Wondering how to dermaplane at home safely and smoothly? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Our ultimate guide to dermaplaning walks you through every great question you may have about dermaplaning, including what is dermaplaning? what is the best technique? what direction should I shave?
So, let's dive in:
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a gentle exfoliation technique that uses a sterile blade to remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (often called peach fuzz) from the surface of the skin.
The treatment leaves skin looking smoother, brighter and more even, while also helping skincare products absorb more effectively.
Originally performed by professional aestheticians in clinics and spas, dermaplaning has become increasingly popular as an at-home skincare ritual thanks to specially designed dermaplaning tools that make the process safe and simple to perform yourself.
During dermaplaning, the blade is held at a slight angle and lightly glided across the skin. This process gently removes the outer layer of dull, dead skin cells, helping to reveal fresher, more radiant skin underneath.
Key Benefits of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning can help to:
• Smooth skin texture
• Remove peach fuzz for a soft, polished finish
• Improve the absorption of skincare products
• Create a smoother base for makeup application
• Enhance overall skin brightness and glow
Because dermaplaning is non-invasive and requires no downtime, it has become a popular option for people looking to refresh their skin without harsh treatments or complex routines.
Is Dermaplaning the Same as Shaving?
While dermaplaning uses a blade, it is different from traditional shaving.
Dermaplaning tools are designed specifically for the face and are used with very light, controlled strokes to exfoliate the skin while removing fine hair. The goal is not simply hair removal, but skin renewal and improved texture.
When performed correctly, dermaplaning is a gentle yet effective way to support smoother, healthier-looking skin at home.
Is Dermaplaning Safe at Home?
Yes — dermaplaning can be safe to perform at home when the correct technique and tools are used.
Modern dermaplaning tools are specifically designed for safe, controlled exfoliation, making it possible to achieve professional-style results as part of your regular skincare routine.
When done correctly, dermaplaning is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the surface of the skin without damaging the skin barrier.
To dermaplane safely at home, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines. Keep reading and we'll share the safest way to dermaplane at-home.
Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
Although dermaplaning is suitable for many skin types, it may not be recommended if you have:
• active acne
• inflamed or irritated skin
• open wounds or cuts
• certain skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea flare-ups
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, it’s always a good idea to consult a skincare professional before trying dermaplaning.
How Often Should You Dermaplane?
Most people find dermaplaning works best every 3–4 weeks.
This allows the skin to complete its natural renewal cycle while maintaining a smooth, glowing complexion.
When incorporated into a regular skincare routine, dermaplaning can become a simple and effective way to maintain healthy, radiant skin at home.
What are the benefits of demaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a cost-effective way to keep your glow game going. Here are some of the skin benefits you can expect when you dermaplane at home:
Smooth Complexion:
By gently removing vellus hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells, dermaplaning leaves your skin incredibly smooth, promoting a soft and polished texture.
Enhanced Skincare Absorption:
The exfoliation process aids in the better absorption of skincare products. With the barrier of dead skin cells removed, your serums and moisturisers can penetrate more effectively, maximising their benefits.
Radiant Skin Tone:
Dermaplaning helps reveal a brighter and more even skin tone by removing the layer of dull, dead skin cells that can contribute to an uneven complexion.
Promotes Cellular Turnover:
The exfoliation induced by dermaplaning encourages the natural process of cellular turnover. This means newer, healthier skin cells come to the surface, giving your skin a youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Diminished Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
Regular dermaplaning may help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By promoting skin renewal, it contributes to a smoother and more youthful-looking complexion.
Peach Fuzz Removal:
The removal of vellus hair not only provides a smoother canvas for makeup application but also gives the skin a flawless finish.
Non-Invasive and Painless:
Dermaplaning at home is a non-invasive procedure that is generally painless. It's suitable for most skin types and doesn't involve harsh chemicals or downtime.
Boosted Confidence:
Achieving a smoother, more radiant complexion can boost confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your skin.
How to dermaplane at home?
Dermaplaning involves manually exfoliating the skin and removing peach fuzz with your Metal Dermaplaner. Here's a general guide on how to dermaplane at home:
What You'll Need:
- Your Make My Shave Dermaplaner
- Clean face and hands
Preparation:
- Wash your hands
- Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any makeup, oils, or impurities
- Pat your skin dry
Dermaplaning Steps:
#1 Skin Preparation: You can use your dermaplaner on either dry skin or apply a small amount of your favourite face serum or oil. If you're unsure about which method works best for your skin, we recommend trying both or consulting your dermatologist for personalised advice.
#2 Hold the Skin Taut: Use one hand to stretch your skin taut. This provides a smooth surface for the blade and reduces the risk of nicks.
