How to Dermaplane at Home for Beginners
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Japanese women have been ‘facial blading’ for centuries. The process involves skimming a sharp blade over the skin to remove vellus hair (a.k.a peach fuzz) and improve the look of pigmentation, scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Years later, we caught onto the practice in the West, but facial blading somehow turned into dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is not to be confused with face shaving, as the former is done with the intent of gentle exfoliation, while the latter is done with the intent of ridding facial hair.
You can shave your face at home anytime, but when you are sloughing off a layer of skin, it’s important that you prepare for treatment, use good products, and follow up with after-care.
For the dermaplaning novice, the information below will serve as a 101 lesson on the benefits, safety concerns, prices, and tools to use. By the end of it, you’ll be ready to dermaplane at home.
What are the benefits?
According to Marie Claire, dermaplaning carries many health and aesthetic benefits:
- You give your skin some light manual exfoliation: the process of removing the top layer of the skin and getting rid of peach fuzz instantly smooths and illuminates.
- You clear the path for skincare products: the removal of dead skin and fine hairs will allow for better penetration of your skincare products, such as oils, serums, creams, and moisturizers.
- Your makeup will look flawless: dermaplaning leaves your skin soft, clean, and clear of dead skin, producing the perfect blank canvas for all your face paint.
- You will notice your fine lines and wrinkles improving: dermaplaning acts as a light anti-aging treatment, but this is gradual. Over time, you will notice improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Is it safe Dermaplane at home?
Generally, dermaplaning is safe to do at home if you are a) educated about it, b) properly prepped for it, c) using the right materials, and d) following up with proper after-care.
Plus, a variety of skin types can dermaplane, including those with acne scars, dry skin, dull skin, wrinkled skin, or even slightly sun damaged skin. The only common side effects are redness and sometimes tiny whiteheads after the fact.
That said, there are a subset of individuals who should not try dermaplaning at home until they visit a healthcare practitioner to confirm it is safe to do so. This group of people includes:
- Those who have recently gotten botox
- Those who have recently gotten a chemical peel
- Those who are prone to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Those on Accutane, blood thinners, or high doses of aspirin
- Those with open wounds such as acne or cold sores
- Those with skin cancer or severely sunburned or burned skin
How to Choose the Best Dermaplaning Tool for You:
One of the most important steps in performing safe at-home dermaplaning is using the right tools, which should always be sterile. Consider the following when procuring your dermaplaning tools:
- The brand: some are more reputable than others.
- The price: make sure you are not overpaying and you know roughly what to expect.
- The functionality: there are tools that do more than just dermaplane.
- The approachability: if you are a beginner, then you will benefit from easy-use tools.
In the next section, we’ll go over each of these factors in more detail. Starting with…
Brand
According to the beauty editors at Byrdie, the crème de la crème of dermaplaning tools come from brands like StackedSkincare, which also happens to be number one on our list. The best luxury brand (Dermaflash), and the best brand for beginners (Tweezerman), are numbers 9 and 5 on our list, respectively.
The brand that you choose to buy from will mostly depend on your budget and its functionality, which we’ll go over in the next few paragraphs.
Price
Many people believe that at-home dermaplaning tools will cost them less than an in-office session. This depends greatly on the brands and products you choose from, as at-home kits can cost anywhere between $5 and $250, while professional treatments can cost between $30 and $150.
On the low-end, you’ll find drugstore blades like the Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Razors, which typically cost around $5 to $6 for a pack of 3. On the high-end, you’ll find products like the Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device, which can cost up to $270.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not sacrificing quality for the sake of saving money: a hospital bill or treatments for scarring or infections will most likely cost you more than a good tool would.
Functionality
Some dermaplaning tools can do much more for you than remove dead skin and peach fuzz. Some provide light treatment, while others have moisturizing properties.
