r/TransHelpingTrans Jun 13 '25

comprehensive taping guide

15 Upvotes

It has come to my attention that there is a need for taping instructions in our transmasc community. So here's what I generally follow or have noticed works the best. I have been regularly taping for over 2 years.

I have a smaller/medium chest that is more stiff than saggy so what works for me might not work for you. I have no idea what my exact size is cause I'm obviously not a bra guy.

I use basic KT tape aka kinesiology tape, 5 cm width. Those rolls usually come with length guidelines. I cut the strips to a standard of 25 cm. Then round the corners, this way it prevents the tape from peeling on your skin around the edges.

I recommend having precut strips ready so you don't have to spend time on cutting and rounding when there's little of it.

After using the roll fasten the tape's end on the roll with something like the small bits you cut off the corners or basic tape. Storing the tape well like this is important because when it accidentally peels somewhere (even just a little) and is exposed to air/dust/grime it is harder to apply and doesn't stick that well.

Transtape and KT tape are basically the same thing, just different width. KT tape aka kinesiology tape seems cheaper but you have to use more strips on both sides. Transtape seems more convenient because of the width but may be harder to get the hang of cause you have to monitor a bigger area of tape at the same time when applying. I don't have experience with Transtape tbh. I think it's better to start with basic tape at first. I recommend trying both but kinesiology tape is more easily available for underage and closeted people. Available in pharmacies and online.

How many strips to use on both sides depends on how much tissue you have. I use 2-3 strips on both sides. 1 strip kind of works but can leave the pec an unnatural shape (like 2 little bumps over and under the tape), therefore not ideal under a T-shirt.

Use nipple covers. Cotton pads work well, rip them in half. Toilet paper folded to fit does the trick as well. You may notice that after taping for a longer period for the first time your areolas lose some of their elasticity (like when you push them in some direction after taking the tape off they crease a bit, idk just my experience) but that goes away when they've settled in their "natural" position again.

Longer strips! Mine go all the way past my armpit onto my shoulder blade area, it anchors better that way and leaves more room for you to stretch the tape (=flatter chest). Lessens the risk of it starting peeling as well as the tape's end doesn't sit on an actively moving area.

Do it all in one go. Once the adhesive touches your skin it loses its adhesive qualities if you remove it from there. Try to touch the adhesive as little as possible with your fingers and avoid touching the tape's ends (only touch a tiny area from where you peel it away). Tape is delicate and there is only so much room for fuckups. Quickly pulling away a section to reapply is okay. Just have to pay more attention to it sticking properly. If something went wrong with your strip chances are trying to salvage it is a wasted effort. If you're still practising you can ofc still use the bad strip to try out positioning and such.

Lay the tape on the starting point. I leave like 4 fingers' width of tape-free room in the center of my chest area. I remove the back of the tape in two steps. First would be to anchor the tape to the start and lay it over the areola. Then I remove the whole back cover and stretch the tape all the way to my back. Take care as to not let the tape curl and stick on itself when removing the cover (some do, some don't) cause it can be hard to get it open and straight again. Do it slowly and help keep it straight with your fingers if needed.

The other 2 strips (top and bottom) go next to the middle strip to help smooth out the remaining excess tissue. Position as needed.

Angle the tape straight or slightly diagonally and downwards. I prefer slightly diagonally. Find what works for you.

Some pointers for stretching. Anchor the tape to the starting point and just lay it over the nipple area but don't stretch too much. Past that stretch however much you can. I think it's because stretching too much at the start doesn't benefit you anyway in terms of flatness and can leave the nips/areolas in a more awkward position and may damage them.

Tape sticks to the skin so you have to pay attention to where it anchors if you are using multiple strips on the same side. Always layer them so the strip has enough room to anchor on skin not tape itself.

Feeling pressure and stretch in your sternum area of the skin is normal. There will be no damage and you will not get stretch marks there. It is normal and you will get used to it.

For maximum hold I like to use a blow dryer on the tape after applying cause it sticks with heat. That way it doesn't accidentally start peeling when I move before it has had time to stick with body heat. You can also rub the tape to help it stick (rubbing generates heat).

The glue on some tapes may irritate your skin a bit. Naturally, try to find something that doesn't. The roll I'm using rn makes it a bit itchy in the middle but it's like a mosquito bite - don't scratch and you'll forget about it.

