Tips for Young Transguys

Having been a young transguy myself, I thought I’d make a post with tips ‘n tricks along with some do’s and don’ts for younger transguys (and older ones who have just began to come to with the fact they’re trans!)

Tips ‘n tricks

Hair + styling

• It is possible to as Male with longer hair, generally cis guys with longer hair will style it in a messy, carefree way. If your outfit is very obviously masc, you should be able to as male with longer hair.

• If you struggle to with long hair or want to cut it but are unable to, tie it up in a bun and hide it in a beanie or cap.

• For those who can have their hair cut shorter, try to avoid typically “butch” haircuts if possible. Get your hair cut in a way that will either accentuate and sharpen the masculine features you already have or mask your more feminine features.

• Ask to have your hair blunted off at the back and sides, alternatively you could opt for a fade as that’s a style very common amongst cis guys.

• If you’re into more alternative styles, try spiking your hair as it’s not something commonly done by women, even in the alt scene.

Facial hair

• I’ve heard from many transmasc people that using castor or coconut oil can help with facial hair growth. Of course you won’t be sprouting a full beard, but it can help your peach fuzz grow.

• On the subject of peach fuzz, if you have enough of it and it’s long enough you can use mascara or brow gel to define it. This will give the appearance of scruff and feels pretty similar to actual facial hair. Keep in mind that you need a VERY steady hand for this to be successful.

• A tip I’ve picked up from drag kings is to use your own hair as facial hair. If you’re able to trim it yourself, keep some of it and put some eyelash glue or spirit gum in the areas you want facial hair, then very carefully stick the ends of the hair down onto your face, cut it down and bam, facial hair. This will take some practice to master.

Clothing

• If you have a curvier figure, use layers to hide your curves where and when possible, but avoid wearing jeans, tros etc that are too loose fitting as these can accentuate your hips.

• Wear clothing that makes your shoulders appear to be broader than they are

• If binders aren’t an option, doubled up sports bras are your best friend.

Makeup

• Contrary to popular belief and what the truscum will tell you; it is perfectly okay to wear makeup as a trans guy

• If you enjoy wearing flamboyant makeup, do it!

• If you have a rounder or more feminine face, makeup can be used to sharpen your features and create a more masculine look

• When contouring your cheekbones, bring it down towards your chin in a vertical line and blend it out as you usually would, this will square off your face.

• Contour your jawline and darken the areas of your eye sockets closest to your nose, cis guys tend to have sharper jawlines and deeper-set eyes

“Shark Week”

• If your period causes you significant distress, try and get birth control if available, as it has the potential to stop your periods or at least make them lighter and shorter.

• Wear ‘girls’ boxers, they’re not as feminine as normal ‘women’s’ underwear and you’re still able to use a pad with them.

• If you use the men’s restrooms and are on your period, bring dog-poop bags or something similar, just put the used pad in the bag and dispose of it in a bin. This will allow you to continue using the men’s bathrooms without the worry of what you’re going to do with used sanitary towels.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO

• Work out and try to build muscle. If you already have a good base when you start T, it will be easier for you to keep going and get the best results

• Research! Find out what the different forms of testosterone are, find out the different ways it can be istered, look up top surgeons, read up on what the pros and cons of various procedures are!

• Ask questions. If there’s a term you’re unfamiliar with, ask! If you want to know how well certain brands of binders work, ask! You won’t know if you don’t ask

• Come out when you’re ready

• lgbt clubs, they’re a great way of meeting new people and getting

• Correct people when you’re misgendered or deadnamed. Don’t just sit in silence

DON’T

• Bind in an unsafe way, such as with tape, ace bandages etc. These WILL damage your body and if you ever hope to get top surgery with results you’ll be proud of, it’s in your best interests to be safe.

• Bind for longer than 6-8 hours. This goes for any method of binding, again binding for longer than recommend can cause serious damage to your body.

• Self-medicate with testosterone you bought online, or the supplements you can get over the counter. I cannot stress how dangerous this is to do. You don’t know how much testosterone you need, nor do you know if it’s even safe for you to take it, there’s a reason so much testing is required before you’re started on T via a clinic. The supplements will at best drain your wallet and not have any effect, and at worst could cause severe damage to your body. Don’t take the risk, guys.

• Come our before you’re ready or safe. If you’re living in an unsafe environment, don’t come out, you’re putting yourself at risk. Similarly, if you’re not ready to come out, don’t let yourself be pressured into it. You aren’t obliged to tell anyone the second you know.

• Go to backalley “surgeons” because it seems like a cheaper option. You will be ripped off, you will have irreversible damage done to your body, it will be more expensive in the long run and you’re at risk of dying.

• Last of all, don’t let anyone convince you you’re invalid, “too young”, “too old” or “just going through a phase”. You are VALID, nobody can decide how you identify but you. Nobody can dictate how you choose to present yourself and nobody has the right to put you down.