Dermaplaning does not cause thicker or darker facial hair growth; it simply removes dead skin and peach fuzz.
Understanding Dermaplaning and Facial Hair Growth
Dermaplaning has gained massive popularity as a skincare treatment that promises smooth, radiant skin by exfoliating the surface layer. It involves using a sterile surgical scalpel to gently scrape away dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, commonly known as peach fuzz. Despite its cosmetic benefits, many people hesitate to try dermaplaning due to the widespread myth that it causes a beard or thicker facial hair to grow back. But does dermaplaning cause a beard? The simple answer is no.
Hair growth is determined by follicles located beneath the skin’s surface, not by what happens above the skin. Dermaplaning only affects the outermost layer of skin and removes hair at the surface level without impacting the follicle’s behavior. This means it cannot alter the thickness, color, or rate of hair growth.
How Hair Grows: Follicles vs. Surface Hair
Hair grows from follicles embedded deep within the dermis. Each follicle goes through cycles of growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (catagen). The hair shaft visible above the skin is dead keratinized cells, which do not influence follicular activity once removed.
When you shave or dermaplane, you cut or scrape off this visible part of the hair shaft but leave the follicle intact under the skin. The follicle continues its natural cycle unaffected. This explains why no matter how often you shave or dermaplane, your hair will grow back at its natural thickness and rate.
Why People Think Dermaplaning Causes Beard Growth
The misconception that dermaplaning causes a beard stems from how hair feels when it grows back after being cut. When facial hair is shaved or scraped off close to the skin, regrowth feels coarser or stubbly because it has a blunt edge instead of a tapered tip.
This blunt edge can give the illusion of thicker or darker hair when in reality, only the texture has changed temporarily. Additionally, vellus hairs removed during dermaplaning are very fine and light-colored; once they grow back after exfoliation, they might appear more noticeable until they soften again.
The Science Behind Dermaplaning and Hair Regrowth
Scientific studies on hair regrowth following mechanical removal methods like shaving or dermaplaning consistently show no change in follicular behavior. The diameter and pigmentation of hair are genetically predetermined and influenced by hormones rather than surface treatments.
Dermaplaning targets only dead cells and fine vellus hairs but leaves terminal hairs—thicker, pigmented hairs—untouched if present in larger amounts. Since terminal hairs are hormonally regulated, their growth pattern remains consistent regardless of exfoliation.
Comparative Analysis: Dermaplaning vs Shaving vs Waxing
Different hair removal methods affect regrowth sensation and appearance differently:
- Shaving: Cuts hair at skin level; regrowth feels coarse due to blunt ends.
- Waxing: Removes hair from root; regrowth takes longer but texture remains unchanged.
- Dermaplaning: Scrapes off dead skin and fine peach fuzz at surface level; no impact on follicle.
Unlike waxing, which pulls out hairs completely causing delayed regrowth, dermaplaning only removes superficial fuzz without affecting root structure.
The Role of Hormones in Facial Hair Development
Facial hair thickness and growth patterns depend largely on androgen hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones stimulate follicles to produce terminal hairs during puberty and adulthood.
No topical treatment like dermaplaning can override hormonal influences on follicles. If someone experiences increased facial hair growth over time, it’s usually due to hormonal changes rather than any exfoliation technique used.
Common Conditions That Affect Facial Hair Growth
Some medical conditions lead to unwanted facial hair growth (hirsutism), such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland disorders, or certain medications. These conditions cause follicles to produce thicker terminal hairs in areas normally dominated by fine vellus hairs.
Dermaplaning does not cause these conditions nor worsen them—it merely removes superficial layers temporarily without affecting underlying causes.
Benefits of Dermaplaning Beyond Hair Removal
While many focus on whether dermaplaning causes a beard, it’s crucial to highlight its proven skincare benefits:
- Smoother Skin Texture: Eliminates dead cells for a polished finish.
- Improved Product Absorption: Skincare products penetrate deeper post-exfoliation.
- Brighter Complexion: Removes dull layers revealing fresh skin underneath.
- Painless Treatment: Unlike waxing or threading which can be painful.
- Safe for Most Skin Types: Suitable for sensitive skin when performed correctly.
These advantages make dermaplaning an excellent choice for those seeking non-invasive rejuvenation without triggering unwanted facial hair changes.
The Ideal Candidates for Dermaplaning
People with fine peach fuzz who want smoother makeup application or clearer pores benefit most from dermaplaning. It’s also favored by those with dry or flaky skin looking for gentle exfoliation without irritation.