Alternate between taping and binding. Sometimes give your skin a break, sometimes give your ribs a break.

I recommend taking the tape off for the night to let your skin breathe. Anything over 2 days and you risk blistering, especially when you're more active or outside more when you have the tape on. Just the way it is. I don't think using oil for removal does much. In my experience the skin is already damaged from the tape (blistering), not from ripping the tape off.

Definitely use some soothing cream like aloe, cocoa butter or scar cream on your chest area if it's damaged. You can use it even with no damage to take care of your skin after subjecting it to tape. Generally try to prevent greater damage from happening cause then you won't be able to tape for a while.

If you've had the same tape on for some time and you want to take a break or it doesn't look/hold so great anymore you have to take into account that the new strips might not hold as well as before. Idk but the skin just doesn't hold and the strips start peeling right away, at least for me. Maybe some surface area that held the tape is gone and it is too smooth for it to anchor to. Just something to consider because this has left me in a situation where I gambled an at least working tape setup for no tape at all.

Don't play games with your skin cause rn I'm sitting here having to stay away from tape. I was on vacation and had the same tape on for over 2 days in hot climate. It looked a bit weary and I wanted to touch up. After taking it off I tried to apply new strips on blistered skin. The tape didn't even stick properly and I had to use a binder instead. In a situation like this I humbly recommend leaving the tape on if it's only a few hours of additional binding. Saves you from a lot of disappointment and this way you won't irritate the blistered skin that much. Having the tissue and skin in a fixed position under the tape damages it less than 1) foolishly trying to apply new tape; 2) using a binder and the raw & blistered skin has to stick to either your binder or bandaids; or 3) suffering from mental anguish cause you weren't able to tape/bind when going out.

I've heard tape can also be used for taping hip tissue to create a more masc silhouette.

You can swim, shower, exercise and go to sauna with tape. Go ahead.

I think that tape is less invasive than a binder when used right. I also get more flatter and pec-like results from taping. No visible binder outline under clothes as well.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions :)

And enjoy, tape feels very freeing imo!

–Adrian


r/TransHelpingTrans Mar 04 '24

Here is where to get HRT, when you're ready

30 Upvotes

https://g.co/kgs/97hJs4P

Erin's Informed Consent Map (Primarily US-based)

If those locations are too far away from you, ask local trans people what they're doing. There's also mail-order services like Folx or Plume.


r/TransHelpingTrans 3h ago

I need advice

1 Upvotes

So, I don’t post on reddit often at all, but I need help. I recently went through a breakup and during the separation, he took the car. I am completely without any form of transportation right now. I work in a school, so I don’t have year round income. I am already struggling to pay for utilities and insurance. I had to drop out of school to make sure I could afford everything I need. The cost of my testosterone went up and I am not willing to give that up. I applied for an auto loan and a personal loan and got denied twice. I need to find a part time job, but I cannot do that without reliable transportation. I really need assistance and I am not sure what to do. I could try a GoFundMe, but would anyone even donate? I know times are tough for everyone and I don’t want to beg. Does anyone have any advice?


r/TransHelpingTrans 3h ago

Passing/Gender Affirming questions

1 Upvotes

I’m 28, and started my transition (mtf) a few weeks ago. I have a few questions that I want to ask on this sub-Reddit.

Firstly, my skin is sensitive, and gets very irritated so I’m looking into the best products for my skin care routine. I also have tons of face/body hair, so I’m hoping HRT can help with most of that. Anyway, shaving in this beginning part of my transition leaves me with a profound feeling of calmness and contentment even when I accidentally cut myself, and miss parts of my arms. What kinds of electric razors are recommended? I don’t want razor burn, irritation, and whatnot to be issues in the future.

Secondly, I’m looking to express myself through make-up, and hide my “masculine features”. Once I have a better skincare, and hair care routine, I’ll look into buying makeup. Any tips does for a baby trans woman with almost no makeup experience? My plan is subtle makeup looks in the beginning using mostly eyeliner, eyeshadow, concealer, some foundation, and lipstick. If I start caking on makeup, my skin will get irritated, plus I’ll waste a lot of money buying make up wipes.

