Dermaplaning Myths: Will My Hair Grow Back Darker?

It’s the question I get asked the most, usually right as the blade comes out: “Wait… will my hair grow back darker?”

No. It won’t. Let’s bust that myth, plus a few others, and talk about what dermaplaning actually does for your skin. 🩵

First, what is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment. Using a sterile, single-use blade, I gently sweep away the buildup of dead surface skin along with the fine, soft “peach fuzz” on your face. The result is skin that looks brighter and feels unbelievably smooth.

Myth #1: “My hair will grow back thicker and darker.”

Fact: Removing hair at the surface doesn’t change its thickness, color or how fast it grows. Mayo Clinic is clear on this one. Hair growth is controlled below the skin by the follicle, your hormones and your genetics, and dermaplaning never touches the follicle.

So why does the myth exist? When hair is cut at the surface, it grows back with a blunt tip instead of a fine, tapered one. That blunt tip can feel a little coarser at first, which makes it seem thicker. It isn’t. Your peach fuzz grows back the same soft, fine hair it was before.

Myth #2: “Dermaplaning is just shaving your face.”

Fact: Removing peach fuzz is a bonus, not the main event. Dermaplaning is exfoliation. Each careful stroke lifts away dead skin cells that make skin look dull and rough. That’s why your skin looks brighter right away, not just smoother.

Myth #3: “It’s purely cosmetic.”

Fact: The benefits are real, and you can see and feel them right away:

• Smoother skin you’ll want to keep touching
• Makeup that lays flat and goes on beautifully, with no catching on dry patches or fuzz
• A brighter-looking complexion once dull buildup is gone
• Skincare that works on fresh skin instead of sitting on top of a layer of buildup

Myth #4: “It will make me break out.”

Fact: Done professionally, dermaplaning clears away the dead skin buildup that can contribute to clogged pores. The key word is professionally. I never dermaplane over an active breakout, because that can spread bacteria. If you’re breaking out, we’ll calm your skin first.

Myth #5: “It turns back the clock.”

Here’s the honest truth: our skin naturally sheds and renews itself, and that renewal slows down as we get older. Dead cells hang around longer, and skin starts to look dull and tired. Dermaplaning lifts that buildup away so the fresher skin underneath can shine through.

Can it stop aging? No treatment can. But as part of a consistent routine, regular exfoliation keeps your skin looking smoother, brighter and younger-looking, and that’s a glow you can see.

Is dermaplaning right for you?

Dermaplaning works beautifully for most skin types. We’ll wait or choose a different treatment if you have:

• An active acne breakout
• A cold sore outbreak
• Eczema, psoriasis or a rosacea flare in the area
• A sunburn, rash or broken skin
• Taken Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past year

I review your health history at your Skin Story to make sure it’s right for you.

Professional vs. at-home dermaplaning

At-home dermaplaning kits are everywhere, but DIY dermaplaning raises the risk of cuts, infection and scarring. In my studio, every client gets a sterile, single-use professional blade, proper skin prep and an esthetician who knows exactly how to hold it, at the right angle, on every curve of your face.

How to get dermaplaning at Britt D Aesthetics

I offer dermaplaning as part of these treatments, not on its own:

• The Deluxe Glo: the Signature Glo plus your choice of Dermaplane or RF Firm + Lift
• The Platinum Glo: the Signature Glo plus Dermaplane and RF Firm + Lift
• The Happy Peel: dermaplaning plus the Happy Peel in 30 minutes
• The Britt D Experience: for new clients, with Dermaplane as one of your choices

Frequently asked questions

This post is for education only and isn’t medical advice. Individual results vary.