#3 Hold the Blade at a 45-Degree Angle: Start at the top of your cheekbone and work your way downward.
#4 Apply Short Strokes: Using short, gentle strokes, and light pressure, move the blade in the direction of hair growth. Typically, this means downward strokes on the cheekbone, inward along your cheek and jawline and upward strokes on the neck. You can also move downward along your forehead as well as above your lip and chin as required.
#5 Rise & Moisturise: Once you’re satisfied with your smoothness, rinse your skin to remove any loose hairs and follow up with a good moisturiser to protect your skin.
Other useful tips for how to dermaplane at home:
- Cleanse Between Strokes: To avoid your blade from getting clogged, you can wipe away any excess debris from the blade either by running it under water or gently wiping your blade on a soft cloth or cotton pad.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Avoid areas with active acne, lesions, or any skin irritations. Also, be cautious around the eyes and eyebrows.
- Apply SPF: Make sure to use a facial friendly sunscreen post-dermaplaning to protect the newly exposed skin.
- Start light: Be cautious and start with light pressure, gradually increasing as you become more comfortable.
What direction should I dermaplane?
The direction in which you shave your facial hair plays a huge role in your results. Shaving in the wrong direction, or going too fast or too hard, can lead to redness and skin irritation. We always recommend taking your time with facial hair removal—slow and steady wins the race, and it’s a moment of self-care after all!
Directions for dermplaning:
1. Cheeks: Hold your dermaplaner at a 45-degree angle. Glide downwards from the top of your cheek towards your jawline. Use light, short strokes for the best results.
2. Forehead: Start at the hairline and move downwards towards your eyebrows.
Be gentle and take your time around sensitive areas like the temples.
3. Upper Lip: Angle the dermaplaner slightly and move downwards from your nose towards your lip. Keep your strokes light and small to avoid irritation.
4. Chin: Work downwards from the bottom of your lip to the tip of your chin. You can also make small strokes to the sides of your chin if needed.
5. Jawline: Glide the dermaplaner downwards along your jawline, from your ear towards your chin.
If it's your first time deramplaning, just remember to always go downwards in the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation and get the smoothest result. And remember, keep your strokes light and let your Make My Shave dermaplaner do the work!
How do I keep my derma blade clean?
- After use, slide the blade out of your Make My Shave Dermaplaning handle.
- Rinse the blade with water and allow it to dry
- If you prefer, disinfect the blade by using rubbing alcohol or a biodegradable alcohol wipe to eliminate any potential bacteria on the blade's surface
- If you wish to use the same blade, simply reinstall it for the next use
Is dermaplaning at home safe?
Dermaplaning at home is a great way to exfoliate the skin without the use of chemicals. It's essential to choose high-quality dermaplaning devices such as Make My Shave’s Metal Dermaplaner, follow provided instructions, take things slow and maintain proper hygiene.
How often should I Dermaplane?
The frequency of dermaplaning depends on individual skin characteristics and personal preferences. For most people, dermaplaning can be done every 3 to 4 weeks. This time frame allows the skin to regenerate and ensures that the procedure remains effective without over-exfoliating.
However, individuals with sensitive skin may choose to dermaplane less frequently, perhaps every 4 to 6 weeks, to avoid irritation.
It's crucial to listen to your skin's needs and not exceed recommended intervals to maintain a healthy balance between exfoliation and skin recovery. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, consulting a dermatologist can provide personalised guidance on the optimal dermaplaning frequency for your skin.
Which areas on the body can I dermaplane?
Dermaplaning is commonly performed on the face including cheeks, jawline, chin, and forehead.
It’s not typically performed on other parts of the body due to the sensitivity of areas and the design of the dermaplaning tool, which is specifically suited for the face.
If you are interested in exfoliating or removing hair from other body parts, the Make My Shave Razor is more suitable and safe for those areas.
Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?
No — dermaplaning does not cause hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster.
This is one of the most common myths about dermaplaning. The fine facial hair removed during dermaplaning is called vellus hair, often referred to as peach fuzz. Vellus hair naturally grows back the same way it was before: soft, fine, and light in colour.
When hair regrows after dermaplaning, it may feel slightly different at first. This is because the blade cuts the hair straight across at the surface of the skin. As the hair grows out, the blunt edge can make it feel a little more noticeable — but the hair itself has not changed in thickness or colour.
Why Dermaplaning Won’t Change Hair Growth
Hair growth is determined by factors such as:
• genetics
• hormones
• hair follicle structure
Dermaplaning only removes hair at the surface of the skin. It does not affect the hair follicle beneath the skin, which is responsible for how hair grows.
Because of this, dermaplaning cannot change the way your hair grows back.
