By Jenn der Bentson

What’s the biggest barrier to my crossdressing you ask? Well, sometimes its way more simple than social pressures, balancing my relationship with my wife and how crossdressing mixes into that, or even the work that goes into getting dressed up.

Sometimes, just the effort it takes to shave my face is the barrier to crossdressing. I just don’t feel like I am really dressed as a woman if I haven’t shaved. Some people aren’t bothered by this, but for me, it’s kind of a required item. And the effort of shaving is sometimes the barrier that just keeps me from crossdressing. Now, I can honestly say that I can’t remember a time after I have gone through the effort of getting dressed into my Jenn persona, that I have regretted it. But sometimes, the decision to go through the effort just seems like too much work if I need to shave.

Shaving sucks. It takes time, it is hard on my face, and it just isn’t any fun. When I am not going to be crossdressing, I don’t do it every day. Many times I go a few days or a week between if there isn’t some valid reason I need to shave and be presentable. But it is also something that affects my willingness to crossdress.

Many times this is the barrier that stops me from crossdressing multiple days in a row. I might go through the effort to get a great close shave one day and be fine for that day, but by the next morning the stubble on my cheeks, even if not overly visible, can be felt and the longer hair from my wig gets caught in it and it no longer feels “feminine” to me. It ruins the illusion, the feeling, the fantasy for me.

Crossdressing is a deeply personal and liberating experience for many individuals. It allows people to explore their identities, express creativity, and sometimes even find solace in presenting a different side of themselves to the world. However, one of the most overlooked yet significant challenges many face on this journey is shaving—a seemingly simple act that can feel like an enormous barrier.

There have been many times where I have had some time where I thought about crossdressing for part of the day, but since I hadn’t shaved, or was at a point in my life where I was keeping a beard, it became a barrier. It wasn’t worth the effort of shaving, my face in this case mostly, and that made the effort of crossdressing in those moments, to me, not worth it either.

To me, it feels like I have to have at least shaved my face closely to crossdress effectively. I just don’t feel like I have accomplished the image I am seeking if I still have facial hair. I just can’t get around feeling that a sexy woman doesn’t have stubble. And to me, being dressed up is an expression of the sexiness inside me I don’t get to express when my normal male self. Plus, it is darn hard to effectively put on makeup with stubble, and certainly, a lot less practical if you currently have a beard.

But the practical part of this isn’t the only barrier that crossdressers face when it comes to shaving and wanting to accomplish a good image that meets their expectations while crossdressing. It can be be even more daunting when the hair removal desires go beyond just the face and stretch into more body hair challenges on the rest of our bodies.

For those new to crossdressing or even seasoned enthusiasts, hair removal can be daunting, uncomfortable, and at times discouraging. Let’s dive into why shaving becomes such a barrier and explore practical solutions to help overcome this hurdle.

The Societal Stigma Surrounding Body Hair

Body hair has long been a gendered topic in society. Women are often expected to maintain smooth, hairless skin as a cultural norm, while men are encouraged to embrace their natural body hair as a symbol of masculinity. For crossdressers, this dichotomy creates tension.

Shaving or removing body hair might feel like a breach of societal expectations, particularly if someone identifies as male in their daily life. It’s not uncommon to worry about judgment from friends, family, or coworkers who might notice a lack of arm, leg, or facial hair and start asking invasive questions.

Additionally, for those who crossdress privately, the fear of being “discovered” due to hair removal can be a significant mental hurdle. The thought of explaining smooth legs or a hairless chest to someone unaccepting can discourage individuals from fully embracing their crossdressing journey.

It Doesn’t Have to be All or Nothing

Shaving the face is the first piece that seems to be a logical step for many crossdressers. Those that go further, have more challenges and have to put in more effort, but even just shaving the face can be a barrier. That being said, you don’t have to shave more than just your face.

Sure, most women shave their legs, have less hair on their arms, and certainly don’t have the back or chest hair that men do. When we are trying to accomplish a crossdressed image, we can get stuck in the desire to remove those other areas and be more feminine, but they aren’t always needed to be cleared of hair to achieve a good feminine image.

Just shaving your face can leave a crossdresser in the position to cover other areas such as their legs with good opaque nylons or tights or wear dresses or tops that cover hairy chests or backs. Arm hair can be covered with long sleeves, or honestly, just ignored. Most people don’t look like bigfoot when it comes to arm hair and it isn’t going to be noticed most of the time if you have a little bit of hair on your arms.

You don’t have to go for the all or nothing mindset when it comes to removing body hair and crossdressing. If you can, and that’s an option, great, but if you can’t, don’t think it makes your effort any less genuine.

The Time Commitment

Let’s face it: shaving takes time. Achieving smooth, hairless skin, especially for individuals with thick or fast-growing hair, can be a lengthy and repetitive process. Legs, arms, chest, back, and even facial areas all require attention, often consuming hours of preparation—time that could otherwise be spent enjoying the act of crossdressing itself.

For many, the time required for shaving can make crossdressing feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable and freeing experience. This can lead to frustration and even reluctance to dress up altogether.

You can minimize some of the challenges with time by streamlining your process.

Investing in quality tools can significantly reduce the time spent on hair removal. Electric trimmers, body grooming tools, and razors designed for sensitive skin can help speed up the process. Over time, you’ll develop a routine that works best for your needs.

