Shaving V Dermaplaning: What’s the Difference?

Shaving and dermaplaning both require sharp tools to remove unwanted hair, but that’s where the similarities end. So, what’s the difference between the two hair removal techniques and, most importantly, which is better for your skin? Laser Hair Removal At The Bay & On Unley fills us in on the facts.

The Purpose

While shaving primarily aims to remove visible hair from the surface of the skin quickly and easily, dermaplaning is more focused on exfoliation and improving skin texture, not just hair removal. In addition to removing peach fuzz, dermaplaning removes dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, brighter skin.

Owner and director at Laser Hair Removal At The Bay & On Unley, Veronica Denwick, explains that “[dermaplaning] can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the effectiveness of skincare products to achieve a smoother, brighter complexion.

“[Dermaplaning] is generally safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin,” Veronica says. “However, people with active acne, inflamed skin conditions, or certain skin disorders may not be ideal candidates for dermaplaning.

“Unlike shaving, dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure best performed by a registered nurse rather than beauty therapist,” she adds.

The Tools + Techniques

Shaving requires a razor, either manual or electric, along with shaving cream or gel to lubricate the skin to cut the hair at the surface of the skin and is typically done in the direction of hair growth.

A sterile surgical scalpel or a specialised tool is used during dermaplaning to gently scrape off dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface of the skin.

“During a dermaplaning session, one of our nurses will carefully glide a small, sterile blade across the skin at a 45-degree angle,” Veronica explains. “The blade is angled and moved in short, swift strokes against the skin.” This process helps to manually exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells and fine hair, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.

The Results

Shaving provides temporary hair removal, and the hair typically grows back within a few days. While the results of dermaplaning are also temporary (it typically lasts up to four weeks), you’ll find skin smoother and more radiant with slower hair growth.

That said, contrary to popular belief, regular shaving won’t necessarily lead to thicker or darker hair regrowth. When you shave, you’re cutting the hair off at the surface level, which has no impact on the hair follicle itself. As a result, the hair grows back with the same thickness, colour, and texture as before. So, while shaving and dermaplaning both have zero effect on hair colour, thickness, or the amount of hair you grow, the latter is typically gentler on the skin.

Considering dermaplaning? Discuss the treatment with one of the qualified nurses at Laser Hair Removal At The Bay & On Unley to determine if it’s the right option for your skin.

Laser Hair Removal At The Bay & On Unley
Shop 1, 61 Tapleys Hill Road, Glenelg North
Shop 16, 13–23 Unley Road, Parkside
08 8295 7070
lhratthebay.com

Get That Pre-Event Glow

Woman receiving HydraFacial treatment.

The silly season can wreak havoc on our skin. Taking steps to treat your pores to a little TLC before an event can make a world of difference – but forget regular facials. Enter the celebrity treatment of the moment – the HydraFacial. We asked Laser Hair Removal at The Bay and On Unley to explain the hype.

Tell us what a HydraFacial involves and how it’s different from other facials.

The HydraFacial is a multi-step facial treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection. Unlike regular facials, which often focus on one or two aspects of skincare, the HydraFacial uses a patented technology that addresses multiple concerns simultaneously. It’s unique in its ability to deeply cleanse, extract impurities, and deliver potent serums for hydration and protection in one session. It really does give skin an incredible glow and we regularly recommend the treatment for clients who are preparing for a special event.

How should I prep my skin before treatment?

To prepare for a HydraFacial, it’s recommended to maintain a consistent skincare routine. Avoid using harsh exfoliants or undergoing other facial treatments, such as chemical peels, in the week leading up to your HydraFacial. Ensure your skin is clean and free from make-up or lotions before the session for optimal results.

What skincare issues does the HydraFacial address?

The HydraFacial is versatile and can address various skincare needs, including fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity and firmness, skin tone evenness, texture, brown spots, congested pores, and enlarged pores. Its customisable nature allows professionals to tailor the treatment to meet individual skin concerns.

Is there any downtime or pain involved?

The HydraFacial is known for its gentle and non-invasive nature. Typically, there’s no downtime associated with the treatment, and most individuals experience minimal discomfort. It’s often described as a soothing and relaxing experience without pain or significant irritation. After the session, some individuals might have a slight pinkish hue on the skin, which generally subsides within a few hours.

How long do the results last?

Results from a HydraFacial can vary from person-to-person. Many notice an immediate improvement in skin texture and appearance. With regular sessions and proper skincare maintenance, the effects of a HydraFacial can last for several weeks. However, consistent sessions are recommended for sustained results as part of a comprehensive skincare regime.

