Shaving vs. Dermaplaning: What You Need to Know Before Removing Facial Hair
Shaving your peach fuzz may seem like a smooth move, but when it comes to facial hair removal, is dermaplaning the real 'smooth operator'?
You’ve probably heard it before: "Peach fuzz" is cute on fruit, but not so much on your face. While that soft, fine hair might seem like something to get rid of, there’s more to consider before grabbing a razor to shave your entire face. Shaving might seem like the quickest solution for smooth skin, but when it comes to your face, things aren’t always as simple as they seem.
Shaving is a common method for hair removal, but its primary purpose is to remove terminal hairs—those thicker, coarser hairs that grow around your chin, upper lip, or jawline. However, when it comes to the rest of your face, it’s easy to forget that shaving doesn't just remove hair—it impacts your skin’s natural balance.
Terminal vs. Vellus Hair: What’s the Difference?
There are two types of facial hair you might be dealing with: terminal hairs and vellus hairs.
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Terminal hairs are the thicker, coarser hairs that typically grow around your brows, or maybe on your chin, upper lip, and jawline depending on your hormone levels. These hairs are influenced by hormones and serve a protective role. They shield the sensitive skin around your eyes and face.
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Vellus hairs, on the other hand, are the fine, soft hairs that cover most of your face. These are sometimes referred to as "peach fuzz." And while you might want to shave it off for that extra smooth look, there’s something you should know: those fine, fuzzy hairs are doing a job! They help protect the skin from dirt, bacteria, and environmental pollutants. They act as a barrier to keep toxins and other harmful substances from entering your pores.
Now, it might seem like those little peach fuzzes are just standing in the way of flawless skin, but taking them off isn't always the best move. By shaving them away, you're removing that natural shield your skin relies on. It’s kind of like peeling off your sunscreen and wondering why your skin is more vulnerable to sunburn. Plus, without this protective layer, your skin may be more prone to irritation or even ingrown hairs as the hair grows back.
Shaving: Not the Best for Exfoliation
You might be thinking, "Well, if I shave, at least my skin will feel smooth!" While shaving does remove hair, it’s not an exfoliation method. Unlike dermaplaning, shaving doesn’t remove dead skin cells or improve the texture of your skin—it only removes the surface-level hair.
Dermaplaning, however, is a targeted exfoliation technique. Using a specialized scalpel, dermaplaning removes both vellus hair and the outermost layer of dead skin cells that contribute to dullness, uneven texture, and a lack of radiance. This process reveals brighter, smoother skin and allows for better absorption of your skincare products. The results are noticeably more rejuvenated skin, with improved texture and a natural, subtle glow.
Can Shaving Support Dermaplaning?
Shaving can indeed support dermaplaning by removing the terminal hairs, giving the scalpel a cleaner surface to work with. In fact, if you shave 2–3 days before dermaplaning, you may notice a more dramatic difference in your skin’s texture compared to having shaved right before the dermaplaning session. Shaving beforehand helps remove the coarse hairs, leaving the fine vellus hairs more intact, so dermaplaning can do its job of exfoliating more effectively.
However, shaving your face regularly isn’t ideal. While it can be done occasionally to prep for dermaplaning (but is not necessary), overdoing it can leave your skin vulnerable by stripping away your vellus hairs too frequently. Remember, those fine hairs serve an important protective function, and frequent shaving may hinder the skin's natural barrier. The best approach is to use shaving as an occasional prep step—not a regular routine.
The Risks of Shaving Your Face
While shaving may seem like a quick fix for hair removal, there are some hidden risks that come with it. Shaving vellus hair can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage. Additionally, shaving can leave behind ingrown hairs, especially if you're not using the proper technique. And because shaving doesn't exfoliate the skin in the same way dermaplaning does, you might still deal with dullness and uneven texture, even after shaving.
Why Dermaplaning Is the Better Choice
If you're looking for smoother skin with a healthy glow, dermaplaning is the superior method. Not only does it remove vellus hair, but it also exfoliates dead skin cells that contribute to dullness and rough texture. Dermaplaning is much more than just a hair removal technique—it’s a way to rejuvenate your skin, promote cell turnover, and give your complexion a boost.
Since dermaplaning uses a specialized, precision blade, it's also much less likely to cause irritation or ingrown hairs compared to shaving. And because it’s targeted to the skin’s surface, it allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper, maximizing their effectiveness.
Stay Away from the "Fuzz" of Online Skincare Trends
Now, you might be thinking, "But I’ve seen influencers on Instagram and TikTok shaving their faces, and their skin looks great!" Here’s the thing: While influencers may offer helpful tips, it’s important to remember that not every skincare routine is for everyone. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another—and the same goes for shaving versus dermaplaning.
The internet is full of skincare fads that can sometimes make the world of facial hair removal feel fuzzy (pun intended!). Shaving your face might seem like the trendy thing to do, but before you jump on the bandwagon, ask yourself: Is this the best option for my skin? Influencers might make it look easy, but they don't always consider the long-term effects of shaving away your skin’s natural defenses.
Don’t let the allure of quick fixes cloud your judgment. What looks good on a screen may not always be the best choice for your skin’s health and needs. When in doubt, stick with methods that are proven to benefit your skin—like dermaplaning.
Should You Shave Your Face?
So, should you be shaving your face to remove vellus hairs? The short answer is: probably not. While shaving can give you a quick and temporary solution for hair removal, it doesn’t address your skin's health in the way dermaplaning does.
In fact, keeping your vellus hairs intact is probably the better choice for your skin in the long run. These fine hairs serve as a barrier that protects your skin from pollutants and irritants. By preserving them, you help maintain a healthy skin environment; however, removing your terminal hairs can be done by threading or waxing.
If you're looking for smoother, more radiant skin, dermaplaning is the way to go. Not only will it remove hair, but it will also leave your skin glowing and rejuvenated by removing dead skin cells and improving texture.
The Bottom Line
While shaving is fine for quick hair removal, it doesn’t do your skin any favors when it comes to overall health and texture. Removing vellus hairs might feel like a shortcut to smoother skin, but it comes at the cost of your skin’s natural protection. On the other hand, dermaplaning offers the best of both worlds: smooth skin with the added benefit of exfoliation, all without compromising your skin's protective functions.
So next time you're considering removing facial hair, think about what you really want to achieve. If it’s glowing, smooth skin and a healthier complexion, dermaplaning is the answer. Save the razor for the areas where it's needed, but honestly, don't stress about your vellus hairs; you need them more than not, and your health is more important than your appearance!