Shaving profile evaluations for service members.
DocBright evaluates pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and other shaving-related skin conditions for active-duty service members who need supporting documentation for a shaving profile. A board-certified dermatologist reviews your photos and history and writes documentation when medically necessary.
$59 standard visit (within 24 hours) · $129 priority (within 12 hours). Documentation issued only when medically appropriate.
For active-duty service members with PFB.
- Recurring pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)
- Persistent ingrown hairs in the beard area
- Severe razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, or scarring
- Failed response to topicals, technique changes, or longer growth
- Unit medical authority requires clinician documentation
Documentation that supports a shaving profile request.
What we provide
- Board-certified dermatologist evaluation of PFB or related conditions
- Written documentation supporting a military shaving profile, when medically necessary
- Treatment plan — topical retinoids, mild exfoliants, antibiotics, and shaving technique guidance
- 30 days of follow-up messaging
What photos & history help
- Photos of the beard area in even, natural light
- Close-ups of active bumps or ingrown hairs
- Photos at relaxed and stretched positions
- A note on your current shaving routine and tools
- A note on any products or treatments you've tried
- Any branch- or unit-specific requirements you have
Three steps. Five minutes or less. No video calls.
- 01
Tell us about your shaving history
Answer a guided medical history about PFB, prior treatments, and your shaving routine, and upload three to five clear photos of the beard area. Include any branch- or unit-specific requirements you have. Most service members finish in under five minutes from their phone.
Under 5 minutes - 02
A dermatologist reviews your case
A board-certified dermatologist reviews your photos and history, asks follow-up questions if needed, and determines whether a shaving profile is medically supported.
Within 24 hours - 03
Signed shaving profile documentation
When medically necessary, your dermatologist signs and sends documentation supporting a military shaving profile — written for your unit medical authority — along with a treatment plan for the underlying condition. Branch- and unit-specific forms are completed when you provide them.
Issued when medically necessary
Possible parts of your plan.
Your dermatologist tailors the plan to your history. Not every option below will be appropriate for every patient. A DocBright visit is a medical evaluation, not a guaranteed waiver.
- Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene)
- Mild chemical exfoliants (glycolic / lactic / salicylic acid)
- Topical antibiotics for inflamed bumps
- Shaving technique and tool guidance
- Shaving profile documentation, when medically necessary
Don't stress — if we can't help, we'll refund your visit.
If we can't provide a first-line impression, or your condition isn't suitable for review via DocBright, we'll tell you and refund your visit fee.
- Deep infected lesions or abscesses that may need drainage
- Severe scarring or keloid formation being considered for procedures
- Cases requiring in-person evaluation per your unit medical authority
Top-rated dermatology care from U.S. board-certified dermatologists.
Your DocBright visit is always reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist. Every treatment plan is custom tailored based on your medical history, photos, symptoms, and goals.
Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D.
Co-Founder & Chief Dermatologist, DocBright Telehealth
- Board-certified dermatologist
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
- 27+ years of dermatology experience
“At DocBright, our goal is to make high-quality dermatology care easier to access. Patients should be able to get thoughtful, professional care without waiting weeks for an appointment or rearranging their day around a video visit.”
Transparent. Simple pricing. No insurance headaches.
Choose standard or priority review. The level of care is the same; the difference is how quickly your case is reviewed. At $59, a standard visit is often less than most insurance copays — without the wait or paperwork.
- Board-certified dermatologist review
- Diagnosis and personalized treatment plan
- Prescriptions sent when medically necessary
- 30 days of follow-up messaging
- No subscription required
- Board-certified dermatologist review
- Diagnosis and personalized treatment plan
- Prescriptions sent when medically necessary
- 30 days of follow-up messaging
- No subscription required
Medication costs are separate and may vary by pharmacy, insurance, and prescription. Patients can use insurance for many prescriptions filled at the pharmacy. Prescriptions may be written for up to 6 months when medically appropriate. A paid follow-up visit is required at least every 6 months for ongoing prescription treatment.
Questions about military shaving waivers.
Can DocBright issue a military shaving profile?
DocBright dermatologists can evaluate pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and other shaving-related conditions and write supporting documentation. Branch- and unit-specific requirements vary, so we focus on documenting the medical findings your clinician or unit medical authority needs to issue or extend a shaving profile.
What should I include in my visit?
Clear, well-lit photos of the beard area at relaxed and stretched positions, close-ups of any active bumps or ingrown hairs, a note on your current shaving routine and tools, any prior treatments tried, and the specific documentation your unit requires if you have it.
How long does it take?
Standard visits are reviewed within 24 hours. Priority visits are reviewed within 12 hours. Most documentation can be issued the same day a dermatologist completes the review.
Is this a guaranteed waiver?
No. A DocBright visit is a medical evaluation, not a guaranteed waiver. Documentation is issued when the dermatologist determines it's medically necessary. If we can't provide a first-line impression, or your condition isn't suitable for review via DocBright, we'll refund your visit fee.
Civilian employer instead?
DocBright can help with military, employer, school, or other shaving waiver documentation when medically necessary. The documentation can be tailored to the setting that needs it. Start the same visit and let your dermatologist know where the documentation needs to be used.
Learn More
Shaving bumps · PFB
Treatment plans for pseudofolliculitis barbae, ingrown hairs, and post-shave irritation.
Learn more →Employer shaving waiver
For civilian employers — written documentation appropriate for HR when daily shaving is medically inadvisable.
Learn more →Browse all conditions
Hair, skin, refills, and waivers — see everything DocBright treats.
Browse →Whatever it is, let's take a look.
Send your first photos in a few minutes. A board-certified dermatologist will review them and write you a plan, usually before tomorrow.
No subscription required. Receipt available for HSA/FSA reimbursement. Available in all 50 states.