Grooming & Personal Hygiene: A Complete Guide
Taking care of your body is an essential part of feeling good and confident in your skin. Whether you’re starting testosterone, HRT-free, post-top surgery, or just looking for ways to refine your self-care routine, personal hygiene and grooming play a big role in both physical and mental well-being. Here are some grooming tips that I’ve found helpful along my own transition journey.
Facial Hair Care: Growing, Shaving, & Maintenance
Growing a Beard on T: If you're on testosterone, you may notice facial hair growing in slowly over time. Patience is key, but you can encourage growth by:
Exfoliating regularly to remove dead skin and stimulate hair follicles.
Using minoxidil if approved by your doctor.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins like biotin.
Shaving & Beard Grooming:
If you’re new to shaving, start with a gentle razor and shaving cream to avoid irritation.
Moisturize after shaving to prevent razor bumps.
If you're growing a beard, use beard oil to keep it soft and brush it daily to train growth direction.
Skin Care: Managing Acne & Oiliness
Testosterone can cause increased oil production, leading to acne. Here’s how to keep your skin healthy:
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
Use an oil-free moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Apply facial sunscreen every morning to protect against sun damage.
Exfoliate once or twice a week to clear clogged pores.
Consider acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or Niacinamide if breakouts persist.
Body Hygiene: Sweat, Odor, & Hair Care
Testosterone can also increase sweating and body odor. Stay fresh with these tips:
Shower regularly, especially after workouts using your preferred body wash to prevent bacteria buildup.
Use an antiperspirant deodorant to control excessive sweating.
Trim or shave body hair if it helps you feel more comfortable with hygiene.
Hair Care: Scalp & Hair Maintenance
If you’re experiencing hair thinning on T, or just want to keep your hair healthy:
Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent dryness and hair loss.
Use minoxidil to promote hair growth.
Consider biotin supplements to support hair health.
Avoid excessive heat styling to reduce damage.
Massage your scalp regularly to encourage circulation and hair growth.
Post-Top Surgery Hygiene & Care
Follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning incisions.
Wear loose, breathable clothing to aid healing.
Avoid heavy lotions on scars until fully healed, then use scar treatments like silicone gel.
Keep your chest dry to prevent infections.
Binding & Hygiene: Keeping It Safe
If you bind, it’s important to practice good hygiene:
Wash your binder regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Avoid wearing your binder for more than 8 hours a day.
Take binding breaks whenever possible to reduce strain on your body.
Stay hydrated and listen to your body—if breathing becomes difficult, remove your binder immediately.
Find What Makes You Feel Confident!
Grooming and personal hygiene aren’t just about appearance—they’re about feeling good in your body. Whether you’re trying new hairstyles, growing facial hair, or fine-tuning your skincare routine, the key is finding what makes you feel most confident. Take care of yourself and embrace the process.
