Confidence in your appearance during transition:a roadmap for skin and facial hair
- Hormones change skin and facial hair gradually. The first year is when the changes are most noticeable.
- Trans women: oestrogen thins the beard but does not remove it. Ruby laser weakens dark hair and you can start at any stage.
- Trans men: testosterone increases oil and acne, especially in the first year. Carbon peel helps with oil and Erbium treats scars once the skin calms down.
- Before a big day, plan ahead: start hair removal months before and book a glow peel a few days before.
- At Taletsky we use the name and pronouns you choose. Treatment is one to one in a private room.
Why your appearance matters so much during transition
Transition is more than a new ID. Many people say that the moment they recognise themselves in the mirror is one of the most important on the way. A beard shadow that comes back every morning or acne that suddenly appears can take a lot of that confidence away.
A 2021 study in JAMA Dermatology looked at almost 12,000 participants of a large US survey of transgender people, most of them trans women. Among those who had gender-affirming hair removal, 21.6% reported severe psychological distress in the past month, compared with 40.7% of those who wanted it but had not had it yet. This is an association, not proof, but it matches what we hear at the clinic: a face that feels right changes the day.
Skin has no gender: facials by skin type →The roadmap: what happens and when
Every body responds differently and the pace is set with your doctor. But studies show a pattern that repeats for most people. This chart helps you plan what to do at each stage:
The hair and sebum data come from a Dutch study that followed people starting hormone therapy. The acne data come from a large 2026 study. There is a full explanation of the skin changes in Skin has no gender.
Trans women: beard, shaving and drier skin
Oestrogen and anti-androgens thin the beard but do not remove it. In the Dutch study there were on average 32 hairs per cm² on the cheeks at the start and 18 after a year of treatment. So even after a year you still need to shave and the beard shadow is still visible.
Ruby laser targets the pigment in the hair and weakens the follicle. It works on dark hair and works best on light to medium skin. You can start at any stage: before hormone therapy or during it. Hormones and laser complement each other. Hormones work from the inside and the laser works on the hairs that remain.
White, grey or light blond hair barely responds to laser because it does not have enough pigment. At the consultation we check which hairs will respond and tell you honestly what is possible.
During the course do not pluck or wax, because the laser needs the root. Shaving is fine. If shaving irritates your skin and you get ingrown hairs, we wrote a whole article about it.
Facial hair removal with Ruby laser →Razor bumps and ingrown hairs: what helps →The skin itself becomes drier and more delicate. So we choose gentle treatments: GlowPeel for glow, good moisture and sun protection. Sun spots are treated with Ruby laser.
Trans men: oil, acne and scars
Testosterone increases oil production in the skin. In the Dutch study the skin became oilier within the first four months and most participants developed facial acne. A 2026 study found that the risk of acne is highest in the first year of treatment.
- Oily skin and pores: a carbon peel deep cleans and reduces shine. It can be done while on testosterone.
- Active acne: severe acne or acne that leaves scars is treated first by a dermatologist. Tell us about any medication, especially isotretinoin (Roaccutane), because some treatments require a break.
- Acne scars: once acne calms down, Erbium laser smooths texture and improves scars.
- Beard line: the beard itself comes from testosterone, not from us. But if dark hairs on the neck or below the beard line bother you, Ruby laser helps you get a clean line.
Non-binary people: based on your goal
Not every transition includes hormones and not everyone wants to look "masculine" or "feminine". Some people want a smooth face without a beard and some only want to treat their skin. We build the plan around what you want to see in the mirror, not around a template.
Before a big day: wedding, photos, new ID photo
A new ID photo, a wedding, a job interview, a photo shoot or the Pride Parade. For moments like these you want calm, glowing skin. The secret is to plan ahead.
Do not start a new treatment right before an event. If you have a fresh tan, the laser waits. Tell us the date and we will build a schedule around it.