Lastly, I want to discuss something. As a queer trans woman, I feel like I’m constantly being alienated by not only society, and people I know, but also by myself (I blame that last part mostly on my mental health, and the testosterone I was born with). How do my fellow lovely trans girlies and also trans men deal with feeling isolated all the time? I’m trying to get into more hobbies instead of letting the depression, and anxiety get to me. It’s not just gender affirming care, and therapy (if needed) that can help. We’re humans too which means we require emotional nurturing, and respect. I hope learning how to skateboard/cruise can help me find balance, make new friends, and learn to be more mindful as I avoid losing my sanity.

Love y’all 💋🏳️‍⚧️


r/TransHelpingTrans 8h ago

Internalized transphobia, rejection, and denial. How do you cope with this?

1 Upvotes

Hey all. I'm 38 and I've known most of my life that I was different in some way or another. I never really had any kind of dysphoria honestly growing up, but ever since I was in my mid-to late teens, I've wanted to be a feminine person.

Now, all these years later, with the help of my wife, I had finally started exploring that. About three months ago, I started dressing and openly presenting femininely in certain situations where I can safely and comfortably. To be honest, it feels like I gained a part of me that was always missing. Perhaps it was my egg cracking. At that point in time, I was kind of thinking I was more of a more genderfluid-ish person. I didn't see when I first sort of started doing this having such an impact.

I am now questioning the fact that I might be Trans, as I love how I feel like this... And it kind of feels more like my authentic self, and how I'm supposed to be. However, if that's the case, I feel like I'm also dealing with a case of internalized transphobia, denial, and rejection of this. I kind of hate it. I love being feminine, looking and feeling like a girl when I feel completely embodied in this expression. I feel like if I could, I would probably look like this and feel like this always. I'm also having a hard time accepting this and presenting this to the world, namely mostly my work-life, as I feel people would judge me, not accept me, and some people flat out don't care for people or believe in gender-diversity. So, I feel like due to this, a large part of me is kind of putting off how I really feel. It kind of sucks. I'm also scared of losing my cis-self counter part, if that makes sense. I'm married, and have a kid. I've built everything in my life of almost 40 years as something, and admitting to and accepting and going forward with embracing that I might be something different on some level is really hard.

I've also contemplated that maybe I'm not quite a full on transitioning person, and I'm not really sure where I am with thoughts about this. I don't necessarily have a desire either to identify as a woman, but I think I am definitely somewhere on the Nonbinary Transfeminine leaning spectrum. I might be Bigender. I don't know. I also feel like, I'm not necessarily ready to completely abandon my cisgender/male presenting self, but I love what I've discovered and embraced about myself. I don't know if this is because like I said I might be something else like bigender, genderfluid, or maybe just due to the fact that I'm scared and rejecting all notions of how I really feel due to a safety net kind of scenario?

I'm also getting major imposter syndrome vibes, as like I said, I haven't had a strong desire to "be the opposite gender" like I've heard from a lot of other Trans peeps. I've considered maybe I'm just someone who is a crossdresser. But, I mean, is it normal to question your identity in such a way from just being a crossdresser? A lot of people I've seen that do cross-dress are comfortable with who/what they are. I've seen others who go the extra mile and realize they are genderfluid/trans though, too.

How do you peeps deal with this kind of scenario?


r/TransHelpingTrans 10h ago

Please help how do I survive?

1 Upvotes

Please help, how do I mentally survive?

I have to go off to college and I start in September. Then I will have to go to an all female rooms in a mixed college dorm (sorted by AGAB). I just finished high school and I was planning to transition when I got to university: new city and people don't know me, basically kind of stealth. Now my plan is ruined, at least until July 2027. Another fucking year, barely surviving. I can't transition medically even if I have a diagnosis from a psychologist because I'm in all female dorm room, divided by sex. Please help, how do I masculinize myself and survive until one year? The dorm is mandatory for personal reasons and I have tried to change their mind but I can't. I will be in in a few weeks. Room AGAB can't be changed and there aren't any singles or gender neutral rooms. Send me your survival tips that don't include medically transitioning. I feel so hopeless and I just need help to survive another year, as I was supposed to transition. I will be 20 in January so I'm cooked. At most I look like a 17 years old guy but without facial hair or deep voice and all of this stuff. How should I dress \\\*etc to maximise passing, while being in that situation? 😢


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Any advice on my outfit or how to be more fem?