However, individuals with active acne cysts or very sensitive skin should consult professionals before proceeding since scraping might exacerbate inflammation if done improperly.
A Closer Look: How Often Should You Dermaplane?
Frequency depends on individual skin type and personal preference but generally ranges between every 3-4 weeks. This interval allows natural cell turnover while maintaining smoothness without over-exfoliating.
Excessive dermaplaning can lead to irritation or sensitivity but will never stimulate beard growth since follicles remain untouched beneath the epidermis.
| Treatment Type | Effect on Hair Follicles | Regrowth Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dermaplaning | No impact; only removes surface dead cells & peach fuzz | Hair grows back naturally; no change in thickness/color |
| Shaving | No impact; cuts visible hair shaft at skin level | Regrows with blunt edge; feels coarser temporarily |
| Waxing | Pulls out entire hair from root temporarily | Delayed regrowth; same texture & thickness resumes |
The Truth About “Does Dermaplaning Cause A Beard?”
Addressing this question head-on: No scientific evidence supports that dermaplaning causes new beard growth or thickens existing facial hair. It simply removes what’s already there on your face’s surface layer without influencing follicular activity below.
The myth likely originated from misunderstanding how shaved or scraped hairs feel as they grow back—stubbly edges trick us into thinking they’re thicker or darker when they’re not.
If you notice increased facial hair density over time after starting dermaplaning sessions, consider other factors such as hormonal fluctuations or age-related changes rather than blaming this skincare procedure.
Tackling Misconceptions Around Facial Hair Removal Techniques
Many people confuse shaving with waxing or laser treatments when discussing effects on facial hair:
- Shaving/dermaplaning: Only cuts/removes surface-level hairs; no effect on actual follicle strength.
- Waxing/threading: Removes entire shaft including root temporarily; may reduce density if done consistently over long periods but doesn’t create new growth.
- Laser Hair Removal: Targets follicles directly aiming to reduce permanent growth over multiple sessions.
Understanding these distinctions helps debunk myths around “Does Dermaplaning Cause A Beard?” once and for all.
The Bottom Line: Safe Skincare Without Beard Worries
Dermaplaning stands out as an effective method for exfoliating dead cells and removing fine facial fuzz without triggering unwanted beard-like growth. It offers smoothness and luminosity while leaving natural hair cycles untouched beneath your skin’s surface.
If you want radiant skin free from dullness but worry about stimulating coarse facial hairs—rest assured that dermaplaning won’t make you sprout a beard overnight!
Key Takeaways: Does Dermaplaning Cause A Beard?
➤ Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz safely.
➤ It does not cause hair to grow back thicker.
➤ Hair regrows at the same rate and texture.
➤ Regular sessions keep skin smooth and clear.
➤ Consult a professional for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dermaplaning cause a beard to grow?
No, dermaplaning does not cause a beard to grow. It only removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair from the surface without affecting the hair follicles beneath the skin, which control hair growth.
Can dermaplaning make facial hair thicker or darker?
Dermaplaning does not change the thickness or color of facial hair. The appearance of thicker or darker hair after dermaplaning is due to the blunt edge of regrowing hair, not an actual increase in hair density or pigmentation.
Why do people think dermaplaning causes a beard?
The misconception arises because regrowing hair feels stubbly and coarse after dermaplaning. This blunt texture can give the illusion of thicker hair, but it does not mean that dermaplaning stimulates beard growth.
Does dermaplaning affect hair follicles under the skin?
No, dermaplaning only removes surface-level hair and dead skin cells. Hair follicles remain unaffected beneath the skin, so their natural growth cycle continues unchanged after treatment.
Is it safe to dermaplane if I’m worried about beard growth?
Yes, it is safe. Dermaplaning will not cause unwanted beard growth or alter your natural facial hair pattern. It simply exfoliates and removes peach fuzz for smoother skin without impacting follicle behavior.
Conclusion – Does Dermaplaning Cause A Beard?
To wrap things up clearly: Dermaplaning does not cause a beard nor does it thicken existing facial hair. It merely removes superficial dead cells and peach fuzz temporarily while leaving your follicles unaltered beneath the epidermis.
Any perception of increased thickness is due to blunt edges on regrowing hairs—not new follicular activity stimulated by this treatment. Hormones remain the true drivers behind facial hair density changes over time—not your skincare routine involving dermaplaning.
So go ahead—embrace this gentle exfoliation method confidently knowing it won’t turn you into a bearded wonder!