FTM passing pre-T: How to start transitioning

Transitioning before testosterone (Pre-T) can feel overwhelming, both mentally and physically. It's important to remember that many have gone through this journey and have successfully transitioned to live as their true selves. It’s okay to experience negative emotions, but always keep in mind that this journey is about making yourself happy.

In this guide, we’ll cover key tips for passing as male Pre-T, including voice training, stimulating facial hair growth, muscle toning, and choosing the right hairstyle. Let’s dive in!

Table of contents

• Transition Timeline
• How to Start Transitioning Pre-T 
• Voice Training: How to Make Your Voice Deeper Pre-T 
• FTM Pre-T Workouts: How to Build a More Masculine Body
  ● Strength and Weight Training
  ● Swimming
  ● Cardio and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  ● Push-Ups 
• Facial Hair Growth Pre-T: How to Stimulate Facial Hair Growth 
  ● Shaving Peach Fuzz
  ● Coconut Oil
  ● Minoxidil
  ● Avoid Makeup for Imitating Beards 
• Choosing a Suitable Haircut Pre-T FTM
  ● Round or Feminine Faces
  ● Avoid Extremely Short Cuts
  ● Consult a Professional 
• Skin and Hair Care: Managing Changes Pre-T 
• Packing: An Important Aspect of Passing Pre-T 
  ● When to Start
  ● Types of Packers 
• Passing at School 
  ● Start with Small Changes
  ● Managing Long Hair 
• Dealing with Doubts: Afraid of Never Passing?
  ● Testosterone Will Help
  ● Confidence Is Key
  ● You’re Not Alone 

Transition Timeline

Understanding what to expect during your transition can help ease anxiety. Before starting hormone therapy, it’s recommended to have a formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria by a mental health professional. Here’s an overview of the FTM transition timeline:

• Hormone Therapy: Effects vary by individual and may be reversible or irreversible.
• Testosterone: Expect full results over two years, with changes documented by your doctor.

How to Start Transitioning Pre-T

There are many ways to start passing as male before starting testosterone:

• Voice Training: Exercises to deepen your voice.
• Facial Hair Stimulation: Tips to encourage hair growth.
• Muscle Building: Workouts to develop a more masculine physique.
• Hairstyles: Choosing the right cut for your face shape.
• Packing: Using packers to help you feel more comfortable and masculine.

Voice Training: How to Make Your Voice Deeper Pre-T

Although testosterone has the most significant effect on deepening your voice, you can still work on lowering your tone with consistent training before starting hormone therapy. Voice training exercises can help you develop more masculine voice. The key is to focus on specific techniques and practice regularly.

1. Hum Low: Start by humming as low as possible for 30 seconds. This exercise helps stretch your vocal cords, which can gradually result in a deeper voice. Aim to practice this several times a day, and over time, try extending the length of your hums.
2. Speak Using Your Diaphragm: When speaking, make sure to engage your diaphragm, a muscle located between the lungs and stomach. Speaking from the diaphragm gives your voice more strength and resonance. To check if you're using your diaphragm correctly, place your hand on your stomach and ensure it moves when you speak. Proper posture can help with this—stand or sit straight, giving your lungs more room to expand and allowing deeper breaths.
3. Positioning Your Chin: Another technique to lower your voice is to slightly tuck your chin closer to your neck and chest while speaking. This helps engage the lower tones of your voice, giving it a deeper quality.
4. Stretch Your Neck: Regular neck stretching strengthens the muscles, which can support a deeper voice. Combine this with humming for added effect.
5. Speak Slowly and Deliberately: Take your time when speaking. Speaking slowly gives you more control over your tone and allows you to maintain a deeper pitch.
6. Sing Male Vocal Parts: While it may seem unconventional, singing the male parts in songs is an enjoyable way to practice and discover your deeper voice. This can help you get more comfortable with lower pitches.

FTM Pre-T Workouts: How to Build a More Masculine Body

Building a more masculine physique before starting testosterone can be challenging but is achievable with consistent effort. Pre-T workouts focus on toning muscles and reducing body fat to create a more masculine appearance, particularly in areas like the upper body.

Strength and Weight Training

The best way to develop a masculine upper body is through strength training, especially focusing on areas like the shoulders, chest, and arms. Weightlifting is an excellent option for building biceps, triceps, and strengthening your chest. You can start with lighter weights and gradually increase as you build muscle. Whether at the gym or home, aim to incorporate strength training into your routine several times a week.

• Upper Body Focus: Exercises such as bench presses, shoulder presses, and dumbbell curls help build upper body mass and define masculine features. These exercises also promote a broader shoulder profile, contributing to a more masculine frame.

Swimming

Swimming is a fun yet highly effective exercise. It helps burn fat, particularly in the upper body, which can result in a smaller chest, an area of concern for many FTMs. Try to swim for at least 45 minutes a day and gradually increase both the intensity and duration of your workouts. Swimming offers a full-body workout while helping tone specific areas, making it an excellent choice for those looking to lose fat and build lean muscle.

Cardio and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

While cardio is great for overall health, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is more effective for building muscle while burning fat. HIIT involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This form of exercise is great because it doesn’t require daily repetition—doing it a few times a week is enough for significant results.

Push-Ups

One of the simplest and most effective exercises for building upper body strength is push-ups. They work your chest, shoulders, and arms, helping to create a broader and stronger upper body. Start with a few push-ups a day and gradually increase your reps.