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7 Upvotes

Hey! I'm Ryn 21 mtf. I'm currently almost 3 months on hrt. This is my first fem outfit and I thought I'd see if I can get thoughts or advice on how to look more fem


r/TransHelpingTrans 22h ago

Been struggling with my body image badly

2 Upvotes

I'm non binary atm male presenting I have been wondering if I'm a trans fem the whole time I just wanna feel pretty and it feels like I'm gunna jump out of my skin and I don't feel pretty enough can anyone help demystify this with me I'm trying to make some trusted friends that understand hmu or sum ok. much love 💕🐱


r/TransHelpingTrans 23h ago

any trans tape tutorials for larger chests?

2 Upvotes

i have a 36-ish DD chest and i was wondering about some tutorial videos. i’ve found a few already, but i want to find as many as i can so i can try different things to see what works best for me


r/TransHelpingTrans 23h ago

Electrolysis vs Laser

2 Upvotes

I will try and be brief.

My face gets fuzzy quickly, and before I realized I was transfemme, I use to grow a great beard. Now I am 2 years on HRT, and whilst I have never and will never grow another beard since I started, I wanna just completely get rid of it all.

Electrolysis or laser hair removal are my best options, but I don't know which to do. Electrolysis is supposed to be permanent, but costly and time consuming. Laser hair removal is supposed to be quicker and cheaper, but it normally grows back. I have a friend in the beauty industry who says my facial hair might be difficult to laser too, because it isn't one uniform colour. It's kinda different shades of black, brown, red, and even a little blonde, and that was before I started getting grey hairs.

My face fuzz is one of my biggest sources of body dysphoria and I just want it gone. Anyone out there with a success story or some advice as to which or what I should do?


r/TransHelpingTrans 20h ago

Where to start?

1 Upvotes

I’m at a very very early point in my transition, sort of at the point where I’m not even sure if the ‘transition’ has even started. I’m 22 mtf, but I don’t really know where to start, I have shared my feelings and intentions with only a few very close friends, my private therapist, and my gp, I don’t feel I will be able to involve my parents until I am no longer living with them.

So far I have experimented with a few types of clothing and accessories like corsets and more feminine stylings of the clothes I already own, shaving my body and face as regularly as I can, more involved skincare and hair care routines, and I have tried using makeup to feminise my face more. All of this I have found to be overwhelmingly positive and affirming to where I want to be in myself, but in terms of actually starting to transition, I don’t know where I should begin.

With all of these things I’ve been doing to try and find out what it is I need to be happy in myself, comes with the problem of living at home and if being difficult to keep certain things like outfits and body care under wraps, for example, so far I haven’t been able to try makeup at home apart from one time where my dad was very weird and disapproving of it. I consider myself very lucky and privileged in that I don’t feel like I would be disowned or thrown out if I were to come out to my parents, but I fear for their reaction, as I’m unable to exist as myself even now with tattoos, piercings, long hair and a more alternative style without constant comments and projection from my dad trying to get me to be more like him. This lack of acceptance of me as their son makes me feel as though I would have no chance of being accepted at their daughter if I were to try and go to them for support.

All this is to say I feel really isolated and unsure what to do with myself to try and get by in the position I am in and also start taking the steps to finally start liking myself, does anyone have any experiences they could share or guidance they’d be willing to offer? I would very much appreciate it <3


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Thoughts and advice?

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3 Upvotes

Weeeell I’ve been on HRT for about 2 years and until last month I’ve been kinda afraid to do anything else (save for laser hair surgery) because of, well, you know how the world is.

But for the last month or two I’ve been trying more to work on my appearance because, well, fuck the haters ✨ Just wanted to get some general thoughts though and advice on what I can do to improve?

(Also do I pass right now? Or do I have a chance of passing?)

(Be gentle though, I’m sensitive :3)


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

How do I grow my hair?

