Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker
- 2 Myths & 4 Facts
- Expert Team of
professionals - Over 1 million
Treatments delivered - Award winning
Clinics Across the UK - Rated 92%
on Trustpilot - 9 Clinics
Across the UK
Expert Team of
professionals
Over 1 million Treatments
delivered
Award winning
Clinics Across the UK
9 Clinics
Across the UK
Rated 92%
on Trustpilot
Many people hesitate to try dermaplaning because they’re worried about the possibility of hair growing back thicker or darker.
Dermaplaning don’t make hair grow back thicker or darker. The procedure only removes hair at the surface level, so the hair's structure and texture remain unchanged.
Any perceived increase in thickness is simply due to the angle at which the hair is cut during the treatment.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind dermaplaning and hair regrowth, offer expert insights, debunk common myths, and help you understand what to expect after the treatment.
Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker: 2 Myths & 4 Key Facts
Many people wonder, "Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker or darker?" This shared concern often arises after experiencing the smooth, hair-free results of dermaplaning. In this section, we’ll explain the science behind the treatment and clarify why dermaplaning doesn’t cause hair to regrow thicker or darker.
What Dermaplaning Does
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive exfoliation technique where a qualified professional uses a sterile surgical scalpel to gently remove lifeless skin cells and vellus hair from the surface of your skin. The blade is held at a precise angle to ensure that only the top layer of the skin and fine hairs are removed.
- Exfoliation: Dermaplaning primarily serves to exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells, making the skin feeling smoother and fresher.
- Hair Removal: The procedure also eliminates fine peach fuzz, giving the skin a fuzzier, softer appearance when left untouched.
Hair Growth: Why it Doesn’t Change
While it might seem logical that removing hair could make it grow back thicker, that’s not what happens here:
- Cutting hair at an angle makes it appear thicker as it regrows, but this is only a perception. The hair’s structure remains unchanged.
- Hairs are located under the skin, and dermaplaning targets the hair at the surface, meaning the root of the hair is unaffected.
- No effect on hair type: Dermaplaning doesn’t alter the hair’s texture or color since it doesn’t stimulate hair follicles or change the biology of hair growth.
No Hormonal Influence
Hair growth and thickness are controlled mainly by hormones, and dermaplaning doesn’t interfere with your hormones. Unlike hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or the use of certain medications), dermaplaning won’t cause a permanent change in the type or quantity of hair you grow.
Expert Insights and Medical Opinions
Skincare professionals, including dermatologists and estheticians, strongly confirm that dermaplaning does not cause hair to become thicker or darker after the treatment. Here’s what Dr. Angela Walker, a dermatologist, has to say:
"Dermaplaning is a safe and useful way to exfoliate the skin and remove vellus hair. It doesn’t alter the biology of hair follicles, meaning your hair will grow back just as soft and light. Any perception of thickness or coarseness is purely cosmetic due to how the hair is cut at an angle."
Scientific Evidence and Studies
Dermaplaning has been the subject of studies and clinical evaluations. Research by dermatological experts consistently shows that shaving or exfoliating the skin does not impact the hair’s texture, color, or growth rate.
- American Academy of Dermatology says shaving, whether for the face or body, does not cause hair to grow back thicker. The same applies to dermaplaning.
- Clinical studies show that the structure of hair follicles remains unchanged after dermaplaning, confirming that hair regrowth is not affected by the treatment.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: “Shaving Makes Hair Grow Thicker”
This myth is one of the oldest and most persistent regarding hair removal. Many people believe that shaving makes hair grow back thicker, but this is not true:
- Hair regrowth is not affected by shaving. The thickness of your hair is determined by genetics and hormones, not by the removal method.
- When you shave, the hair is cut at an angle, which gives the tip a blunt appearance, making it feel coarser as it regrows. In reality, the hair is still the same thickness.
Myth 2: “Dermaplaning Leads to Stubble”
Another common concern is that dermaplaning will leave stubble on your face, similar to when you shave.
- Vellus hair (peach fuzz) is wonderful and soft, unlike terminal hair, which is thicker and coarser. Dermaplaning does not change this softness or turn vellus hair into stubbly, coarse hair.
- Stubble is associated with shaving thicker hair, but since dermaplaning removes the fine hair, you won’t experience the discomfort or look of stubble afterward.
What to Expect After Dermaplaning
Now that we’ve cleared up the myths, let’s talk about what you can expect after your dermaplaning session.
Hair Regrowth Timeline
- Hair typically grows back within 2 to 4 weeks. Vellus hair is finer and flimsier than terminal hair, so it usually doesn’t grow back quickly or noticeably.
- Since dermaplaning doesn’t affect the follicles, the texture or thickness of the hair remains unchanged.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Skin Benefits
In addition to removing hair, dermaplaning offers several skin benefits:
- Smoother texture: With dead skin cells gone, your skin feels soft and smooth.
- Better product absorption: Removing dead skin allows skincare products to penetrate more in-depth and work more effectively.
- Radiant glow: Exfoliation promotes a fresh, dewy appearance that many people rave about after dermaplaning.
Side Effects and Aftercare
Some mild side effects may occur after dermaplaning, though they are typically short-lived:
- Temporary redness: You may experience some redness immediately after the treatment, similar to mild sunburn. Typically fades within a few hours.
- Sensitivity: Your skin may be more sensitive for a few hours, so avoiding makeup or harsh products right after treatment is a good idea.
- Sun protection: Your skin will be more weak to sun damage after dermaplaning, so always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Conclusion
To sum it up: Dermaplaning does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker. It is a safe, effective treatment that kills dead skin and fine facial hair, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
If you’re still unsure, consider consulting a skincare professional to learn more about the procedure and discuss your specific skin needs.
- You may experience slight redness and swelling, which should resolve within 24 hours.
- Mineral make-up can be worn post 24 hours
- Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs and sweaty activity for 24 hours; this includes the exercise of any kind.
- Avoid products containing exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl
- peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, etc.)
- Avoid any exfoliation treatments for 2 weeks
- The skin may peel slightly- this is normal and will resolve within 48-72 hours
- Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for 72 hours
- You may resume your regular skincare routine 48-72hours after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dermaplaning only removes hair at the surface level. The structure of your hair, including its texture and color, remains the same.
Dermaplaning is generally done every 3 to 4 weeks, when the hair begins to grow back, and the skin’s natural shedding cycle starts again.
Yes, it can be beneficial for sensitive skin, but consult a professional first. They can assess your skin and determine if dermaplaning is a safe choice.
It’s best to wait for a few hours before applying makeup. Once your skin has calmed down, makeup will glide on more smoothly and look more even.
No, dermaplaning is generally painless. You may feel a slight tickling or scraping sensation, but there’s no significant discomfort.
ARRANGE A CONSULTATION
ONE OF OUR ADVISERS WILL CALL YOU BACK SHORTLY TO ARRANGE YOUR CONSULTATION.