Electrolysis Support Fund

The Electrolysis Support Fund provides financial assistance for permanent hair removal services, recognizing that these treatments are often essential for the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals. Facial and body hair can be a significant source of gender dysphoria, and permanent removal can provide lasting relief.

Founded by LGBTQ+ community members and transgender individuals, this fund addresses a gap in healthcare coverage, as most insurance plans do not cover electrolysis or laser hair removal even when medically necessary for gender transition.

We support both electrolysis (permanent removal one hair at a time) and laser hair removal (permanent reduction), understanding that different individuals have different needs based on skin tone, hair color, and personal preference.

Grants can be used for facial hair removal, body hair removal, or both. We work with recipients to identify qualified providers and ensure quality, safe treatment.

About The Program

The Electrolysis Support Fund provides financial assistance for permanent hair removal services, recognizing that these treatments are often essential for the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals. Facial and body hair can be a significant source of gender dysphoria, and permanent removal can provide lasting relief.

Founded by LGBTQ+ community members and transgender individuals, this fund addresses a gap in healthcare coverage, as most insurance plans do not cover electrolysis or laser hair removal even when medically necessary for gender transition.

We support both electrolysis (permanent removal one hair at a time) and laser hair removal (permanent reduction), understanding that different individuals have different needs based on skin tone, hair color, and personal preference.

Grants can be used for facial hair removal, body hair removal, or both. We work with recipients to identify qualified providers and ensure quality, safe treatment.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.

U.S. Residency

Must be a current resident of the United States with valid documentation.

Financial Need

Demonstrated inability to afford hair removal services through personal funds, insurance, or other means.

Gender-Affirming Purpose

Hair removal must be sought as part of gender-affirming care, not for purely cosmetic reasons unrelated to gender identity.

Treatment Plan

Must have or be willing to obtain a consultation and treatment plan from a qualified hair removal provider.

Commitment to Treatment

Willingness to complete the treatment series as recommended by your provider (hair removal typically requires multiple sessions).

Requirements

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.

U.S. Residency

Must be a current resident of the United States with valid documentation.

Financial Need

Demonstrated inability to afford hair removal services through personal funds, insurance, or other means.

Gender-Affirming Purpose

Hair removal must be sought as part of gender-affirming care, not for purely cosmetic reasons unrelated to gender identity.

Treatment Plan

Must have or be willing to obtain a consultation and treatment plan from a qualified hair removal provider.

Commitment to Treatment

Willingness to complete the treatment series as recommended by your provider (hair removal typically requires multiple sessions).

Before applying, please consider the following questions to determine if this fund is right for you:

Are you 18 years of age or older?
Do you reside in the United States?
Is permanent hair removal important for your gender transition or relief from gender dysphoria?
Do you lack insurance coverage or financial means to pay for hair removal services?
Are you prepared to commit to a multi-session treatment plan (typically 10-20+ sessions)?
Have you researched providers in your area or are you willing to work with our recommended providers?
Can you attend regular appointments over several months to a year?

Self-Assessment

Before applying, please consider the following questions to determine if this fund is right for you:

Are you 18 years of age or older?
Do you reside in the United States?
Is permanent hair removal important for your gender transition or relief from gender dysphoria?
Do you lack insurance coverage or financial means to pay for hair removal services?
Are you prepared to commit to a multi-session treatment plan (typically 10-20+ sessions)?
Have you researched providers in your area or are you willing to work with our recommended providers?
Can you attend regular appointments over several months to a year?

1

Initial Application

Submit your application through apply.thafund.org including financial documentation and a brief statement about how hair removal will benefit your transition.

2

Review

Our team reviews your application for completeness and eligibility criteria.

3

Committee Review

Applications are evaluated based on financial need, the significance of hair removal to your gender-affirming care, and available funding.

4

Conditional Approval

If selected, you will receive conditional approval pending provider verification and treatment planning.

5

Provider Registration

Your chosen hair removal provider must register with THAF and submit a treatment plan with cost estimates.

6

Approved

Once your provider is verified and treatment plan approved, your funding is confirmed.

7

Documentation

Begin your treatments. Your provider will bill THAF directly up to your approved amount.

8

Completed

Complete your treatment series. Additional funding is not typically available, so work with your provider on a realistic treatment plan.

Application Process

1

Initial Application

Submit your application through apply.thafund.org including financial documentation and a brief statement about how hair removal will benefit your transition.