For example, the Dermascrape Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbing & Skin Care Enhancing Tool ($89) is a tri-functional beauty tool that can operate in three modes: ‘enhance’ is used to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin while applying skincare products, ‘cleanse’ is used to gently clean skin in conjunction with your favorite cleanser, ‘extraction’ helps lift and extract dirt and oils.
Approachability
When it comes to approachability, the simplest tools will be the easiest to use, and by ‘simplest’, we mean the ones that contain fewer bells and whistles. Single-use blades are the easiest to use because they are so straight-forward, as compared to professional-grade tools that feature different settings and modes.
So, if you splurge and buy yourself a tricked out dermaplane device, it is imperative to research it online and read the instructions thoroughly.
- StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Face Exfoliating Tool, $23
- Dorco Tinkle Eyebrow Razor, $5
- Flawless Dermaplane GLO, $20
- Revlon Face Defuzzer, $8
- Tweezerman Bright Complexion Facial Dermaplaner, $30
- Hollywood Smoother Dermaplaning Device Rose Gold, $74
- Dermascrape Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbing & Skin Care Enhancing Tool, $89
- Spa Sciences SIMA Sonic Dermaplaning Tool, $30
- Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device, $263
- Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning Tool, $99
10 Best Dermaplaning Tools for Beginners
Below you’ll find the top 10 dermaplaning tools for beginners, from simple and affordable to complex and luxurious. They cater to a wide variety of tastes, desires, and requirements, and each description will provide you with all you need to feel confident about dermaplaning at home.
#1 – StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Face Exfoliating Tool
This dermaplaning tool is just as pretty as it is functional. It features a replaceable surgical stainless steel blade so that you can get professional results at home without discarding the entire tool.
It also features an aluminum handle for grip, durability, and ease of use. The tool itself has a white razor head and a silver handle, giving it a sleek, clinical look.
Amazon offers the tool for $75, but the e-tailer suggests buying yourself 3 replacement blades for $23.
#2 – Dorco Tinkle Eyebrow Razor
Tinkle Eyebrow Razors are a great option for those who appreciate fun design and a straight-forward, non-threatening approach to dermaplaning tools. The multi-coloured tri-pack of single blades is intended for removing fine hairs on the eyebrows, upper-lip, and other sensitive areas.
Ideal for beginners, the blades also feature stainless steel safety covers to protect the skin. And if you want your dermaplaning experience to be as simple and affordable as possible, grab yourself a few Tinkles.
Bonus: you won’t break the bank with this purchase, as these easy-to-use dermaplaning tools are only $5.
#3 – Flawless Dermaplane GLO
The Flawless Dermaplane GLO has a luxurious design, with a white handle that looks to be rose gold-plated at the base. It’s an incredibly elegant take on a personal care tool, and each blade is made with Japanese stainless steel.
For extra protection, the individual blades are also wrapped with safety guards for gentle and safe exfoliation. The handle has an ejector button on it that quickly and easily ejects the blade for replacement.
Plus, the tool comes packaged with 6 additional blades, and the coolest thing about this dermaplane device is the blue LED light it emits. LED light stimulates cells to speed along rejuvenation and repair, and you can try it for only $20.
#4 – Revlon Face Defuzzer
Revlon products are fantastic because they deliver tried and true, trusted results at affordable price points. Even better, Revlon products are accessible to everyone in stores like Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart.
The Revlon Face Defuzzer is akin to the Schick and Dorco blades in terms of design and ease of use. The multi-pack features two Japanese stainless steel double-blades on plastic handles.
The handles themselves are slightly curved for a comfortable fit in your hands. Yet another affordable option, these blades are sold at Walmart for $8.
#5 – Tweezerman Bright Complexion Facial Dermaplaner
This device from Tweezerman might be the coolest of the bunch, with its soft baby pink hue and peanut-like shape. It is designed to fit in the palm of the hand for ease of use, and the blades slide out for seamless replacement.
The package also comes with 3 replacement blades and the device is available on Amazon for a modest $30.
