How to Dermaplane at Home Safely: A Dermatologist Explains

Once upon a time, dermaplaning, a.k.a. the process of shaving peach fuzz off the face, was a cosmetic procedure reserved for the professionals. You would book an appointment with your dermatologist or at a spa and lay super still while a trained expert took a scalpel to your skin. But with at-home dermaplaning tools becoming more and more popular over the past few years, it’s now possible, easy, and safe to get the same skin-smoothing, glow-boosting results from the comfort of your bathroom. 

But of course, there’s a right and wrong way to do any kind of at-home treatment. To make sure you have all the facts straight and proper tools before you pick up a blade, keep reading. Here, board certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Refinery Dr. Joyce Park, aka @teawithmd on TikTok, is breaking down everything you need to know—and disproving a handful of dermaplaning myths.

What Is Dermaplaning?

“The concept behind dermaplaning is simple,” says Dr. Park. “It involves taking a scalpel and running it lightly across the surface of the skin to act as an exfoliant and remove dead skin and baby hairs, aka peach fuzz.” The little hairs, which are technically called vellus hairs, will clump together as they’re shaved away. It’s oddly satisfying, FYI. This procedure can be done in a professional setting, but there are also dozens of at-home tools that can help you get the same results. 

The benefits of dermaplaning are largely cosmetic—there’s absolutely no need to shave your face. “Dermaplaning is said to make the skin appear brighter, make makeup go on smoother, and help skincare products penetrate more deeply,” explains Dr. Park. To keep these benefits in the long run, you’ll need to do a fair amount of upkeep. Dermaplaning should be done once per month. 

Is At-Home Dermaplaning Safe?

The short answer: Yes. But to avoid cutting yourself or getting an infection, make sure to follow the instructions and use one of the best at-home dermaplaning tools. “It’s safe to do at home as long as you have the right tools and you use a safe technique,” says Dr. Park. She explains that you’ll want to wash your face before starting the treatment, make sure your tool is disinfected (cleaning instructions will differ depending on your device), and wear gloves during the process. 

Once you pick up your tool, pull the skin taught at 45 degree angle and use small, short motions to remove hair from your face. Nothing should feel painful or uncomfortable—if it does, take it as a sign to stop. Once you’re done shaving your face, make sure to follow up with a fragrance-free moisturizer. 

Can All Skin Types Dermaplane?

While dermaplaning is generally safe, those with active acne should take extra caution. “Dermaplaning helps to get rid of dead skin cells by lightly exfoliating the skin, which actually can be beneficial for acne,” says Dr. Park. “But—and this is a big but—if you have inflamed cystic or pustular acne lesions, wounds, or openings in the skin, do not dermaplane over them because the bacteria can get spread by the blade.” Anyone with a rash, cut, cysts, or open wounds should avoid dermaplaning as well. 

Will My Hair Grow Back Thicker After Dermaplaning?

It’s time for some myth busting: shaving your peach fuzz is not going to make your hair grow back thicker or fuller—it’s a common misconception. Dr. Park explains that your hair density is mainly determined by hormones and genetics. That in mind, your hair may feel thicker because it’s growing back at an angle. 

The Best At-Home Dermaplaning Tools