Facial Hair Growth Pre-T: How to Stimulate Facial Hair Growth

Facial hair is a strong indicator of masculinity, and many FTMs desire to grow it even before starting testosterone. While it’s more difficult to grow facial hair Pre-T, there are methods you can try to stimulate growth.

• Shaving Peach Fuzz

Although shaving won’t make your facial hair grow thicker, it’s a good way to prepare for future hair growth when you begin hormone therapy. By shaving your peach fuzz, you create a clean slate for the hair that may start to grow once you begin testosterone.

• Coconut Oil

Applying coconut oil to areas where you already have some peach fuzz can help moisturize the skin and hair follicles. This treatment doesn’t directly cause hair growth, but it helps create healthy conditions for when hair begins to grow. Coconut oil can also be applied after shaving to soothe the skin.

• Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a popular product used to stimulate hair growth. Some FTMs use it to grow facial hair, although its effectiveness varies from person to person. It’s typically used for treating hair loss but may promote hair growth in other areas, including the face. Be sure to do your research to determine if this product is right for you before using it.

• Avoid Makeup for Imitating Beards

While it might be tempting, using makeup to create the illusion of a beard often looks unnatural. Instead, if you already have some facial hair, a light dusting of powder can darken the hair slightly without being obvious.

Choosing a Suitable Haircut Pre-T FTM

Your haircut plays a major role in passing as male, especially Pre-T. When choosing a haircut, consider your face shape and how the style will affect your overall look.

Round or Feminine Faces

If you have a round or softer face, a good option is to shave the sides of your head and keep the top longer, combing it back for a more angular look. This gives the face more definition, which helps achieve a more masculine appearance.

Avoid Extremely Short Cuts

While short haircuts like buzz cuts may seem like the easiest way to pass, they don’t always work for every face shape. Buzz cuts often accentuate softer, rounder features, which could make you look younger or more feminine. Instead, consider a faded cut that adds subtle angles without exposing too much of the natural face shape.

Consult a Professional

If you’re unsure which haircut will suit you best, consulting with a professional hairdresser can help you find a style that enhances your masculinity. Some styles may surprise you with how much they can change your appearance.

You may find this interesting: Explore our article on FTM haircuts for more detailed guidance on choosing the right hairstyle.

Skin and Hair Care: Managing Changes Pre-T

Taking care of your skin and hair is important during the Pre-T phase, especially if you’re looking to adopt a more masculine look. Proper grooming and hygiene can contribute to how you pass.

• Skincare: Testosterone can cause oily skin and acne. Start adopting a good skincare routine early, using cleansers and moisturizers suitable for your skin type.
• Hair Grooming: Keeping your facial hair (if you have any) well-groomed, or shaving regularly, can create a clean and masculine look. Haircuts and trims should be done frequently to maintain a sharp appearance.

Packing: An Important Aspect of Passing Pre-T

Packing can be a crucial part of passing for many FTMs. While it’s a personal choice, here are some tips to help you decide when and how to start packing.

When to Start

There’s no specific time to start packing—it’s entirely up to you. You should begin when you feel comfortable. Many FTMs start with simple, homemade packers (such as socks) to get used to the feeling before moving on to more realistic options.

Types of Packers

Once you’re ready to invest in a more realistic packer, you can choose from various options. For example, Emisil offers high-quality packers that are realistic and comfortable for everyday wear. Compact STP (stand-to-pee) devices are perfect for those just starting with packing, while models like FL01 and FL05 offer a flaccid look for a more natural feel.

If you're looking for a customized, realistic packer, be sure to explore Emisil's FTM packers

Passing at School

Passing in a school environment can be challenging, especially when you're Pre-T. Concerns about how others perceive you are common, but it’s important to take small steps toward feeling more masculine without overwhelming yourself.

Start with Small Changes

You can begin by making subtle changes that others may not notice but will make a significant difference in how you feel. For example:

• Use men’s hygiene products like soap, deodorant, and shampoo.
• Wear men’s underwear and socks for added comfort and a sense of masculinity.

Managing Long Hair

If you have long hair and aren’t ready to cut it, there are still ways to make it look more masculine. Try pulling your hair back or creating a more angular shape by combing it away from your face. Hats or caps can also help, but be cautious not to rely on them too much, as they can draw attention.

Dealing with Doubts: Afraid of Never Passing?

It’s perfectly normal to worry about whether you’ll ever pass as male. Many FTMs share these concerns, but it’s important to stay optimistic and patient with the process.

Testosterone Will Help

Once you start testosterone, it will bring about significant changes to your appearance, including your voice, body structure, and facial hair. This will undoubtedly help you pass more effectively.

Confidence Is Key

Remember, passing is not only about how you look—confidence plays a huge role. The way you carry yourself, speak, and present your identity can make a significant difference in how others perceive you.

You’re Not Alone

Many cisgender men are short, slim, or have softer facial features. You may already be passing more than you realize. Be patient, and give yourself time to grow into your masculine identity.

Conclusion

Each transition journey is a deeply personal and unique experience, shaped by individual goals, challenges, and timelines. It’s important to approach this process with patience, as progress may take time, and determination, as obstacles may arise along the way. Above all, be kind to yourself, recognizing that it’s okay to struggle at times. Transitioning Pre-T (before starting testosterone) can be particularly challenging, as physical changes may not yet align with your gender identity, but remember that your strength and resilience have brought you this far. Don't allow doubts or fears to hold you back from embracing your true self and living authentically.