Laser Hair Removal at The Bay & On Unley
Shop 1, 61 Tapleys Hill Road, Glenelg North
Shop 16, 13–23 Unley Road, Parkside
08 8295 7070
lhratthebay.com

Are You Being Lasered By A Qualified Nurse?

The questions you should ask laser hair removal clinics.

Winter is looming, making it the best time for laser hair removal as your skin is less likely to be exposed to the sun. But there are a few things to consider to ensure your treatment goes as safely and smoothly as possible.

Laser Hair Removal at The Bay & On Unley fills us in on how to avoid a close shave with a dodgy clinic.

1. What training and qualifications does your staff have?

Pick a clinic led by qualified nurses rather than beauty therapists. Here at Laser Hair Removal at The Bay & On Unley, all our clients are treated by qualified nurses. We spend three months training our nursing staff to ensure they’re more than confident in safely addressing your unwanted hair needs.

In South Australia, anybody can open a laser hair removal clinic, which is frightening as high-grade laser equipment can cause a lot of damage and problems if they’re not used by staff who are adequately trained.

2. Do you provide a thorough consultation?

Make sure the clinic assesses your skin type and hair colour. There are many other assessments that should be made, including medical history and medication that may affect the treatment and results. Laser Hair Removal at The Bay & On Unley provide a complementary initial consultation where they’ll run through a thorough explanation of the service and answer any questions you have. This is to ensure the client is comfortable with the process and feels safe.

3. How many clients have you treated?

Enquire about how many clients the clinic has treated, as this might give you an idea of how popular and trusted they are. The best way to determine this is through word-of-mouth; ask your friends and family for a recommendation to a reputable clinic.

4. What equipment do you use?

Ask the clinic about the type of laser they use. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is frequently advertised as a laser, but this isn’t the case. IPL is not a laser; instead, find a clinic that uses a Class 4 Medical Laser, which achieves incredible results compared to IPL.

5. What results can I expect from the treatment?

A trick to watch out for is if the clinic offers permanent hair removal. Take note: it’s simply not possible to guarantee “permanent hair removal”; only permanent reduction can be achieved. Although the procedure is often touted as a form of permanent hair removal, laser treatment only reduces the number of unwanted hairs in a given area. It doesn’t get rid of unwanted hairs completely.

Laser Hair Removal at The Bay & On Unley
Shop 1, 61 Tapleys Hill Road, Glenelg North
Shop 16, 13–23 Unley Road, Parkside
08 8295 7070
lhratthebay.com

Debunking Dermaplanning

Dermaplanning is hair removal and exfoliation in one. We sent make-up artist Lili Karamalikis along to Laser Hair Removal at The Bay to find out what all the fuss is about.

“Dermaplanning has been a beauty buzz-word for some time now and I’ve always been intrigued, so I jumped at the chance to go along to Laser Hair Removal for an appointment with Veronica.

Veronica warmly welcomed me into her clinic and, as I filled out a consult form, she educated me on the treatment and how to look after my skin post-treatment. What made me feel most at ease was the fact that Veronica has years of experience, a passion for skin and that she is a qualified nurse.

Before the treatment, the biggest concern I had was whether my hair 
would grow back prickly. Veronica quickly reassured me that this is one of the biggest dermaplanning myths. If removed correctly, the removal of hair cannot change the way hair grows. 

Veronica started by double cleansing my face and preparing it for treatment while I relaxed. The blade on my skin felt incredibly therapeutic and surprisingly less invasive than many other treatments that I’ve had in the past. The procedure was quick (about 45 minutes), which to be honest was a little disappointing – I could’ve lay there for hours! To finish off and to rehydrate my post-treatment skin I was then treated to a hyaluronic mask. Bliss!

Veronica gave me a rundown on how to look after my skin post-dermaplanning so I felt super confident leaving the clinic. I have never really felt like I have a lot of ‘peach fuzz’ on my face but after 
this treatment my face felt so smooth! I asked Veronica if I could see what she removed, and I was so shocked. It’s actually quite confronting.

My skin felt super smooth straight after the treatment, but the results were even better the following week. Make-up looks and applies 10 times better and there are no visible pores or bumps. 

I would highly recommend this treatment to anyone who wants their skin to feel softer and look smoother. There is also little to no downtime, so you don’t have to worry about planning around your treatment. I’ll be back.”

Laser Hair Removal at The Bay and On Unley

1/61 Tapleys Hill Road, Glenelg North

16/13-23 Unley Road, Parkside

08 8295 7070

lhratthebay.com