Important Disclaimer
The comparisons, timelines, costs, and time estimates below are planning averages, not guarantees.
They assume stereotypical conditions such as darker hair, lighter skin, average hair density, and relatively stable hormones. Real outcomes can vary significantly due to factors including but not limited to
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Testosterone therapy
- Anabolic steroid use
- Thyroid disorders
- Perimenopause or menopause
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Certain medications that influence hormones or hair cycling
- Genetics, ethnicity, age, and natural hair caliber
This blog assumes the goal is to remain hair free at all times, not simply reduce hair occasionally.
The Assumption That Changes Everything
For this comparison, we assume one thing consistently.
You are maintaining a hair free state at all times.
That means
- Hair is removed before visible regrowth
- Stubble is avoided
- Discomfort from short regrowth counts as failure
This matters because shaving and depilatories might look fine on paper, but practically fail within 24 hours.
Shaving
What it does
Cuts hair at the skin surface. Follicle remains fully intact.
Time between sessions
Weekly minimum for this comparison
Appointment length
Approximately 3 hours per full body shave
Regrowth reality
Hair begins regrowing within 24 hours
Regrowth is stubbly and uncomfortable
Cost assumption
12 razors cost $60
Assume one razor per month
Estimated 5 year cost
$60 per year
Approximately $300 over 5 years
Time spent over 5 years
3 hours per week
Approximately 780 hours
Permanent
No
Reality check
Low cost. High friction. Constant irritation.
Depilatory Creams (NAIR)
What it does
Chemically dissolves hair just below the skin surface
Time between sessions
Weekly minimum for this comparison
Appointment length
Approximately 4 hours per full body application
Regrowth reality
Hair regrows within 24 hours
Texture is blunt and uncomfortable
Cost assumption
$20 per week
Estimated 5 year cost
$1,040 per year
Approximately $5,200 over 5 years
Time spent over 5 years
4 hours per week
Approximately 1,040 hours
Permanent
No
Reality check
Smoother than shaving for hours. Same next day problem.
Waxing
What it does
Removes hair from the root
Time between sessions
Every 6 weeks
Appointment length
Approximately 2 to 3 hours for full body
Regrowth reality
Hair regrows softer initially
Visible regrowth appears before next session
Cost assumption
$200 per full body wax
Estimated 5 year cost
About 9 sessions per year
$1,800 per year
Approximately $9,000 over 5 years
Time spent over 5 years
Approximately 110 to 140 hours
Permanent
No
Reality check
Fewer appointments. Never truly finished.
Laser Hair Removal
What it does
Uses light energy to damage pigment rich follicles.
Time between sessions
Every 6 to 8 weeks
Appointment length
Approximately 6 hours for full body
Reduction reality
With proper candidate selection and effective settings, laser commonly achieves up to ~90 percent permanent hair reduction.
This means
- Roughly 90 percent of treated follicles stop producing visible hair
- Remaining hair is often finer, lighter, and slower growing
- Some follicles may reactivate over time, especially with hormonal change
Cost per appointment
Varies by clinic, device, and pricing model
Many full body sessions fall in the $300 to $600 range
Estimated 5 year cost
Initial course often totals $3,000 to $5,000
Maintenance commonly continues
Approximate $5,500 to $7,500 over 5 years
Time spent over 5 years
Approximately 60 to 80 hours
Permanent
Permanent reduction, not complete removal
Approximate 90 percent for ideal candidates
Reality check
Massive workload reduction. Small amount of hair often remains.
Electrolysis
What it does
Destroys follicles individually using electrical current
Time between sessions
Weekly early, then tapering as clearance improves
Appointment length
Assume 1 hour per appointment
Important limitation
Full body electrolysis cannot be performed in one day unless significant reduction has already been achieved using other methods.
Cost assumption
$100 per weekly appointment
Regrowth reality
Only untreated follicles regrow
Treated follicles do not return
Estimated 5 year cost
Weekly sessions for five years would total $26,000
In practice, frequency drops as clearance improves
Many full body cases land around $8,000 to $12,000 total
Time spent over 5 years
Approximately 200 to 300 hours for many full body plans
Permanent
Yes
Reality check
Front loaded effort. Real finish line.
Final Thoughts
Shaving and creams demand constant repetition and daily discomfort.
Waxing buys time, not permanence.
Laser delivers around 90 percent reduction for the right candidate, but usually leaves maintenance.
Electrolysis permanently ends growth by destroying the follicle.
Hair removal is either maintenance or elimination.
Reduction lives in the middle.