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
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