Whether you're binding, tucking or packing, you may be wondering if you need to get rid of your body hair first. It's entirely up to the user whether or not they keep their hair, but if you decide to trim it you may benefit from an overall more comfortable application, better support and a more pleasant removal process.
Hello, my heroes!
And those of you in your villain-arc.
Are we feeling inspirational and sensational?!
I sure hope so!
A common question and concern about using TransTape is whether or not you can use it when you have body hair.
The quick answer is yes, you can absolutely use TransTape if you have body hair. Removing or trimming it is totally optional and based on user preference.
Personally, my body hair has a mind of its own and it comes in thiccc.
In some places.
So I always like to trim wherever I'll be taping in between applications.
Key word being, trim.
Alright, let's go ahead and dive into this hairy conversation.
Do I Have To Shave?
Nope, you surely do not. In fact, please don't shave.
Shaving your hair all the way down to the skin is actually going to cause more irritation during your application.
When you apply over freshly shaved skin, those tiny little hairs are going to try and grow back during your TransTape application, but they won't have anywhere to go.
This could lead to ingrown hairs and just overall itchiness or discomfort.
So, please don't take a disposable bic razor and go crazy.
That's exactly what you shouldn't do.
That's right, put it down. It's not worth it.
However.
I do recommend trimming your hair.
To Trim or Not To Trim
But what's the difference between shaving and trimming, Jamie?
I'm so glad you asked.
Shaving leaves you almost, if not completely, bald.
You would likely use some type of straight, cartridge or disposable razor to shave.
With trimming, you're only shortening the length of your hair a little bit instead of completely removing it for a smooth finish.
And to trim, you should use something more like electric hair clippers or even a nice pair of scissors.
There are actually a few application benefits that come along with trimming that we will get into a little bit later too.
And if you do decide to go ahead and trim your luscious hair, there's really not much to it.
All you would actually have to do, if you wanted to reap the benefits, is to give your body a quick little buzz cut.
So, really nothing shorter than a 1/4 Inch (.6 cm).
There's also no need to trim all over.
Just the areas that will actually make contact with your tape's adhesive.
You'll actually notice that the trimmed area will give you a really good idea of where to apply and possibly save you time in the future with placement!
That tip was free and for you to keep.
Real Quick
For some of us, myself included, our body hair may help us feel more comfortable in our skin or even feel affirmed in our gender.
Which can make shaving or trimming very difficult for us.
So let's talk about it.
First.
Feeling this way is completely okay and understandable!
There's nothing wrong with wanting to keep the hair on your body, no matter the reason.
It's absolutely natural and if it bothers anyone, the hell with them.
We don't need their negativity in our lives, anyways!
There are plenty of people with hairy bodies who apply their TransTape with no problem and are out there living their best life!
It's about what works best for you and what makes you comfortable.
My point is, whether it's facial hair or some other type of body hair, it can be important to us.
And that is more than okay.
So if trimming isn't for you, that's also okay.
You're still gonna do great!
Benefits Of Trimming
I did promise you a few benefits if you decide to trim it up, I didn't forget!
Like I keep saying, it is entirely up to you whether or not you trim your hair.
And I mean it.
You can apply TransTape with or without.
However, you might lose out on a few opportunities for a better application if you don't trim just an eensie-weensie little bit.
Remember, only a trim and not a clean shave.
Better Stick/Support
If you trim your hair down, you'll likely get a much better stick and better support.
And a longer lasting application!
Your tape will still stick if you don't trim, but it probably won't hold as long and might not give you the full support that you're looking for.
The reason for this is because the adhesive is likely making more contact with your hair rather than your skin.
Your skin is a lot better at sticking to the tape and holding down the fort.
I mean, application.
So if you have a bushy, hairy chest and use TransTape without trimming, the adhesive is more likely to have a hard time bonding and setting a solid foundation.
Which isn't ideal when it comes to your application holding up long-term.
So if you're super hairy and want your tape to get a good grip, like the good grippy socks, i'd recommend trimming just a tiny bit.
Plus, if your tape ends up relying on your hair to keep the application together, you might run into some discomfort because you might feel the hairs tugging on your skin.
You might even lose a few hairs.
Which brings me to my next point.
Comfort
Comfort is very important when it comes to wearing TransTape.
I'm always looking for new ways to improve my application so I can be as comfortable as possible and you should too!
Did you also notice how you can't even see my TransTape from behind?
Backless and strapless.
If you've been using TransTape without trimming and you're feeling itchy or just irritated in general, you might be a lot more comfortable if you took away some of the hair.
The tape can pull on your hair and that never feels good.
I've caught my armpit hair during application a few times and that was a terrible experience I'm trying to help you avoid.
And if you've been shaving before applications, try letting the hair grow a little bit longer before applying over top.
Again, don't shave before applying. Just trim.
The hair trying to grow back from shaving can cause a very itchy sensation that drives you mad.
I've been there and felt it.
Removal!
Properly removing TransTape is always important. And if you choose to keep your body hair, it's arguably even more important.
Removal is so much easier when you trim your hair before you apply.
At least in my humble opinion.
Even after applying lots of removal oil, my sensitive little hairs getting pulled still felt not so yee-haw cowboy.
So naturally, an entire application over my hair wouldn't be in my best interests.
But.
If you really insist on not trimming, with enough oil and patience, the process would most likely get a lot easier each time you did it.
Just like with everything else in life!
It's all about your preferences and what makes you comfortable
Everybody is different, what works for me might not work for you!
And I know I say it all the time, but properly removing your TransTape really does make a huge difference and it's beneficial for your skin.
Especially if you're hairy.
I know a lot of times, we're trying to conserve what we have to try and save us the hassle of restocking more frequently.
I get it, but hear me out.
If restocking more frequently means damaged and irritated skin, is it really worth it?
No matter what, you're going to eventually use it and restock anyways.
So help your skin and apply some oil.
And don't forget about the healing salve either!
You can use the healing salve after properly removing your tape to help heal and soothe any red or irritated skin.
If you have any open blisters, do not apply the salve until there is a healed layer of skin over top. This will cause irritation.
Be Free
Now that I'm done lecturing you about shaving, trimming and properly removing your TransTape with oil and using salve to save your skin, please go enjoy your next taping experience.
One last time, trimming is absolutely and entirely up to you.
I definitely recommend it, though.
Anyways.
Find your freedom and be yourself.
Buzzcut or Lumberjack style, you're gonna do great.
No matter what you decide, there really is no wrong way to apply TransTape.
Just like there is no wrong way to be you.
Until next time,
Stay awesome,
Stay beautiful,
Stay you.
You are loved and it gets better.
Talk to you soon,
Jamie
Welcome to the cool kids club!
My name is Jamie and I'm a young (ish) transman born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York state. I started my transition in May of 2017 and since then, I've made it my mission to live unapologetically as myself and spread awareness through my pursuit of happiness. I am the creator and writer of Spilling T blog, a proud affiliate of TransTape and when I'm not outside with the best dog ever or hanging out with my two cats, I make and sell my own beard care products through Buckaroo's Beard Care. I'm always looking for my next adventure and have been skydiving, road-tripping, hiking in the mountains and even served for a short time in the United States Marine Corps. My life has had its fair share of twists and turns and I hope to use those experiences to create helpful and relatable content that may help someone else navigate a difficult time in life.
Beards, Socials, Tape and Writing
Use code FINALLYME10 and Find Your Freedom with TransTape!
Helpful to know, especially once I start T!