2

Review

Our team reviews your application for completeness and eligibility criteria.

3

Committee Review

Applications are evaluated based on financial need, the significance of hair removal to your gender-affirming care, and available funding.

4

Conditional Approval

If selected, you will receive conditional approval pending provider verification and treatment planning.

5

Provider Registration

Your chosen hair removal provider must register with THAF and submit a treatment plan with cost estimates.

6

Approved

Once your provider is verified and treatment plan approved, your funding is confirmed.

7

Documentation

Begin your treatments. Your provider will bill THAF directly up to your approved amount.

8

Completed

Complete your treatment series. Additional funding is not typically available, so work with your provider on a realistic treatment plan.

Application review typically takes 2-4 weeks from submission of a complete application.
Funding is paid directly to your hair removal provider, not to you personally.
Most facial electrolysis treatments require 100+ hours of treatment total, spread over 1-2 years.
Laser hair removal typically requires 6-12 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
Results vary based on skin tone, hair color, hair density, and the area being treated.
You may need to continue treatment beyond what the grant covers; please plan accordingly.
All treatments should be performed by licensed, qualified professionals.

What to Expect

Application review typically takes 2-4 weeks from submission of a complete application.
Funding is paid directly to your hair removal provider, not to you personally.
Most facial electrolysis treatments require 100+ hours of treatment total, spread over 1-2 years.
Laser hair removal typically requires 6-12 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
Results vary based on skin tone, hair color, hair density, and the area being treated.
You may need to continue treatment beyond what the grant covers; please plan accordingly.
All treatments should be performed by licensed, qualified professionals.

Please Read Carefully

The maximum grant amount is $3,000. Most hair removal treatment plans cost more than this, so be prepared to cover additional costs.
Grants cannot be combined across multiple funding cycles. One grant per individual.
A non-refundable $10 administrative fee is required with each application. Fee waivers are available.
Electrolysis and laser are different treatments with different results. Research which is right for you before applying.
Laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair. Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types.
Approved funds must be used within 12 months. You may request an extension if needed.
THAF is working toward 501(c)(3) status. Donations may not currently be tax-deductible.

Important Notes

Please Read Carefully

The maximum grant amount is $3,000. Most hair removal treatment plans cost more than this, so be prepared to cover additional costs.
Grants cannot be combined across multiple funding cycles. One grant per individual.
A non-refundable $10 administrative fee is required with each application. Fee waivers are available.
Electrolysis and laser are different treatments with different results. Research which is right for you before applying.
Laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair. Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types.
Approved funds must be used within 12 months. You may request an extension if needed.
THAF is working toward 501(c)(3) status. Donations may not currently be tax-deductible.

Electrolysis destroys individual hair follicles one at a time using electrical current. It is FDA-approved as permanent hair removal and works on all skin and hair types. Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to damage hair follicles and works best on those with light skin and dark hair. It's considered permanent hair reduction rather than removal. Both are covered by this fund.

This varies greatly depending on the area being treated, hair density, hair type, and the method used. Facial electrolysis for a full beard can require 100-300+ hours over 1-2 years. Laser hair removal typically requires 6-12 sessions. Your provider can give you a better estimate during your consultation.

For most people, $3,000 will cover a portion but not all of their hair removal treatment. Full facial electrolysis can cost $10,000-$20,000 or more. We encourage you to view this grant as a starting point and to plan for additional costs. Some providers offer payment plans for the remaining balance.

Yes! While many applicants prioritize facial hair, grants can be used for body hair removal as well. You can split your grant between facial and body treatments, or focus on whichever area is most important for your well-being.

Look for licensed electrologists (check for CPE certification) or licensed estheticians/technicians for laser. Ask about their experience with transgender clients. We can provide referrals in some areas. Always schedule a consultation before committing to a treatment plan.

Both electrolysis and laser can cause discomfort, often described as a snapping or stinging sensation. Pain tolerance varies by individual and treatment area. Many providers offer numbing creams, and the sensation often becomes more tolerable over time. Discuss pain management options with your provider.

Yes! You can apply whether you're just starting or already in the middle of your hair removal journey. Please include information about treatments you've already had in your application.

Our provider registration process is straightforward and designed to protect both you and the provider. If your preferred provider is hesitant, we can speak with them directly to address concerns. Alternatively, we can help you find another qualified provider in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions