Shaving as a Trans Man
I recently partnered with Lacura, a brand of razors that are predominant in Europe and entering Aldi stores in the United States, to promote their product and what they stand for. They are trying to move away from unnecessarily gendered razors and try not to follow the stereotype of offering blue mens razors and pink womens razors. I wanted to create a post that would not only promote their brand and and the queer community but also touch on the subject of shaving from the trans perspective.
As a trans man, I grew up and lived 21 years of my life being perceived as a woman. I did my makeup, wore dresses, and ultimately tried really hard to fit in with this societal expectation to be “feminine”. I never had the “boy childhood” or went through the “boy puberty” most other guys my age has. One aspect of my journey that stands out is the realization that I never learned how to shave. I never had the lesson with my dad or any other type of father figure. And although that does not define being a man, it had a profound impact on my self-esteem and confidence.
Learning to shave for me was not just about grooming. It was about claiming ownership of my body and my identity. For me, I taught myself. I watched videos, practiced and made the experience my own.
Learning to shave for a lot of trans masc people is a big moment in their lives. I waited years to finally have facial hair so it was a pretty euphoric moment once I had enough to shave for the first time. I remember for me, I was too nervous to ask anyone else to teach me so I just learned on my own. I looked up youtube videos, blogs and tutorials to get a quick overview and just went for it. The first few times shaving is hard. I didn’t WANT to get rid of the small amount of facial hair that I had. I thought I would make this process easier for anyone that might be going through a similar thing and give you a quick overview below! Here are the basics of learning to shave:
Preparation:
Start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt and oils.
Consider using a pre-shave oil or gel to soften your facial hair and protect your skin.
Choosing the right tools:
Select a razor that suits your needs. Many prefer using a multi-blade razor or a safety razor.
Ensure the blades are sharp to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs.
Shaving cream or gel can help lubricate the skin and provide for a smoother shave.
Shaving technique:
Apply a generous amount of shaving cream or gel to the areas you want to shave.
Hold the razor at an angle and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation. For most people, this means shaving downward, but it can vary depending on your hair growth pattern.
Take short, gentle strokes and rinse the razor frequently to remove hair and cream buildup.
Be extra careful around sensitive areas such as the jawline, Adam's apple, and upper lip.
Post-shave care:
Rinse your face thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining shaving cream.
Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as it can cause irritation.
Apply a soothing aftershave lotion or balm to help calm the skin. Look for products that are alcohol-free and designed for sensitive skin.
Moisturize your face with a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Maintenance:
- Regularly clean and replace your razor blades to maintain their effectiveness and prevent bacteria buildup.
- Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to help prevent ingrown hairs.
It's important to find a shaving routine that works for you. Experiment with different products and techniques to discover what gives you the best results.
Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so it may take some time to find the routine and products that work best for you. Take it slowly, be patient, and listen to your skin's needs.
As a trans photographer, I document my experiences and emotion through visual storytelling. With this shoot, I wanted to evoke the feelings of shaving as a trans person for the first time and allow for my art to speak for my community. My work is meant to offer a glimpse into the life as a trans individual by documenting my experiences and creating a visual dialogue that addresses issues regarding gender and identity. Shaving as a trans person is just one of many shared experiences that my community goes through. If you are trans and you haven’t had your first experience shaving yet, I hope this helps make the experience a bit easier for you. I hope that if you have had this experience, you might be able to connect with my photography on a deeper level.
Lacura razors are currently available at Aldi US at selected locations and hopefully will be available at every Aldi in the US in the future. Their cartridge razors are more sustainable than disposable razors, vegan and come in a recyclable paper packaging.
