Does Dermaplaning Affect Facial Hair Growth?

Dermaplaning has become one of the go-to skincare treatments for anyone looking to achieve smooth, glowing skin. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that exfoliates the skin while also removing fine facial hair — often referred to as “peach fuzz.” The results? Instantly brighter skin, better product absorption, and a flawless finish for makeup.

But despite its popularity, a common concern lingers: Will dermaplaning cause my facial hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster?

Let’s explore the science behind dermaplaning, clear up some common myths, and help you understand exactly what to expect from this treatment.

What Is Dermaplaning and How Does It Work?

Dermaplaning involves gently scraping the surface of the skin with a sterile, single-use scalpel. This physical exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells along with the fine, soft facial hair (vellus hair) that grows on most people’s faces. It’s typically performed by licensed skincare professionals in a spa or clinical setting.

The treatment is painless for most and delivers immediate cosmetic benefits: smoother skin texture, a more radiant complexion, and better absorption of serums and moisturizers. It’s also a favorite for those who want makeup to go on more evenly and look more polished.

What dermaplaning does not do is affect the deeper layers of the skin or alter how your hair follicles function.

Understanding Vellus vs. Terminal Hair

To understand why dermaplaning doesn’t impact long-term hair growth, it helps to know the difference between the two main types of facial hair:

• Vellus hair is soft, fine, and lightly pigmented. It covers most of the face and body and is what dermaplaning removes.

• Terminal hair is darker, thicker, and coarser. It typically grows on the scalp, eyebrows, underarms, and beard area in men. This type of hair is driven by hormones and genetics.

Dermaplaning only targets the superficial vellus hairs and doesn’t affect the structure or growth pattern of terminal hair.

Does Dermaplaning Cause Thicker or Darker Hair Growth?

This is one of the most common myths surrounding dermaplaning — and it’s completely false.

Dermaplaning removes hair at the surface of the skin. It doesn’t affect the hair follicle, which is responsible for producing the hair and controlling its thickness, color, and growth rate. So even though it may feel like the hair is growing back thicker or darker, what you’re actually noticing is the blunt edge of the regrown hair.

When hair is cut flat at the surface, it can feel a bit stubbly or coarser than the naturally tapered end of untreated hair. But the texture, color, and speed of growth remain unchanged.

How Hair Grows Back After Dermaplaning

Hair growth follows a natural cycle that includes growing, resting, and shedding phases. Since dermaplaning only removes the visible portion of vellus hair and not the follicle itself, it doesn’t influence this cycle.

Here’s what you can typically expect after dermaplaning:

• Days 1–3: Skin remains smooth with no noticeable regrowth.

• Days 4–7: Fine hairs begin to reappear, though they’re still very soft and light.

• Day 7–10: Regrowth is more visible but still consistent with your natural hair texture.

• After 10 days: The hair regains its natural, tapered shape, and any initial bluntness softens.

You’ll notice that hair grows back the way it always has — no darker, no thicker, and no faster than before.

Why Your Hair Might Feel Different Afterward

The “thicker hair” myth often comes from the temporary feeling of coarseness that can occur during regrowth. When the vellus hair is cut, it loses its naturally tapered tip. As it grows out, it may feel slightly stubbly to the touch. But this is just a sensory effect — not a change in the structure or type of hair.

Over time, as the hair continues to grow, it returns to its normal softness and shape. No long-term changes in hair density or texture occur as a result of dermaplaning.

Does Dermaplaning Stimulate Hair Growth?

No. Dermaplaning doesn’t stimulate hair follicles or promote hair growth. The hair growth cycle is governed by factors like hormones, genetics, and age — not surface exfoliation.

In fact, any procedure that removes hair at the skin’s surface — whether it’s dermaplaning or shaving — has no biological effect on hair production. The follicle, which sits deep in the dermis, remains unaffected. So there’s no way for dermaplaning to “wake up” dormant follicles or cause vellus hair to turn into terminal hair.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Dermaplane?

Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types and tones, but it’s always best to consult with a licensed skincare provider before trying any new treatment.

Ideal candidates include those with:

• Dry or combination skin

• Uneven texture

• Dullness or buildup from dead skin

• Fine facial hair that makes makeup look uneven

You may want to avoid dermaplaning if you have:

• Active acne or breakouts

• Rosacea or eczema

• Highly sensitive or inflamed skin

For those with certain skin conditions, your provider might recommend alternative exfoliation methods, like gentle chemical peels or microdermabrasion.

Benefits of Dermaplaning Beyond Hair Removal

While the removal of fine hair is one benefit of dermaplaning, the real value lies in its exfoliating power. Some of the most noticeable benefits include:

1. Brighter, More Even Skin Tone

Dermaplaning sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving your skin with a smoother, more radiant finish.

2. Better Product Absorption

Without a layer of dead skin and hair blocking the way, your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

3. Flawless Makeup Application

Foundation and other products glide on more smoothly and stay in place better when applied to a freshly dermaplaned surface.

4. Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Acne Scars

With consistent treatments, you may notice improvements in texture and clarity — especially with shallow scarring and early signs of aging.

At-Home vs. Professional Dermaplaning

There are plenty of at-home dermaplaning tools on the market, but they don’t offer the same level of precision or safety as professional treatments. Trained providers use medical-grade tools, maintain strict hygiene protocols, and can tailor the procedure to your unique skin type and concerns.

At-home tools may increase the risk of cuts, irritation, or uneven exfoliation, especially if not used properly. If you're looking for real results with minimal risk, it’s best to trust a pro.

FAQs About Dermaplaning and Hair Regrowth

Q: Will dermaplaning permanently remove my facial hair?

A: No. It only removes hair at the surface. Hair regrows naturally over time.

Q: How often should I get dermaplaning done?

A: Every 3 to 4 weeks is ideal for most people, allowing the skin to complete its renewal cycle in between sessions.

Q: Does dermaplaning help with acne scars or fine lines?

A: Yes, it can improve texture and reduce the appearance of superficial scars and lines over time.

Q: Will my hair grow back darker or faster?

A: No. The regrown hair will look and feel the same as it did before treatment.

Q: Is there any downtime after the procedure?

A: Minimal to none. You may experience slight redness or sensitivity, but this typically resolves within a few hours.

Final Thoughts

Dermaplaning is a safe, effective treatment that offers immediate results and long-term skincare benefits — without changing how your facial hair grows. Myths about thicker, darker, or faster hair regrowth after dermaplaning have been widely debunked.

Whether you're looking to improve your skin’s texture, enhance your skincare routine, or create a smoother surface for makeup, dermaplaning can be a powerful addition to your regimen.

At Skin by Kim, we’re committed to providing safe, expert-driven skincare solutions tailored to your individual needs. If you’re curious about dermaplaning or wondering whether it’s right for your skin, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.