Berman Skin Institute hair removal options Page 1
This comparison table will help you see the differences between hair removal options, and the
benefits and limitations of laser hair removal.
Aspect
Shaving
Electrolysis
Waxing
Laser Hair
Removal
How long will
the hair
removal last?
1-2 days.
Long term, nearly
permanent.
2-4 weeks
between
appointments.
Long term, nearly
permanent.
Relative cost?
Cost of razors,
shaving cream,
time consuming.
Very expensive,
very time
consuming, one-
by-one treatment
produces long-
term costs.
Moderate per
treatment, but
recurrent
treatments
produce high
long-term costs.
Moderately costly
per session, but
most cost
effective method
over long term.
Number of hairs
removed per
treatment?
Large area.
Few, hair-by-hair.
Moderately large
area depending
on tolerance for
discomfort.
Large area.
Time required
for each
treatment?
5-20 minutes,
every 1 or 2
days.
1-2 hours per
treatment, with
many, many
treatments
required.
10 minutes to 1
hour. Every few
weeks.
30-90 minutes
per treatment. 3-
5 treatments
typically required
for near total hair
removal.
Recurring hair
growth?
Always.
Minimal.
Nearly always.
Negligible.
Stubble?
Severe. Stiff and
sharp.
Little or none.
Soft, tapered hair
re-growth.
None.
Size of area
treated per
session?
As much as
desired.
Small area (one
follicle at a time).
Moderate. Time
consuming.
Large areas.
Discomfort?
None, if no cuts.
Very painful.
Moderately
painful.
Mild-moderate
discomfort,
reduced by
topical
anesthesia.
Color of hair
that can be
treated?
All.
All.
All.
Dark hair. (Not
effective for
blonde, white, or
gray hair.)
Typical
complications?
Potential for razor
cuts, ingrown
hairs, foliculitis.
Potential for
infection.
Requires sterile
needles to
preclude spread
of HIV, etc.
Potential wax
burns,
inflammation.
Potential for mild
bruising and
burns
