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Hair:
Once you have decided to transition, change your hairdresser. This might seem harsh but it can be too much to ask someone who has known you as a female, butch or not, to make the transition quickly enough to give you a fully masculine haircut. Haircuts say a lot about gender so if you are in any way addicted to your long curly hair and you don't have sideburns, biceps and a (male) porn star body...it is time to get over it and cut it off.
It can be difficult finding a balance, especially when you first start passing as a guy so opt for a short conservative style similar to the guys you work or hang around with: long hair will make you look more feminine however a very short cut or flat top can make you look like a butch lesbian.
Once you have your new style, put a use-by date on all your hair products - it is time to simplify your bathroom cupboard. If you still have any 80's era mousse or hairspray - ditch it immediately, there is no male hairstyle that requires such obscenities. Talk to your (new) hairdresser about products that will work for your hair and new style. If you don't feel comfortable discussing hair products in the salon/ barbers then you can also try a hair care shop or something like The Body Shop which have a good range of men's of products. You need a good quality shampoo and conditioner and one (that's right, just one) hair product. You can choose to have more but if your mates (straight that is) are visiting it is highly likely that you will cop a reasonable ribbing if you have a bathroom full of grooming products. Most straight men I know have a basic range of good quality products.
Until you can grow sideburns cut/ shave off any long or fluffy bits of hair in front of your ears. Once you can grow sideburns - go for it! Sideburns define your face and have a strong very masculinising effect on your presentation. (see below for styles)
Lastly, if you are going bald - cut your hair short or shave it off. Do not resort to the comb-over. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about Rogaine or similar treatments but remember that some products are for biomen (or other term???) only so won't be as effective and/or may not work at all for FtM's.
Facial hair:
As soon as you get started on T and/or you want to start trying to pass - shave off all the fine hairs on your face. Only women have that kind of hair on their faces. You won't need to shave regularly until you really start growing facial hair but it can take some time to condition your skin to the harsh reality of a razor so use this time to slowly get used to it.
Just because you can grow it, doesn't mean you have to! Be realistic about what your face shape is and whether you suit facial hair. Don't grow facial hair until you really can - perhaps start on a holiday break so that if it is a total disaster you can shave it off before your mates can give you a hard time about it. Patchy or thin facial hair can make you look younger or not quite mature, which is fine if you are working in a record store but not so good if you are angling to be the next partner in your law firm. And if you do grow a beard - keep it neat, Father Christmas is a myth and not a fashion model.
Sideburns help define and masculinise your face by squaring of the frame and highlighting cheekbones. They are one definite difference between men and women. As with any other facial hair - don't grow them until you can as thin or wispy sidies just look silly and can be feminising.
Sideburns styles:
Conservative: are short, generally cut in line with the top of the ear down to in line with your cheekbones. Always cut this length square at the bottom. This style will help to square off long narrow faces and suit guys in fairly conservative professions or workplaces. Middle length: are grown a bit further down and look great on guys with fuller faces as they help to thin your face down. They can also help to hide a weak jaw line and make your face shape look stronger. This style will suit almost anyone and is a good way to set a personal style without standing out too much. Long or Flared: very cool style that works well with very short hair (especially good for taking attention away from thinning hair) and also help to thin down a fat face. Don't try this style if your sideburns are too narrow. Good option for setting a personal style or if you are going for a younger, fashion look especially if they are (slightly) flared at the bottom.
Alternative: if you feel comfortable experimenting, watch the fashion trends and go for it.
Fingernails:
Cut them short and straight across - easy.
Facial Care:
General: Less is more - you will only need an oil-free moisturiser, cleanser etc (see below), shaving gear and after shave balm (see below). Think of all the extra money you will now have to get that digital sports channel!!
Cleanser/ Moisturiser: Clean your skin with either an anti-acne product or a cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have occasional acne breakouts then it is best to use a general-purpose cleanser in between to avoid over-drying your skin.
Once your skin has started changing, use an oil-free moisturiser designed for men's skin or a good quality general-purpose range that suits your skin type. Suitable products are available from most department stores, pharmacists and places such as the Body Shop that carry specific products for men. Ask for advice from the sales assistant and if you are unsure buy a trial size bottle first. Products with a sunscreen will assist in avoiding wrinkles and looking old before your time.
Acne:
Acne is unfortunately a standard by-product of T therapy as your skin becomes oilier and you start to grow facial and body hair. Keep control of the problem with a good quality cleanser, anti-acne lotion and if necessary, a weekly treatment mask.
Keep your skin clean but avoid over-cleaning as this can strip the skin and make it produce more oil. Stay calm and treat the outbreaks as they occur. Try to avoid picking, squeezing and aggravating pimples especially if you are older and your skin is no longer as resilient as it was when you were a teenager.
Nose strips that clear blocked pores and stop blackheads forming are great and now come in a larger size for men.
Use an anti-acne body wash with a brush or loofah in the shower and clean you back and chest regularly. To avoid over-drying your skin use an ordinary body wash or soap elsewhere unless you have oily skin/acne all over otherwise you will end up with dry skin.
Consult your pharmacy if you are not sure what to buy and if the problem is really out of control, see your GP for a prescription medication.
Shaving:
Start by exposing your skin to hot/warm water for at least five minutes. An ideal way to do this is by having a shower first. This will soften your whiskers and make them easier to save. If you have problems with ingrown hairs try using a face scrub or clay mask first. You can shave in the shower if you have a fog free mirror (available at most men's grooming shops) and no ethics about wasting water. Otherwise the best option is to shave immediately after your shower.
Use a good quality shave foam, cream or oil to keep your face moist and provide a smooth, cut free shave. Cheap shave foams are little more than soap and air that will dry your skin out and make shaving hard work. While it is definitely worth investing in a good quality product you can probably avoid the Clinique or Clarins counters unless you have money to burn. If you have sensitive skin it may be worth trying shaving oil which is available at pharmacists and most supermarkets. There are also products specially designed for teenage/ acne prone skin.
Use a pivoting head razor preferably with twin-blades. Mach 3 razors are good but if you get a shaving rash it may be worth switching to a twin or single blade. Treat disposable all-in-one units with the disdain they deserve because that is exactly how they will treat your face. Shave with the direction of your beard first (if necessary you can shave a second time in the reverse direction). Use short strokes and rinse your razor often in hot/warm water.
If you nick your skin, wash it thoroughly and apply pressure. Remember not to leave the house with bits of toilet paper stuck on your face. A soothing moisturiser or shaving balm can help. Don't use a product with alcohol unless you have a very high pain threshold. Moisturise with a good quality, non-alcohol, oil-free product.
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