Dermaplaning: The Complete Guide to Treatment, Benefits & Professional Training
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Dermaplaning: The Complete Guide to Treatment, Benefits & Professional Training
Dermaplaning has become an increasingly popular professional facial treatment for clients looking for smoother, brighter-looking skin without significant downtime.
Using a sterile surgical blade, a trained practitioner carefully removes superficial dead skin cells and fine vellus hair from the surface of the skin.
But dermaplaning is much more than simply removing facial hair.
When performed correctly, it is a professional exfoliation technique that can be incorporated into a wide range of facial treatment programmes.
In this guide, we’ll look at what dermaplaning is, how it works, its potential benefits and why professional training is important for practitioners wishing to offer the treatment.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a form of mechanical exfoliation.
During treatment, a sterile blade is held at an appropriate angle to the skin and carefully moved across the treatment area using controlled strokes.
This removes some of the accumulated dead cells from the outermost surface of the epidermis while also removing fine vellus hair, commonly referred to as peach fuzz.
The treatment is usually performed on the face and can be offered as a standalone procedure or incorporated into a professional facial protocol where appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?
Clients choose dermaplaning for a variety of cosmetic reasons.
The treatment can help:
- Improve the appearance and feel of skin texture
- Remove superficial dead skin cells
- Remove fine vellus facial hair
- Create a smoother-looking complexion
- Temporarily improve skin radiance
- Create a smoother surface for makeup application
- Complement certain professional facial treatments
Results vary between clients and dermaplaning should always be recommended following an appropriate consultation and skin assessment.
Does Dermaplaning Make Facial Hair Grow Back Thicker?
This is one of the most common misconceptions surrounding dermaplaning.
No — dermaplaning does not change the biological structure of the hair follicle or cause vellus hair to become thicker or darker.
Cutting hair at the skin’s surface does not alter the follicle beneath it.
As the hair begins to grow back, its cut end can sometimes initially feel different, but dermaplaning itself does not transform normal vellus hair into coarse terminal hair.
Who Is Dermaplaning Suitable For?
Dermaplaning may be appropriate for many clients seeking superficial exfoliation and removal of vellus hair.
However, suitability should always be established through professional consultation.
A practitioner should consider the client’s skin condition, medical history, medications, current skincare products and previous treatments before proceeding.
Dermaplaning may not be appropriate where certain contraindications are present, including active inflammatory or infectious skin conditions in the treatment area.
Professional practitioners should understand both when to treat and when not to treat.
What Happens During a Professional Dermaplaning Treatment?
Protocols vary depending on professional training, products used and the client’s individual requirements.
Generally, treatment begins with consultation and skin assessment followed by appropriate cleansing and preparation of the skin.
The practitioner works systematically across appropriate areas of the face while maintaining correct skin tension and blade control.
After dermaplaning has been completed, suitable professional products may be applied according to the treatment protocol and the client’s skin.
Appropriate aftercare advice should then be provided.
How Often Can Dermaplaning Be Performed?
Treatment frequency should be determined individually rather than applying the same schedule to every client.
The skin requires sufficient time between exfoliation treatments, and practitioners should consider factors including skin condition, sensitivity and other treatments or active skincare products being used.
Repeated or excessive exfoliation can compromise the skin barrier, which is another reason practitioners require a good understanding of skin anatomy and treatment planning.
Can Dermaplaning Be Combined With Other Facial Treatments?
Dermaplaning is sometimes incorporated into more comprehensive facial protocols.
However, more treatment does not automatically mean better treatment.
Any combination should be appropriate for the client’s skin and within the practitioner’s training and scope of practice.
Practitioners need to understand the cumulative effect of different exfoliation techniques and active products rather than simply combining treatments because they are available.
Why Is Professional Dermaplaning Training Important?
Dermaplaning involves working directly against the skin with a blade, meaning appropriate practical knowledge and technique are essential.
Professional training should cover areas including:
Anatomy and physiology – understanding the structure and function of the skin.
Consultation – assessing suitability and identifying contraindications.
Health, hygiene and infection control – maintaining appropriate professional standards.
Equipment and blade safety – understanding safe handling and disposal.
Treatment technique – including positioning, skin tension, blade angle and controlled movement.
Treatment planning – adapting treatment to the individual client.
Aftercare – helping clients protect their skin following treatment.
Training should give practitioners an understanding of why each part of the procedure is performed, rather than simply teaching a sequence of movements.
Adding Dermaplaning to Your Treatment Business
For beauty and skin professionals, dermaplaning can be a useful addition to an existing facial treatment menu.
It requires relatively little specialist equipment compared with many technology-based treatments and can complement other skin and facial services.
However, practitioners should ensure they have appropriate training, insurance and comply with any professional or local requirements relevant to where they practise.
Learn Professional Dermaplaning
Whether you’re already working within beauty and aesthetics or looking to expand your treatment knowledge, professional dermaplaning education can help you develop the theoretical understanding required to perform the treatment appropriately.
At Level Up Beauty Academy, our training focuses not simply on learning a treatment sequence but on understanding the principles behind professional practice.