Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker, Darker, or Stubbly?
No. Dermaplaning does not make hair grow back thicker, darker, or faster. It removes vellus hair, the soft fine hair usually called peach fuzz, by cutting it at the surface. It does not change the hair follicle, the growth cycle, or the texture, so it cannot change what grows back.
Stubble is the one thing you may genuinely notice, and it is not new hair. A blade leaves a blunt, straight edge instead of the soft tapered tip vellus hair grows on its own, so the same hair feels coarser to the touch for a few days. Facial peach fuzz typically grows back within 2 to 4 weeks, the same color and softness it was before.
Does Dermaplaning Cause Stubble?
Partly, and only in how it feels. You may feel stubble as the blunt-cut hair regrows, but this is not new or thicker hair. It is the natural regrowth of vellus hair without its soft, tapered end.
What you are feeling is the blunt tip of vellus hair as it grows back. It is still soft and fine, but the straight edge makes it feel a little more noticeable to the touch. That sensation usually goes away after a few days, and it becomes less noticeable the more regularly you dermaplane.
This is also the answer to the two questions people ask next. Dermaplaning does not give you whiskers, and it does not give you a beard. It does not alter your hair follicles or trigger terminal hair growth, which is the thicker, pigmented hair that grows on the scalp, legs, and underarms.
Why Dermaplaning Cannot Make Hair Grow Back Thicker
No, dermaplaning does not make hair grow back thicker, darker, or faster. This is a common myth, and it is not supported by dermatological science.
When you dermaplane, you are removing vellus hair, which is soft, fine, and usually blonde. This type of hair does not have the same root structure as terminal hair, the thicker hair that grows on your scalp, legs, or underarms. Cutting or removing vellus hair does not change its texture, color, or thickness.
WebMD's overview of the treatment says the same thing: it is a myth that hair grows back thicker or darker after dermaplaning. Regrowth just feels coarser because of the blunt tip left by the blade.
If you notice a sudden change in facial hair thickness or growth pattern, talk to a licensed medical provider. Hormonal imbalances, PCOS, or certain medications, not dermaplaning, could be to blame.
Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Darker?
No. Vellus hair is not pigmented the way terminal hair is. It grows back with the same color and softness as before, unless you are experiencing other medical issues that are unrelated to dermaplaning.
The blade cuts hair at the surface and does not change the follicle, so the hair that grows back is the same hair it was before. Nothing about the treatment reaches the pigment.
Does Dermaplaning Cause More Hair to Grow?
No. Dermaplaning removes what is currently on the surface. It does not change the hair follicle, the growth cycle, or the texture, so it cannot increase how much hair you have or how quickly it comes back.
Removing peach fuzz does not trigger new or thicker hair growth. Peach fuzz is often removed for purely cosmetic reasons, to improve how skincare absorbs and how makeup sits on the skin.
If the amount of facial hair genuinely changes, the cause is somewhere else. Hormonal imbalances, PCOS, and certain medications can all affect facial hair, and none of them are caused by dermaplaning. Talk to a licensed medical provider if that is what you are seeing.
What Happens When Hair Grows Back After Dermaplaning
Here is what to expect after a dermaplaning session, in the order you will notice it.
Hair Grows Back at Its Normal Rate
Facial peach fuzz typically grows back within 2 to 4 weeks. Dermaplaning does not affect the speed of regrowth. It only removes what is currently on the surface.
Hair May Feel Different, but It Is Not Thicker
Because the blade creates a blunt tip, the regrowth can feel a bit stubbly at first. That is especially noticeable if you are touching your face a lot. The hair is not actually thicker. It feels different because of the straight edge, and the color and softness are unchanged.
Is Dermaplaning Hair Removal Permanent?
No. Dermaplaning is a safe, temporary way to remove vellus hair. The hair is cut at the surface, not removed from the follicle, so peach fuzz typically returns within 2 to 4 weeks looking and feeling the way it did before. Your hair will return just as it was, no worse and no better, unless other factors like hormones are involved.
That also means you are not committing to anything. You can stop at any time, and your skin and hair will return to normal. Many people dermaplane once a month, or seasonally, depending on what their skin needs.
Myths About Dermaplaning and Hair Regrowth
There is a lot of noise on the internet. Two myths come up more than any others, and neither survives contact with how hair actually grows.
Myth: Shaving your face makes your hair grow faster and thicker
False. Shaving, and dermaplaning, cut hair at the surface. Neither one changes the hair follicle, the growth cycle, or the texture.
Myth: Dermaplaning causes breakouts
It depends. Dermaplaning can actually help with breakouts by removing dead skin cells and allowing pores to stay clear. However, if it is done incorrectly or with unclean tools, it can introduce bacteria and cause irritation. That is why it is best done by a licensed professional.
Before You Book Dermaplaning
- Go to a licensed provider. Have dermaplaning done by a trained esthetician or medical professional. Drugstore DIY blades are not the same thing.
- Space out treatments. Once a month is usually ideal for maintenance. Overdoing it can lead to irritation.
- Avoid active breakouts. If you have active acne, dermaplaning may irritate your skin. Wait until it clears, or ask your provider about alternatives.
- Pair it with hydration. Follow up with hydrating serums and SPF. Your skin is more absorbent after treatment.
- Stay consistent. Like most skincare treatments, consistent dermaplaning gives the best long-term results.
Getting Professional Dermaplaning Near Chicago
If you are in the Chicagoland area, especially around Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Carpentersville, or Lake in the Hills, Catara Med Spa offers professional dermaplaning in Algonquin, IL as part of our customized facial treatments.
Our licensed estheticians use sterile, medical-grade tools and tailor each treatment to your skin. Whether you are prepping for a big event or just maintaining a healthy glow, we can help you build a skincare plan that works long term, without the myths.
You can also combine dermaplaning with a hydrating treatment such as a HydraFacial in Algonquin, IL or an enzyme peel. Your skin absorbs products more deeply after dermaplaning, which is part of why the pairing works.
FAQs About Dermaplaning and Hair Regrowth
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back stubbly?
Yes, but only temporarily, and it is not the kind of stubble you get from shaving your legs. What you are feeling is the blunt tip of vellus hair as it grows back. It is still soft and fine, but the straight edge makes it feel a little more noticeable to the touch.
This sensation usually goes away after a few days and becomes less noticeable the more regularly you dermaplane.
Does removing peach fuzz make it worse?
No. Removing peach fuzz does not trigger new or thicker hair growth. Peach fuzz is often removed for purely cosmetic reasons, to improve how skincare absorbs and how makeup sits on the skin.
Dermaplaning is a safe, temporary way to remove vellus hair. Your hair will return just as it was, no worse and no better, unless other factors like hormones are involved.
Why is my hair thicker after dermaplaning?
If your hair seems thicker after dermaplaning, it is likely due to one of three things:
- The blunt tip left by the blade makes the hair more noticeable.
- You are more aware of the regrowth now that you have had the hair removed.
- Hormonal changes are happening at the same time, unrelated to dermaplaning.
If the regrowth truly seems different in thickness or color, consult a dermatologist. Dermaplaning itself does not alter your hair follicles or trigger terminal hair growth.
The Bottom Line: Dermaplaning Does Not Make Hair Grow Back Thicker
Dermaplaning does not change your hair color, speed up hair growth, or alter your natural hair texture. What it does do is exfoliate your skin, remove dead cells and peach fuzz, and leave your face looking smoother and brighter, with better product absorption and easier makeup application.
If you would rather skip the guesswork, book professional dermaplaning with our licensed estheticians. If you want to ask something first, you can send our team a message and we will answer it.