Hair Transformation When Transitioning: A Personal Story
- Written by Ray Fernandez
- Nov 30, 2023
- |
- 9 min read
Transgender Awareness Month Draws to a Close
The last day of November brings to an end the celebration of Transgender Awareness Month in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries.
Lordhair - a globally trusted brand for hair system - endeavours to shine the light on how hair is an essential component of self-expression and identity regardless of what gender you identify with. For transgender individuals, changing one's hair can serve as a powerful way to affirm their gender identity, express their true selves, and build confidence. Read on as I explore the hair transformation story of a transgender person I recently met and learn how transitioning has impacted their lives and self-expression.
My Hair Transformation When Transitioning to a Woman: Full Interview
To help us understand the hair transformation process and its impact on the transgender community, I spoke with a transgender person who has undergone a hair transformation (we will refer to them as Jane for the sake of this interview).
Ray: Could you tell us about your journey as a transgender person and how it has impacted your relationship with your hair?
Jane: I was born a male at birth and needless to say my journey as a transgender person has been challenging, to say the least. For the longest time, I didn't even know that being transgender was a thing. But as I began to explore my gender identity, I realised that I needed to transition to become my true self - a female. My hair has always been an essential part of my identity, and transitioning has allowed me to finally express myself fully. Changing my hair to align with my gender identity was a major step in my transition.
R: How was hair a major step when it may seem quite an easy subject to change?
J: True. However, what is the one thing that any person can change immediately and perhaps look different? Yes, it's hair! I can change my clothes but that's not mine, it's not attached to my body. I needed to make a physical change with something that was my own and this was hair.
R: How did you decide on the style or look you were hoping to achieve?
J: Deciding on my hairstyle was a process, to say the least. Before transitioning, I presented as a male and had longer hair, so I knew I wanted to keep it long as this signified as feminine to me. But I didn't quite know what that meant. I spent hours scouring Pinterest and YouTube for inspiration before ultimately deciding on a long, curly hairstyle. Working with a hairstylist who understands my needs as a transgender person was key to achieving the look I wanted.
R: How did you feel after your hair transformation, both mentally and physically?
J: My hair transformation was a monumental moment for me. Physically, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Suddenly, my hair felt like it was mine, and I could do whatever I wanted. Mentally, I felt a surge of empowerment and confidence. Changing my hair to align with my gender identity allowed me to walk in the world as my true self. I didn't need the acceptance of anyone else but myself. I'm not asking people to understand me, especially in countries where transgender is a foreign subject - I am just a person and like all of us have a limited number of decades on this planet (we all have that in common!).
"My hair felt like it was mine, and I could do whatever I wanted."
R: In what ways has your hair transformation impacted your life?
J: My hair transformation has impacted my life in countless ways. For one, it has helped me feel more confident in my appearance and my ability to express my identity. Additionally, it has led to some incredibly positive interactions with strangers. I've had people come up to me on the street and compliment my hair, which is an affirming experience. Overall, it has completely transformed my relationship with my appearance. We want to naturally look at people in the eyes and the closest neighbour to the eyes is hair - so I wanted to make sure my neighbour was also representing me in the proudest way.
R: What advice would you give to other transgender individuals who are considering a hair transformation?
J: My advice to other transgender individuals considering a hair transformation is to be patient and trust your instincts. Finding the right hairstyle or look takes time, especially if you're not quite sure what you want. Don't be afraid to experiment and try something new – that's part of the journey. And find a hairstylist who understands your needs and can help you achieve the look you're hoping for. I'm lucky to have hair and I know many people in the transgender community who don't have the gift of hair there are ways like hair systems (also commonly known as men’s human hair wigs, hair toupees, hair units, and men’s hairpieces) that have been a wonder for them. Explore and play - be innovative with hair!
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Hair Systems Are Gender-Neutral
Whatever your gender, don't hesitate to reach out to the team at Lordhair for your dream hair. Whilst our hair systems and wigs may be branded as either men's or women's hairpieces, they are in fact, gender-neutral. So, if you wish to wear short hair then try one of our 5"-6" toupee hair replacement system, or for long hair, there are our women's wigs or we can create a custom-made hair system according to your preferred hair length as well as all your other needs.
Meet Sylvie who is wearing a French lace Lordhair "men's" hair system
Hair Transformation When Transitioning: Conclusion
Transgender Jake chose Lordhair as his hair loss solution
Hair is an essential aspect of self-expression, particularly for transgender individuals as they navigate their identity and transition. Changing one's hair to align with gender identity can be a transformative experience, leading to increased empowerment, confidence, and a stronger relationship with one's identity. Transgender individuals need to have access to resources and support that can help them navigate their hair transformation journey successfully. By doing so, they can fully express their true selves and be who they want to be.
Lordhair would like to thank our guest who chose to remain anonymous, and we are grateful for the insight they provided into their personal life.
Ray is a guest contributor to our blogs with an extensive background in PR. Ray loves to discuss his own non surgical hair replacement journey by offering insights into wearing and styling a toupee wig as well as providing observations on the role of hair in sexual and gender identity from an LGBTQ+ perspective. Be sure to check out more of Ray’s Diversity content