Carbon peel for a quick glow →What it looks like at our clinic
Treatment is one to one in a private room. We use the name and pronouns you choose, and you can send them to us in advance on WhatsApp. We only ask what matters for the treatment: skin, medication, allergies and hormones if any. Nobody has to explain their identity.
An old tattoo that no longer represents you, or permanent makeup that no longer suits you? Laser House TLV, our tattoo and permanent makeup removal clinic, works at the same address.
Tattoo removal at Laser House TLV →Permanent makeup removal at Laser House TLV →
What is right for me
| What bothers you | What helps | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dark beard and beard shadow | Ruby laser hair removal | Dark hair only |
| Shaving irritation | Ruby and a better shaving routine | No plucking during the course |
| Oily skin and acne on testosterone | Carbon peel | Severe acne: dermatologist first |
| Acne scars | Erbium laser | After acne calms down |
| Dry, tired skin | GlowPeel and skin renewal | Gentle for sensitive skin |
| Sun spots | Ruby laser | Not for melasma |
| Tattoo or permanent makeup | Laser House TLV | Same address |
Not sure what is right for you? That is exactly what the consultation is for. We check your skin and hair, listen to what matters to you and tell you honestly what will help and what will not.
Prices* →Before and after →FAQ
When should I start facial hair removal: before hormones or after?
At any stage. Hormones thin the beard but do not remove it, so many women start laser early on. Decisions about hormones themselves are made only with your doctor.
How many Ruby sessions does a beard need?
It depends on hair colour, thickness and area. The beard is a stubborn area and usually needs a course of several sessions and then maintenance. At the consultation we check your hair and tell you honestly what to expect.
Does laser work on white or light hair?
Barely. Ruby laser targets the pigment in the hair. White, grey or light blond hair does not have enough pigment, so it barely responds.
I have had acne since starting testosterone. What can I do?
Severe acne is treated first by a dermatologist. At the clinic a carbon peel helps with oil and pores. Once the skin calms down, Erbium laser treats the scars.
Can I have skin treatments during hormone therapy?
In most cases yes. Tell us about all your medication at the consultation and we will adapt the plan.
Do I need to tell you about my transition or identity?
No. We only ask what matters for the treatment. If you like, you can tell us in advance which name and pronouns to use.
How far ahead should I plan before an event?
For hair removal, a few months. For glow, a carbon peel a few days before is enough. The exact schedule is set at the consultation.
Where can I remove a tattoo or permanent makeup in Tel Aviv?
Laser House TLV, our tattoo and permanent makeup removal clinic, is at Menachem Begin 158 (Y Towers, Migdalei HaTze'irim). It removes tattoos, permanent brows, eyeliner and lip permanent makeup.
More tips and real results on our Instagram: @taletsky_roomtlv
Taletsky · Yana Taletsky, cosmetologist in Tel Aviv. Facial treatments for men, facial treatments for women and facials for transgender and LGBTQ+ clients: Ruby laser hair removal, carbon peel, Erbium laser skin renewal, acne scar treatment and sun spot removal. One-to-one care at Menachem Begin 158 (Y Towers, Migdalei HaTze'irim), Tel Aviv.
Your face, your pace
Personal consultation: we check your skin and hair, listen to what matters to you and build a roadmap that is right only for you.*
Book a consultation on WhatsAppPrices* The final price is set after a personal skin assessment by a specialist at the clinic.
Sources
- Lee MS, Almazan AN, Nambudiri VE, Keuroghlian AS. Association Between Gender-Affirming Hair Removal and Mental Health Outcomes. JAMA Dermatology, 2021
- Giltay EJ, Gooren LJ. Effects of sex steroid deprivation/administration on hair growth and skin sebum production in transsexual males and females. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2000
- Smith CA et al. Acne incidence and severity in transgender individuals. JAMA Dermatology, 2026
- Yanes DA, Smith P, Avram MM. A review of best practices for gender-affirming laser hair removal. Dermatol Surg, 2024
