Dermaplaning Myth Busted: Will Your Hair Grow Back Thicker?

By Omega Laser & Skin | Abbotsford, BC

Let's put one of the skincare world's biggest myths to bed.

"If I dermaplane my face, won't the hair grow back thicker?"

Short answer?

No.

Not thicker. Not darker. Not faster.

If it did, I'd have a lot of unhappy clients... and thankfully, that's never been the case.

This myth has been around for decades, and I completely understand why it worries people. Nobody wants to accidentally trade peach fuzz for a beard.

The good news is that's simply not how hair works.

Why Does It Feel Like It Grows Back Thicker?

This is where the myth gets its staying power.

Dermaplaning removes the hair at the surface of your skin using a sterile surgical blade. When that hair grows back, the tip is blunt because it's been cut straight across instead of naturally tapering to a fine point.

Think of it like cutting a blade of grass.

The end looks flatter, but the grass itself hasn't suddenly become thicker.

Your facial hair behaves the same way.

Sometimes it feels a little different as it grows in, but the hair itself hasn't changed.

Your Hair Follicles Are Calling the Shots

Hair thickness isn't decided at the surface of your skin.

It's determined much deeper, inside the hair follicle.

Things like your genetics, hormones, and age influence how your hair grows. Dermaplaning doesn't reach the follicle, so it can't tell your body to suddenly start producing thicker or darker hair.

It simply removes what's already there.

"But My Friend Said It Happened..."

I hear this one quite a bit.

Usually, what's happened is exactly what we just talked about. The blunt tip of the hair feels different as it grows back, so it's easy to assume the hair itself has changed.

Our fingers can be surprisingly convincing.

The science, however, has been consistent for years. Removing hair at the surface doesn't change the follicle underneath.

What Clients Actually Notice

Interestingly, once people stop worrying about the myth, they start noticing all the things dermaplaning does improve.

The comments I hear after treatment are usually things like:

"My makeup has never looked this good."

"My skin feels unbelievably smooth."

"My skincare products absorb so much better."

"Why did I wait so long to try this?"

Those are the reasons clients come back.

A Conversation I Have Almost Every Week

Almost every week, someone sits in my treatment room and asks the same question before we begin.

"You're sure my hair won't grow back thicker?"

I always smile because I know there's a good chance they'll be asking a completely different question at their next appointment.

Instead of talking about facial hair, they're usually asking when they can book their next dermaplaning treatment because they loved how smooth their skin felt or how beautifully their makeup sat afterward.

That shift happens because they've experienced the treatment for themselves instead of relying on something they heard years ago.

Is Dermaplaning Right for Everyone?

Not always.

Dermaplaning is an excellent option for many people who want smoother skin, brighter complexion, better product absorption, and flawless makeup application.

However, if you have active inflamed acne, certain skin infections, or other conditions affecting your skin, another treatment may be a better option.

That's why I always assess your skin first. My goal isn't to fit everyone into the same treatment. It's to recommend what's actually going to give you the best results.

The Bottom Line

If you've been avoiding dermaplaning because you're worried about thicker facial hair, you can cross that concern off your list.

The treatment removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair from the surface of your skin. It doesn't change your hair follicles, your hormones, or the way your hair grows.

There are plenty of good reasons to ask questions before trying a new treatment. This just doesn't need to be one of the things holding you back.

If you're curious whether dermaplaning is right for your skin, I'd be happy to help. Every treatment at Omega Laser & Skin is customized to your skin's unique needs and goals, and I'm always happy to answer your questions before we begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?

No. Dermaplaning removes hair at the surface of the skin but does not affect the hair follicle. Your hair will grow back with the same colour, thickness, and growth rate as before.

How often should I have dermaplaning?

Most people enjoy dermaplaning every four to six weeks, depending on their skin and goals.

Does dermaplaning hurt?

Not at all. Most clients describe it as relaxing, with only a light brushing sensation.

Can I wear makeup afterward?

Yes, but many clients love how fresh and smooth their skin feels afterward and choose to enjoy the glow for the rest of the day.

Who is a good candidate for dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a great option for anyone looking to improve skin texture, remove dead skin buildup, reduce the appearance of peach fuzz, and create a smoother canvas for skincare and makeup.