrolysis expert who believes that hair removal via electrolysis is medically necessary for gender-affirming care.

Hair growth in many areas of the body is a secondary sexual trait resulting from sex hormones called androgens. During puberty, androgens in people assigned male at birth can encourage the development of hair growth in areas like the chest and face.

Treatments for skin and hair can make a significant difference for people’s confidence and comfort in their own bodies. On the podcast, Nicole elaborates on the life-changing impact of these procedures for members of the transgender community, herself included. They can be incredibly impactful and validating, as they allow transgender individuals to achieve the traits they identify with.

Skin Treatments and Transitioning

Many transitioning people seek treatments to rid themselves of unwanted hair growth permanently. For example, those transitioning from male to female may seek treatment for excess hair growth on their face, chest, or other sensitive areas. However, undergoing hormone therapy can produce changes to the skin, which may impact their options for safe and effective hair removal treatments.

Electrolysis is a safe and permanent procedure for removing excess unwanted hair growth. However, patients seeking skin treatments should always try to find providers specializing in their specific skin tones and needs.

Transitioning may involve medication that can impact hormones – and skin. As a result, these medications can produce skin changes like acne breakouts and scarring. Therefore, patients should ensure that their provider can safely treat their skin’s conditions that occur due to their medications.

Another thing to remember when undergoing skin treatments and hair removal treatments is to provide enough time between procedures for the skin to heal. Electrolysis is mild and minimally invasive, but too many skin procedures too close together may cause overstimulation. Dr. Sethi recommends that patients space their procedures a week or two apart to give their skin ample time to heal.

Why Choose Electrolysis

So why should transitioning people choose electrolysis for their unwanted hair removal? Nicole provides her first-hand experience receiving electrolysis and explains how it inspired her to become an electrologist.

“Electrolysis is one of those things that just changed my life so much.”

Nicole realized the impact that electrolysis could have on people’s lives through her own experience with the treatment. Receiving electrolysis as a form of gender-affirming care helped Nicole transition into the person that she always was meant to be, increasing her overall confidence and happiness.

She also explains how her electrolysis treatments did not cause her skin to scar, produce increased pigmentation, or react in other adverse ways.

Electrolysis is a comfortable procedure that can be performed safely on all skin tones. Dr. Sethi states that the treatment can be achieved regardless of acne or menopause, making it a safe and effective choice at any life stage.

To gain more great insights about gender-affirming procedures, electrolysis treatments, and the differences between electrolysis and laser hair removal, check out Nicole’s interview on Season 2, Episode 13 of The Skin Report podcast!