What Most People Notice Instead
Many people actually find that dermaplaning leaves their skin looking and feeling smoother because it removes both peach fuzz and the outer layer of dead skin cells.
The result is often:
• softer skin
• a brighter complexion
• smoother makeup application
• improved absorption of skincare products
With regular dermaplaning as part of your skincare routine, most people simply notice consistently smooth, glowing skin — without any change in their natural hair growth.
Can dermaplaning cause breakouts or irritate my skin?
Dermaplaning at home is a safe and gentle exfoliation method that, when done correctly, should not cause breakouts or irritation for most people.
In fact, by removing dead skin cells and unwanted peach fuzz, dermaplaning can help prevent clogged pores, which are often a cause of breakouts. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Firstly, the direction in which you use the dermaplaner can play an important role. It’s best to glide the tool gently at a 45-degree angle in downward strokes, following the natural direction of hair growth.
Shaving against the grain or using too much pressure can irritate the skin, leading to redness or sensitivity.
For those of you with very sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s also important to ensure the skin is prepped properly before dermaplaning. While some people prefer dermaplaning on dry skin for a closer exfoliation, using a light serum or facial oil can create a protective barrier and reduce friction, which may help prevent irritation. Just be sure to choose a serum that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Lastly, always follow up with a gentle, hydrating moisturiser to calm the skin post-dermaplaning and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
If you’re new to dermaplaning or have specific concerns, take it slow and observe how your skin reacts.
If you have any ongoing skin conditions, such as active acne or rosacea, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before incorporating dermaplaning into your routine.
Dermaplaning Mistakes to Avoid
Dermaplaning is simple and effective, but a few common mistakes can prevent you from getting the best results.
Avoiding these mistakes helps keep the skin smooth, comfortable, and irritation-free.
1. Dermaplaning on Dirty Skin
Always start with clean skin.
Makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup can clog pores or push debris into the skin during dermaplaning. Cleansing first ensures the blade removes only peach fuzz and dead skin cells.
2. Using a Dull or Unsanitised Blade
A fresh, sanitised blade is essential.
Using a dull blade can drag on the skin instead of gliding smoothly, which may cause irritation. Always clean your blade with alcohol before use and replace it regularly.
3. Applying Too Much Pressure
Dermaplaning should be gentle.
The blade only needs light contact with the skin to remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells. Pressing too firmly increases the risk of irritation or small nicks.
Think of the motion as lightly sweeping across the skin, rather than scraping.
4. Skipping Hydration After Dermaplaning
After dermaplaning, your skin is freshly exfoliated and ready to absorb skincare more effectively.
Applying a hydrating serum, such as hyaluronic acid, helps replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.
Look for ingredients like:
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Aloe
• Cucumber
• Antioxidants
These help calm the skin and maintain hydration.
5. Not Protecting Your Skin with SPF
Freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to sun exposure.
Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen after dermaplaning, especially if you are heading outdoors. This protects the skin and helps maintain your results.
What is the best Dermaplane razor?
The best dermaplane razor depends on a few key factors, including the quality of the blade, ease of use, and how well it suits your skin type and personal preferences.
When dermaplaning at home, it’s essential to look for a dermaplaning tool that is specifically designed for safe, effective facial exfoliation and hair removal.
Here are a few features to consider when selecting the best dermaplane razor:
High-Quality Blade: The blade is the most critical element of any dermaplaner. Opt for a razor with a sharp, precision-engineered blade made of stainless steel. A dull blade can lead to irritation, nicks, and ineffective exfoliation, so it's important to replace the blade regularly for the best results.
Ergonomic Design: A well-designed handle that fits comfortably in your hand will give you better control and precision. This is particularly important for navigating the contours of your face.
Durability: A durable, reusable dermaplaner made from high-quality materials will provide a more consistent and reliable experience over time. Metal dermaplaners, for example, are more sustainable and often give a superior performance compared to disposable plastic options.
Safety Features: Exfoliating blades, like those used in dermaplaners, are much safer than traditional straight razors. They are specifically designed with smaller, guarded blades that reduce the risk of cuts, nicks, or irritation. This is especially important for those new to dermaplaning.
What's the best dermaplaning tool Australia?
Make My Shave's metal dermaplaner offers an ideal balance of precision, comfort, and safety.
It’s crafted with a high-quality stainless steel blade for smooth, irritation-free exfoliation, helping to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. Plus, its eco-friendly design makes it a sustainable choice, reducing waste compared to disposable razors.
Ultimately, the best dermaplane razor is one that fits comfortably into your routine, is easy to use, and delivers consistent results, leaving your skin smooth, glowing, and irritation-free.
If you're ready to dermaplane at home, you can get a hold of your new premium dermaplaner here.
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