Dermaplaning Mistakes & Side Effects (Breakouts, Regrowth Myths & More)

Close up of a cheek and jawline after at home dermaplaning
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The short answer

Dermaplaning does not make facial hair grow back thicker or darker; cutting vellus hair at the surface does not change the follicle. The most common real side effects are temporary redness and breakouts, which usually trace back to a dull blade, unclean skin, or dermaplaning too often. Avoid those and side effects are rare.

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The biggest myth: does hair grow back thicker?

No. Vellus hair is cut at the surface; the follicle is untouched, so regrowth is the same fine peach fuzz. It can feel slightly blunt at first, which fuels the myth, but it does not grow back darker or coarser.

Why am I breaking out after dermaplaning?

Usually one of three fixable causes: a dull or reused blade and its bacteria, dermaplaning over unclean skin, or over-exfoliating too frequently. Use a fresh blade, start with clean dry skin, and respect the frequency guidance in how to dermaplane at home.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Going over active acne or moles; see the safety guide.
  • Using too much pressure instead of letting the blade glide.
  • Skipping SPF afterward; freshly exfoliated skin burns faster, so review aftercare.
  • Using a cheap, dull blade; a quality tool matters, so see the best tools.

My recommended tool: a sonic tool like the Michael Todd Sonicsmooth helps you avoid the nicks and irritation of a manual blade. It is the one I use and rate 4.7 out of 5. Read the full review.

Shop the Sonicsmooth

Also looking at hair removal? Dermaplaning clears peach fuzz for a week or two. For hair that keeps coming back on legs, underarms or the bikini line, at-home IPL is the next step up, and the one to look at is the Nood Flasher Pro, the only at-home IPL device with an energy figure in a public FDA file.

Start with the full IPL comparison, or go straight to Nood vs Ulike Air 10, Nood vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 and Nood vs Philips Lumea 9000.

Frequently asked

Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker or darker?

No, it is a myth. Surface removal of vellus hair does not change the follicle.

Is redness after dermaplaning normal?

Mild, short-lived redness can be normal. Prolonged irritation usually means too much pressure or over-frequent sessions.

Can dermaplaning cause breakouts?

It can if you use a dull blade, unclean skin, or dermaplane too often, all of which are avoidable.

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