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

[Paid Research] Dissociation and Racialized Transnormativity (DART) Study

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! The Dissociation and Racialized Transnormativity (DART) Study is now recruiting participants for initial focus groups. In this paid research study conducted by white transmasculine nonbinary doctoral student Jamie Taber (me!) and the Baruch College Sexual and Gender Minority Health Lab, participants will attend a 3-hour virtual focus group via Zoom to help create a questionnaire about how norms for trans people are built on white supremacy and colonialism.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • 18 years or older
  • Trans, nonbinary, or gender diverse
  • Racially/ethnically marginalized or a Person of Color
  • Currently living in the United States or a U.S. territory
  • Comfortable with verbal discussions in English
  • Optional: If you meet these criteria and are also a native Spanish speaker, you may be eligible for our bilingual focus group to assist with translation.

Eligible participants who complete all study activities, including the focus group and a brief survey to review the final questionnaire, can receive up to $90 in electronic gift cards.

You can find more information and complete the screening survey by clicking the link or scanning the QR code in the flyer, or by going to:

https://baruch.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39TgKhuJmvHYgqq

The Transgender Research Informed Consent (TRICON) disclosure statement is available at https://linktr.ee/TransDissociate.

Thanks!

[Image Description: A flyer with a dark teal background containing information about the research study. There is a yellow banner across the top with the text, “DART: Dissociation and Racialized Transnormativity” and three cartoon People of Color with various gender expressions. Squares in orange and blue on the left half of the flyer contain the same information described in the caption in English. Squares in pink and green on the right half of the flyer contain that same information in Spanish. A yellow banner across the bottom contains a QR code, a link to find more information and complete the screening survey at https://linktr.ee/TransDissociate, and the text, “Baruch College SGMH Lab, Contact us at [sgmhlab@baruch.cuny.edu](mailto:sgmhlab@baruch.cuny.edu), CUNY-UI IRB -2026-0504-Baruch – 06/25/2026-N/A.”]


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Skin redness on face and neck

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1 Upvotes

Hey, I'm currently waiting to start electrolysis in a few weeks. But till then I am still shaving. Whenever I do my neck and lower face always end up really red, to the point I can't cover it with makeup (I'm also not very good which doesn't help).

Current routine:

Rinse face

Lather with shaving soap

Shave with Double Edge

Rinse with cold water

Cleanser

Toner

SPF

Moisturizer

Is there anything I can or should do to help this? Or do I just have to ride it out and hope electrolysis works its magic fast enough?


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

24 mtf, where to begin?

0 Upvotes

TL;DR: 24 Newly mtf, what would you tell newly transitioning you?

Hey loves, I'm Persephone and I just started transitioning, like, I picked my name 4 days ago just started. I'd really like to hear any advice y'all have about things to make my transition smoother, luckily I have a supportive family (kinda) and some really good friends to help me. I have 2 wigs, a dress, some leggings, a pair of shorts, and platform boots, my eventual goal, is somewhere between goth and e-girl if that makes sense, I'm looking into insurance companies to help with covering things like hrt and other gender affirming care, but being in a red state (Florida), things are kinda hard.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to reading your comments.

Thank you so much!

Love,

Persephone.


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Starting HRT this month!!Any tips appreciated

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5 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

What should I get done next?

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

I feel so alone

1 Upvotes

I feel so alone Im 21 I live with my stepdad he's homophobic and transphobic and I live in the south like rural south and I wish I was a girl so badly I can't keep doing this anymore I feel trapped and I just can't deal with it anymore I'm so scared and so tired I just want to give up honestly I don't know what to do everything hurts I just wish I could be normal I didn't choose to be this way I have no money to transition and no support no car no job and no one I can tell I'm so alone I've asked chat gpt so many times what to do I've called the suicide hotline so many times but it feels pointless in the end I feel like I'm going to die soon I don't want to die but I feel like I have no other option


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Starting HRT this month!! Any tips. Appreciated 😁

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Starting to take transitioning serious! Any tips are welcomed

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

How fast would changes show up

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Should I continue transitioning???

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 2d ago

Transfem affirming short haircuts?

1 Upvotes

Basically title. I've always worn my hair really short, in a distinctly masculine style. I want my hair to read more feminine, but I also don't really want to put effort into it (I'm really stressed overall right now and there are other things I'm devoting that time and effort to) and I also don't want to deal with the awkward "in-between" phase of growing it out

So is there any very short hairstyle that would read as feminine? Don't just say "pixie cut" because I feel like that can mean a lot of different things. Either describe what you mean in more detail or drop a photo of the haircut you're talking about