If laser is the way to go (And I don't know)

Go to www.ebay.com

In the search box type laser hair remover

Some of the devices I saw are...

Epilator Laser Hair Remover

LB500s Laser Hair Remover

2008 Epila Laser Hair Remover Model SI-808

Viatek HAIRPRO Laser Hair Removal System

RIO SALON LASER PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL SYSTEM

Someone here must have tried one of these and can state an opinion on if it works or not?

A friend on the Archive just loaned me a home electrolysis system. I'm going to try it on some body hair. The directions sound like it's not too difficult to operate but any of these do-it-yourself machines are very time consuming as others have mentioned.

I totally agree with EricaAnn that electrolysis can be very painful. Since much of my hair is gray, though, laser isn't an option for me. I suspect the home electrolysis units are less painful.

I've just had nearly my entire upper lip area 'cleared' for the first time by my electrologist. It felt like I was constantly being stung by bees. Other areas, like my chin, were much less painful to treat. The swelling afterwards, even with ice treatment, was bad.

All the input here is helpful to me, too. Bernadette's story and her description of how she went about her home electrolysis is an inspiration.

Hi Joanne. In my transition, I have been pretty successful at clearing a full beard and removing a lot of body hair. Here are my suggestions based on my knowledge and experience, although other posters may not agree. I still want to share with you what I think.

1. Even though you say you cannot afford professional electrolysis, I would stay away from do-it-yourself electrolysis. It seems that could be a good way to damage your skin. I think it should be done professionally. I think a usual going rate for electrolysis is an average of $60/hour. I would do your best to try and budget your money to afford this rate. Cut back on other things. I have heard cases of regret after people have pitted their skin from poor electrolysis and scarring. Also, make sure you do your research to find a reputable electrologist in your area. Also, there are very good numbing creams that reduce the pain of electrolysis.

2. Laser hair removal helped me tremendously. I found a reputable nurse in my area who worked in a hospital doing laser. The laser made electrolysis that much easier on my face, and it helped to clear a lot of body hair such as under the arms, genital, etc. I had brown hair, so the laser was able to work. But I also stayed out of the sun to make sure I was very fair and not tanned.

Good luck!!!

Hi Joanne! Congrats on your starting hormones.... that's great! Sorry to say that I tried everything.... laser light, radiology... NOTHING works like electrolysis.... NOTHING!

Sorry to say, but keep your hopes up high that something will be discovered soon! Aloha! Kiana

I am having electrolyis to remove my facial hair which is quite diminished naturaly. My sister who has a beauty salon is doing it for free. It is very painful. It is like being repeatedly being stung by angry bees and the treated area is sensitive for a day or two. An hour a day is as much as I can tolerate. My top lip was the most painful but the results are worth it. I will be clear of beard hair in about two three sessions and the smooth cheeks and lip and chin are a strange feeling. Just some neck hairs to do. My eyebrows are done and shaped into more feminine arches. I had to have it done as passing as a male is very difficult. I will down the road, have my adams apple, which is not very noticable,shaved and I may have surgery on my vocal cords as speaking with a convincing female voice is not at all easy. I still identify as a Eunuch and have no immediate intentions of going any further.

I wil;l be interested in your progress. I am looking into Laser treatments, but I have been told that it ddoesn't work well on light colored hair.