You may not have heard of dermaplaning, but you’ve definitely heard of shaving. And this summer, we’re trying it on our face. With the help of Lindsay Kinniburgh, co-founder of Gold Coast business Make My Shave, we bring you the beginner’s guide to dermaplaning – the secret to smoother, more radiant skin.
Once upon a time, women’s facial hair was totally taboo. Razors were reserved for our legs and armpits, and we secretly plucked our stray lip hairs in the bathroom before going out.
Dermaplaning is changing that.
“Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with having facial hair, and there’s nothing wrong with choosing to remove it, either,” Lindsay says. “It’s your body, your ritual and your rules.”
Whether it’s dull skin, peach fuzz that catches the sunlight or a few unexpected chin hairs that seem to appear overnight, dermaplaning can address the issues around women’s facial hair that many of us experience, but don’t always talk about.
It’s actually how Make My Shave came about – from Lindsay’s passion to make those ‘embarrassing’ conversations feel a little more comfortable.
“If there’s one thing I’d love women to take away, it’s that facial hair is completely normal, at every age!” Lindsay says. “I think it’s wonderful that we’re starting to have more honest conversations about our skin, our bodies and how they change throughout our lives.”
So, what exactly is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a gentle form of exfoliation that uses a specially designed single blade to remove fine facial hair (often called peach fuzz) and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
The result is skin that looks brighter, feels beautifully smooth and creates a more even canvas for makeup and skincare.
While dermaplaning has traditionally been offered as a professional facial treatment, it’s also become a popular at-home skincare ritual, giving women a simple way to refresh their skin as part of their regular routine.
Can you use any old razor to do it? If not, what should you look for in a dermaplaning razor?
Not all razors are created equal! While a regular body razor can remove facial hair, it isn’t designed for the same controlled exfoliation as a purpose-made dermaplaning tool.
Professional dermaplaning treatments typically use a smooth, surgical-style blade, while many at-home tools feature a specially designed exfoliating edge to help remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
For at-home use, I’d recommend choosing a tool specifically designed for facial dermaplaning, with a comfortable, secure grip that allows for precise, gentle strokes.
For example, our dermaplaner features a precision exfoliating blade, a reusable weighted metal handle and replaceable blades, so there’s no need to throw away the entire tool after a few uses.
And one important tip: always use a clean, sharp blade. A dull blade can tug at the skin and increase the risk of irritation, so looking after your tool is just as important as choosing the right one.
What are the benefits of dermaplaning?
One of the things I love most about dermaplaning is how such a simple ritual can make such a noticeable difference!
By removing peach fuzz and the build-up of dead skin cells, dermaplaning helps reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin. It also creates a beautifully smooth canvas for makeup, helping foundation sit more evenly rather than catching on fine facial hairs.
Another benefit is that skincare products can spread more evenly across freshly exfoliated skin, which can make your everyday routine feel that little bit more effective.
But perhaps the most rewarding benefit we hear about from customers is the confidence it can bring. As we get older, changes in facial hair growth are incredibly common, yet they’re rarely talked about openly.
For some women, discovering a simple, enjoyable ritual they can do in the comfort of their own home can be genuinely empowering. It’s not about feeling pressured to remove facial hair, but having the choice to do what makes you feel good in your own skin.
What are your tips for a first-timer who might be nervous about trying dermaplaning at home?
My number one tip? Always start with clean skin and a clean, sanitised blade! Poor blade hygiene can increase the risk of irritation and breakouts, so this is one step I’d never skip.
For first-timers, I’d recommend starting in a small area and getting comfortable with the tool before moving on to other areas. Always hold your skin taut, position the blade at approximately 45 degrees and use short, gentle downward strokes. Let the blade do the work rather than pressing it into your skin.
Wipe away the collected hair and skin cells between strokes, avoid repeatedly going over the same area and always work slowly.
And don’t be afraid to try a little facial oil! I developed our Dermaplaning Facial Oil because I personally didn’t enjoy dry dermaplaning. I wanted something that provided gentle glide and helped support the skin barrier without interfering with the removal of peach fuzz.
Above all, take your time. You’re working with a blade, so building confidence with your technique is far more important than rushing through the ritual.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t try dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning can be a wonderful addition to your skincare routine, but there are times when it’s best to give your skin a little extra care.
I’d recommend avoiding dermaplaning if you have active acne, broken or irritated skin, sunburn or any open wounds. You don’t want to run a blade over areas that are already inflamed or healing.
If you have a skin condition such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, it’s worth checking with your dermatologist first, as exfoliation can sometimes aggravate sensitive or compromised skin.
I’d also recommend waiting until your skin has fully healed after professional treatments such as chemical peels, laser treatments or microneedling, following your clinician’s advice.
Ultimately, it’s about listening to your skin. If it’s feeling particularly sensitive or irritated, there’s absolutely no harm in giving dermaplaning a miss until it’s settled.
How is the regrowth? Will I end up with darker, more prickly hairs on my face if I stop?
Don’t worry, this is probably the biggest myth surrounding dermaplaning! No, your facial hair won’t grow back thicker, darker or faster because you’ve dermaplaned.
Dermaplaning simply removes hair at the skin’s surface. It doesn’t change the hair follicle or affect how the hair naturally grows.
There are also two different types of facial hair worth understanding. Vellus hair is the soft, fine peach fuzz that covers much of our face, while terminal hair is thicker, coarser and often more pigmented.
As women move through different stages of life, particularly perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can sometimes cause new terminal hairs to appear. But this is a natural biological change, not something caused by dermaplaning.
You might notice a slightly different texture when the hairs first grow back, simply because they’ve been cut at the surface. But this is temporary, and as they grow, they’ll feel more like they did before.
And if you decide to stop dermaplaning, your hair will simply continue growing according to its natural cycle. There’s no need to keep doing it unless you want to!
What would you tell someone who is curious about dermaplaning, but scared to give it a try?
I’d say there’s absolutely no rush! I completely understand why the idea of using a blade on your face might feel a little intimidating at first, especially if it’s something you’ve never tried before.
My advice would be to start small, take your time and get comfortable with the tool. You don’t have to dermaplane your entire face on your first attempt, and you certainly don’t need to achieve perfect results.
One of the things I love about dermaplaning is that it’s a ritual you can make entirely your own. Some women love the feeling of freshly exfoliated skin, others enjoy how beautifully their makeup applies afterwards, and some simply appreciate having an easy way to manage facial hair at home.
And remember, facial hair is completely natural. There’s no pressure to remove it. But if you’re curious, give yourself permission to explore what feels right for you. That’s what ‘your ritual, your rules’ is all about.