Some get up the courage to consider alternatively longer-lasting options like waxing, epilation, or laser hair removal. While these methods require upfront investment, they can save time and effort in the long run. Most of the time, the average person in your life would take no notice of hairless legs or arms. And certainly a man’s face if clean and smooth is taken just to assume that you are a regular shaver. For all but the closest of people in our lives, hairless sections of our body are simply not things they view on a regular basis.

Skin Sensitivity and Discomfort

Shaving is not always a pleasant experience, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation are common problems that can make hair removal an uncomfortable ordeal. These issues can be even more pronounced for individuals shaving large areas of their body or doing so for the first time.

Painful or unsightly skin conditions can detract from the joy of crossdressing, as they may impact confidence or make wearing certain outfits less enjoyable.

One solution ot this is to prioritize skin care routines. This can reduce discomfort. Always use a good shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive skin, and exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs. After shaving, apply a soothing moisturizer or aloe vera gel to calm the skin.

If shaving continues to cause problems, explore other hair removal methods. Depilatory creams, waxing, or even permanent solutions like laser hair removal may provide smoother results with less irritation.

The Psychological Toll

For some, the act of shaving can feel like an overwhelming or even demoralizing task. It may serve as a constant reminder of the barriers society places on gender expression. Additionally, the physical act of shaving—removing something inherently part of your body—can evoke feelings of discomfort or dysphoria.

This psychological toll can make crossdressing feel less accessible, especially for those already grappling with self-doubt or societal judgment.

You can reframe that experience though. Try to view shaving as a self-care ritual rather than a chore. Light candles, play music, or take a warm bath beforehand to make the process feel luxurious and affirming. By turning hair removal into a moment of self-love, you may begin to associate it with the joy of crossdressing rather than its challenges.

For those who find shaving deeply uncomfortable, remember that smooth skin is not a requirement for crossdressing. Many individuals embrace their natural body hair while presenting in feminine attire, challenging traditional norms and redefining beauty on their own terms.

The Challenge of Consistency

Hair grows back—sometimes quickly. Maintaining smooth skin requires regular upkeep, which can be exhausting and demotivating. The process of shaving every few days can feel like a never-ending cycle, especially for those with naturally fast hair growth.

Perfection isn’t necessary to enjoy crossdressing. If you miss a spot or decide to skip shaving altogether, it doesn’t diminish your expression or identity. Focus on the aspects of crossdressing that bring you joy, whether it’s experimenting with makeup, styling a wig, or finding the perfect outfit.

For a longer-lasting smoothness, consider waxing or epilation. These methods remove hair from the root, slowing regrowth and reducing the frequency of maintenance.

Less Conventional Hair Coverage Options for the Crossdresser – Latex Masking and Bodysuits

Traditional hair removal isn’t the only option anymore. A little less conventional, but an option, latex masking and full-body suits offer alternative ways to achieve a sleek, feminine look without ever picking up a razor. These are also very temporary options that can be easily taken off and the wearer can return to their normal daily physical attributes.

Latex and silicone bodysuits have gained some popularity and market share as a solution for concealing body hair while also providing a sculpted, hyper-feminine silhouette. These suits often include built-in breasts, smoothing compression, and seamless coverage that eliminates the need for shaving. While they require some practice to put on and maintain, they can be a game-changer for those who want a completely hair-free look without the hassle of daily grooming.

For facial hair, latex or silicone female masks offer a unique way to bypass shaving altogether. High-quality masks mimic realistic skin textures and makeup, covering facial hair entirely while creating a flawless, feminine appearance. Though they may not be for everyone due to the sensory experience or fit, they provide an option for those who struggle with beard shadow or simply prefer an instant transformation.

They also don’t fully blend in with daily settings and will be noticed. But for those crossdressers who remain private at home, in limited social settings that are accepting, or just are brave enough to venture out in public in a latex bodysuit, they are an option.

Ultimately, while shaving is a common method for achieving smooth skin, it’s far from the only option. Whether you choose a bodysuit, a mask, or a combination of both, these alternatives can help you achieve your ideal feminine look with minimal effort—no razor required.

Navigating Personal Relationships

For those in relationships or living with family, shaving can raise questions or spark misunderstandings. Partners or family members may interpret hair removal as unusual or indicative of something they weren’t prepared to discuss, leading to uncomfortable conversations or even conflict.

Clearing these questions requires open communication.

While this isn’t always easy, open and honest communication can go a long way in fostering understanding. Share your reasons for shaving in a way that feels authentic and safe for you. If full disclosure isn’t an option, consider framing it as a personal preference or self-care choice.

For those not ready to discuss their crossdressing journey, plan your hair removal around times when privacy is more accessible.

Shaving may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of crossdressing, but for many, it’s a significant barrier. Societal stigma, time constraints, discomfort, and psychological challenges can all make hair removal feel like an uphill battle. However, by adopting practical solutions, embracing imperfection, and reframing the experience, you can make shaving—or any form of hair removal—a more manageable part of your journey.

Remember, the ultimate goal of crossdressing is self-expression and joy. Whether you choose to shave or not, your experience is valid and beautiful. Embrace your unique path, and don’t let the barriers of hair removal stand in the way of exploring your true self.