A clear explanation of dermaplaning — what it actually does, what it doesn't, and how it differs from the TikTok eyebrow-razor version.
Book Dermaplaning How It WorksDermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment in which a licensed esthetician uses a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel held at a precise angle to gently remove the topmost layer of dead skin cells and the fine "peach fuzz" (vellus hair) from the face. It takes about 20–30 minutes when done as a standalone treatment, and is often added to a facial for combined benefit.
The instant result: dramatically smoother skin, brighter appearance, better product penetration, and noticeably better makeup application. The cumulative result, when done monthly: more even tone and reduced surface texture over time.
Your skin renews itself on roughly a 28-day cycle — new skin cells form in the lower layers, migrate upward, and slough off when they reach the surface. As we age, this process slows down. Dead cells accumulate. Skin looks duller, feels rougher, and reflects light less evenly.
Dermaplaning manually removes that accumulated layer (called the stratum corneum). The scalpel is held at a shallow angle — about 45 degrees — and drawn across taut skin in short, light strokes. Done correctly, you feel almost nothing. Done incorrectly, you can get nicks or uneven results — which is why this is not a treatment to try yourself with a Tinkle blade and a YouTube tutorial.
The peach fuzz removal is a bonus. Vellus hair traps oil, dust, and product residue. Removing it makes skin look cleaner and lets serums penetrate without being filtered through hair first.
No. Vellus hair (peach fuzz) is hormonally distinct from terminal hair (the kind on your scalp, eyebrows, and in beards). It doesn't have the follicular structure to grow in thicker. The hair returns at the same fineness and color it had before. The myth persists because terminal hair on the legs feels stubbly when it grows back — vellus hair simply doesn't.
The at-home "dermaplaning" tools sold at Sephora and on Amazon are essentially eyebrow razors. They remove some peach fuzz on the very surface, which is fine. What they don't do — and can't do safely — is exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Professional dermaplaning uses a flexible, surgical-grade scalpel (typically a 10R blade) held by a trained esthetician at a precise angle. The result is dramatically deeper exfoliation done safely. At-home tools are fine for between-session maintenance; they are not a substitute for the real treatment.
A typical dermaplaning treatment goes like this: cleansing, sometimes a brief steam to soften skin, drying, then the dermaplaning itself in sections (forehead, cheeks, jaw, upper lip, neck). The esthetician pulls the skin taut with one hand and works the scalpel with the other. You'll hear a soft scraping sound — that's normal and means it's working. The treatment is comfortable; many clients say it feels like being lightly tickled. Afterward, your esthetician applies serums, a mask, and SPF.
The whole thing takes 20–30 minutes as a standalone, longer if combined with a facial (recommended — the dermaplaning maximizes the absorption of all the other steps).
We offer dermaplaning as a standalone treatment or, more commonly, as an enhancement to our 60- or 90-minute Eminence organic facials. The combination is hard to beat: dermaplaning first, then product layering with your skin at its most receptive.
All of our estheticians are Tennessee-licensed and have completed advanced dermaplaning training. We're meticulous about sterile single-use blades, sanitation, and proper technique.
We'll assess your skin before recommending dermaplaning. If something else would serve you better that visit (a peel, an extraction-focused session, a more hydrating protocol), we'll tell you.
You'll leave with simple instructions: SPF religiously for the next several days, no exfoliating acids or retinol for 48 hours, no aggressive skincare for a week. We'll send you home with the right products to support the result if you want them.
No. This is one of the most persistent myths in skincare. Vellus hair (peach fuzz) grows back with the same diameter and same color it had before. The hair on your face doesn't have the hormonal triggers that produce thicker hair growth — that's why we don't shave our faces and develop beards.
At-home tools are essentially eyebrow razors and only remove surface peach fuzz. Professional dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade scalpel held at a precise angle by a trained esthetician. It removes peach fuzz AND a layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum), producing dramatically smoother results.
Usually yes. Dermaplaning is non-chemical and works on the surface only. It's contraindicated for active acne, rosacea flares, eczema on the treatment area, and certain medications (Accutane, blood thinners). Your esthetician will screen for these in consultation.
Peach fuzz typically grows back fully within 2–4 weeks. The exfoliation effect lasts about 3 weeks (one skin cycle). Most people who incorporate dermaplaning into their routine get it monthly.
Yes, and many people do — in the same session. Dermaplaning first removes dead surface skin, allowing the peel to penetrate more evenly. Your esthetician will calibrate the peel strength accordingly.
2–5 days before is ideal. Skin will look its best within that window. Avoid scheduling the day of, because skin can be briefly more reactive immediately after.