#6 – Hollywood Smoother Dermaplaning Device Rose Gold
With its crystal-inspired shape, this rose gold dermaplaning device is the most beautiful product on our list by far. It uses sonic technology to brighten and rejuvenate the skin by removing dead cells and peach fuzz.
Sonic technology is used to gently cleanse and exfoliate, while stimulating blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. It also clears away toxins, improves the skin’s texture, shrinks pores, and clears blemishes.
The best part? There’s no downtime needed or pain after treatment. The SkinStore offers this high-tech, multi-functional tool for $74.
#7 – Dermascrape Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbing & Skin Care Enhancing Tool
The Dermascrape tool is a three-in-one ultrasonic beauty tool that cleanses, unclogs pores, and enhances skin care products. As we mentioned earlier, it comes with three modes that execute each one of these jobs to the fullest.
It features a silver panel with an on button and a silver head that you can cover with a lid to protect the metal you will be using on your skin. Nordstrom sells this device for $89.
#8 – Spa Sciences SIMA Sonic Dermaplaning Tool
The Spa Sciences SIMA Sonic instantly and painlessly rids you of unwanted vellus hair and dead skin cells with its state of the art technology and customizable speed levels. It’s also the perfect travel companion with its battery-free and cord-free design.
Packaged with 3 replacement heads, each with a comforting coating for sensitive skin, the handle colors come in bright hues like mint, pink, and white. Better yet, The SIMA tool is available on Amazon for $30.
#9 – Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device
The Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device is the most expensive item on our list for good reason. An award-winning tool championed by Allure, it fights signs of aging, improves the look of pigmentation, and corrects dullness and uneven texture.
It can also be used on many different skin types, including combination, oily, and dry skin. Plus, it comes in 4 colours: bright pink, white, icy green, and light pink.
Packaged with a charger, 4 replacement blades, a stand, cleanser, and moisturizer, it retails for $263 on Sephora.
#10 – Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning Tool
Sonicsmooth is a dermatologist recommended, award-winning at-home dermaplaning device, clinically proven to give you brighter, debris-free skin. The sonic technology is delivered in 3 speeds to instantly clear your complexion.
Coupled with a pre-treatment cleanser, post-treatment serum, 8-week supply of single-use medical grade safety blades, carry case, USB and wireless chargers, and storage cradle, this package gives you everything you need.
All that’s left to do is pick your favorite colour: lavender, white, or pink for $99.
What are the differences between an in-office and at-home dermaplaning treatment?
An in-office dermaplaning treatment uses a super sharp, surgical-grade scalpel that is wielded by a licensed and trained skincare professional. They follow a very strict routine that involves cleansing prep, protection for the eyes, and proper after-care in the form of serums, moisturizers, and other treatments.
As for at-home sessions, the variety of tools is much wider, but the prep and after-care is very much up to you. Thankfully, you have many foolproof tools to choose from, between uncomplicated plastic-handled blades and electronic devices.
What risks come with dermaplaning at home?
If all is done properly, dermaplaning at home is a low-risk activity. The worst that can possibly happen following a session is redness, sudden breakouts, and possible irritation. Just be sure to wear your sunscreen and be gentle on your skin for a few days after treatment.
Which dermaplaning tools are most affordable?
In terms of the most affordable dermaplaning tools, the Dorco and Revlon blades are both priced at less than $10. For a sleeker design with simplistic technology, opt for the StackedSkincare blade ($23).
If you want added benefits without a luxury price tag, the Flawless GLO dermaplane tool is only $20.
Final thoughts
Done once every 3 to 4 weeks, dermaplaning can lead to smoother, more rejuvenated skin that is free of dead cells and vellus hair. And if you could improve the absorption of your pricey skincare products after just one treatment, why wouldn’t you?
Just because you can dermaplane though, doesn’t mean you should. Avoid the practice if you are severely burned, broken out, have rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Dermaplaning is a safe procedure, but it does involve removing a layer of the skin, which can worsen these conditions. If you are wary, ask your healthcare practitioner to determine whether or not at-home dermaplaning is for you.
