One of the most common concerns about dermaplaning is whether hair grows back differently afterward. This comprehensive guide explores the science of hair regrowth, what to expect, and how to maintain your results between treatments.
Short Answer: Yes, But Not Differently
Hair does grow back after dermaplaning, but it doesn't grow back thicker, darker, or faster. The regrowth appears blunt initially but returns to its normal texture and growth pattern within complete cycles.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
To understand regrowth after dermaplaning, it's essential to know the three phases of hair growth:
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Anagen (Growth Phase)
The active growth period where hair cells divide rapidly. Lasts 2-7 years for scalp hair, but only 30-45 days for facial vellus hair.
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Catagen (Transition Phase)
A brief 2-3 week transition period where hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply.
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Telogen (Resting Phase)
The 3-4 month resting period before hair naturally sheds and the cycle begins again.
Dermaplaning only removes hair that's in the visible anagen phase, which is why regrowth appears within weeks rather than months.
What to Expect: Regrowth Timeline
After dermaplaning, here's the typical regrowth progression:
- Days 1-3: perfectly smooth skin with no visible regrowth
- Days 4-7: possible slight stubble as hair begins emerging from follicles
- Week 2: visible regrowth becomes more apparent, though still fine
- Weeks 3-4: regrowth reaches its original length; time for another treatment if desired
- Month 2+: hair completes its growth cycle and returns to exactly its pre-treatment state
This timeline varies based on individual hair growth rates, which are influenced by genetics, hormones, age, and other factors.
Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions
Let's debunk the most common myths about hair regrowth after dermaplaning:
- "Hair grows back thicker": False - dermaplaning doesn't alter follicle size or function
- "Hair grows back darker": False - cutting hair doesn't change its pigment production
- "Hair grows back faster": False - cutting doesn't affect growth rate from the follicle
- "Regular dermaplaning eliminates hair": False - it only provides temporary removal
- "It changes your hair type": False - genetics determine hair characteristics, not removal methods
The perception of thicker/darker regrowth comes from the blunt tip of newly cut hair versus the naturally tapered end of uncut hair.
Before & After: Realistic Expectations
Understanding what dermaplaning can and cannot do helps set realistic expectations:
Before: Visible peach fuzz
Before Dermaplaning
Fine vellus hairs with naturally tapered ends that may be visible in certain lighting.
After: Immediately smooth
Immediately After
Completely smooth skin with no visible hair. Makeup applies flawlessly.
Regrowth: Blunt tips
During Regrowth
New hair emerges with blunt tips that may feel more noticeable but aren't actually thicker.
View real before and after results from actual users at different stages of regrowth.
Factors That Affect Regrowth
Several factors influence how quickly and noticeably hair regrows after dermaplaning:
- Hormonal influences: Androgen levels can affect hair growth rate and texture
- Age: Hair growth often slows with age
- Genetics: Your natural hair growth pattern is determined by DNA
- Ethnicity: Some ethnicities naturally have more or less facial hair
- Seasonal changes: Hair may grow slightly faster in summer months
- Overall health: Nutrition, stress, and medical conditions affect hair growth
- Medications: Some drugs can influence hair growth patterns
Despite these factors, dermaplaning itself doesn't change your inherent hair growth characteristics.
Professional vs. At-Home Results
Whether you dermaplane at home or visit a professional affects regrowth perception:
- Professional treatments: Typically more thorough removal, potentially slightly longer until regrowth is visible
- At-home treatments: May not remove every hair equally, leading to staggered regrowth
- Tool quality: Professional tools may provide cleaner cuts than some at-home options
- Technique: Improper technique can cause hair breakage rather than clean cutting, affecting how regrowth appears
Vellus vs. Terminal Hair
Understanding the difference explains why some hair seems to respond differently:
- Vellus hair (peach fuzz): Fine, light, short hairs that dermaplaning temporarily removes without changing growth patterns
- Terminal hair: Thicker, darker hairs that may be more noticeable during regrowth but aren't caused by dermaplaning
- Hormonal conversion: Vellus hairs can convert to terminal hairs due to hormonal changes, but this is unrelated to dermaplaning
Maintenance Between Treatments
To manage regrowth and maintain results between dermaplaning sessions:
- Establish a schedule: Most people dermaplane every 3-4 weeks
- Use gentle exfoliation: Helps prevent ingrown hairs during regrowth
- Moisturize regularly: Keeps skin healthy despite regular exfoliation
- Avoid sun exposure: Freshly exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive
- Don't over-treat: Stick to recommended frequencies to avoid irritation
- Consider hair inhibitors: Some products may slightly slow regrowth (though evidence is limited)
For a complete guide to maintaining results, see our dermaplaning maintenance guide.
When to Consult a Professional
While regrowth after dermaplaning is normal, consult a dermatologist if you experience:
- Sudden changes in hair growth patterns unrelated to dermaplaning
- Conversion of fine vellus hairs to thick terminal hairs in new areas
- Irritation, ingrown hairs, or other skin reactions
- Concerns about hormonal influences on hair growth
- Unwanted hair growth in typically male-pattern areas for women
These could indicate underlying conditions unrelated to dermaplaning that may require treatment.
Ready to Try Dermaplaning?
Now that you understand the facts about regrowth, explore our selection of dermatologist-recommended dermaplaning tools.
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