Waxing, threading, and epilating have all had their time in the limelight. The newest trending hair removal technique is dermaplaning, and it has taken the world by storm.
However, strong proponents of waxing insist that waxing is much more effective than dermaplaning. The truth is that both are great hair removal methods that result in smooth skin – they just work in different ways.
In this guide, we will break down the basics of dermaplaning vs. waxing, the pros and cons of each hair removal method, as well as the myths surrounding them. Keep on reading for a complete guide on dermaplaning vs. waxing.
Dermaplaning vs Waxing
Despite both methods resulting in hair removal and exfoliation, dermaplaning and waxing go about doing so in completely different ways.
What Is Waxing?
In waxing, the main objective is hair removal – the exfoliation is just a perk. Wax is applied to the skin and then pulled off using the wax itself (hard wax) or a wax strip (soft wax). The hair is removed along with the top layer of skin.
What Is Dermaplaning?
On the other hand, dermaplaning is used to exfoliate the skin. The fine hair on your face (commonly known as peach fuzz) is removed as a result of the exfoliation.
The procedure involves an aesthetician (or yourself) using a scalpel at a 45-degree angle and using delicate strokes while holding your skin taut.
The dead skin cells are picked up, along with the peach fuzz on your face. This results in a silky-smooth finish.
Dermaplaning vs. Waxing: Pros and Cons
As with any hair removal method, dermaplaning and waxing both have their pros and cons. In order to determine which method is suitable for you, it’s important to go through the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
We have made this easy for you by listing and explaining the pros and cons of dermaplaning vs. waxing below.
Pros of Waxing
Waxing has been a popular hair removal method for years because of how effective it is, how smooth it leaves your skin, and the long-lasting results it offers.
Finer and Softer Hair
One of the main reasons people are so fond of waxing is its effect on hair growth. When regularly waxed, hair grows back finer and softer, ultimately leading to less maintenance.
Suitable for Darker Hair
Those with darker hair often try other methods of hair removal and come back to waxing because it removes the hair from the root. Other methods simply trim or cut the hair, which leaves behind a dark cast.
Long-Lasting
Unlike other methods, waxing lasts for a long time. Maintenance is much less frequent, and you can expect your skin to remain smooth for weeks after the process.
Cons of Waxing
Waxing may be one of the most widely used hair removal methods in the world today, but it comes along with some major disadvantages.
Pain
Unlike dermaplaning, waxing causes pain. While this becomes more bearable over time, it still continues to sting. Many take painkillers like ibuprofen before their waxing sessions but these only work to an extent.
Mess
Whether you use soft wax, hard wax, or sugar wax, waxing is a messy process. Wax is sticky and is bound to get everywhere.
Some types of wax are messier than other types – soft wax, for example, is sticky, usually remains on the skin after the process, and needs to be removed with specific creams.
Hair Growth Cycle
Wax doesn’t adhere to the skin if your hair is too short. In fact, experts say that it has to be at least ¼-inch long hair for a successful outcome.
Because of this, depending on where you are in your hair growth cycle, your hair may not even be suitable for the process.
Redness and Irritation
While waxing does have its advantages, it comes at a major cost – redness, irritation, and bumps following the session.
While these do disappear in days, there are risks of burns, skin lifting, and potential hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Pros of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a straight-forward and painless hair removal method that works for all skin types. Check out its various advantages below.
Instant Smoothness/ No Down Time
Fans of dermaplaning emphasize the instant result of the method. Your skin is smooth and looks glowy immediately instead of having to wait for the redness and irritation to pass.
If you have an appointment right afterwards, you don’t have to worry about redness or irritation.
Better Product Penetration
Some experts even say that because of the exfoliation dermaplaning provides, your skincare products can be better absorbed into your skin.
Better Makeup Application
Because dermaplaning removes the peach fuzz (vellus hair) from your face, it results in a better makeup application.
Your base products like foundation, concealer, and powder go on much more smoothly and the lack of hair makes for more thorough blending.
No Pain
Unlike waxing, dermaplaning causes no pain. This makes it an appealing option, especially for those who have sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
No Hyperpigmentation or Scarring
Unlike hair removal methods like laser removal and waxing, dermaplaning doesn’t pose any risks when it comes to hyperpigmentation.
No Hair Growth Cycle Consideration
Dermaplaning is a process that can take place no matter what length your facial hair is. Instead of having to wait to remove the unwanted hair, you can remove it whenever you want. This makes the entire process much more convenient.
Less Mess
While waxing requires clean-up, dermaplaning simply requires a tissue to wipe the peach fuzz on as you continue the hair removal process. This makes it more convenient and saves time.
Cons of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning has gained popularity for good reason, but like all other methods, it is not perfect.
Not As Long-Lasting
Dermaplaning lasts longer than shaving, but it does not last as long as waxing. Thus, it requires more upkeep than waxing does.
Also don’t forget to checkout can I do waxing over tatto?
Dermaplaning vs Waxing: Myths
Before making a decision regarding the two hair removal methods, it is important to clear up some misconceptions and myths.
Waxing Myths
Despite waxing being so popular, the information shared about this process isn’t always accurate.
Waxing Causes Wrinkles
This is not based in fact. Wrinkles occur as we age and the collagen in our body decreases.
The reason they are seen around the eyes and mouth isn’t because of waxing – it’s because of us expressing ourselves by crinkling our eyes, smiling, frowning, etc.
You Can’t Get Waxed During Pregnancy or On Your Period
This is untrue. You can get waxed in both cases. However, it should be noted that the experience of getting waxed differs based on hormonal levels. If your skin is more sensitive, waxing will hurt more.
Therefore, waxing during pregnancy and on your period is possible, but generally avoided because of the increased pain.
Waxing Damages Your Skin
While waxing may result in redness and irritation, this is often short-lived. Waxing incorrectly may result in burns and scarring but waxing itself does not damage skin.
In fact, it exfoliates skin and does not cause as much ingrown hair as other methods like shaving. With proper aftercare, waxing isn’t damaging at all.
Dermaplaning Myths
Dermaplaning is a newer hair removal method (to the western market) and thus, has some myths surrounding it.
Peach Fuzz Becomes Stubble
Peach fuzz is extremely soft and is usually not visible on the face unless you look closely at it. That’s why so many women prefer to leave it on while removing hair from more prominent areas like the eyebrow and upper lip areas.
Those who fear dermaplaning usually do so because they think that their peach fuzz will come back as stubble. However, this isn’t the case and hair does not grow back thicker or darker.
Increase in Breakouts
Despite the method being so popular and known for being used in Asian countries for years, some of us in the West still believe that dermaplaning will result in breakouts. This could not be further from the truth.
Dermaplaning focuses on exfoliation and keeping your skin clear. By removing dead skin and oil, dermaplaning prevents congestion and reduces the possibility of breakouts occurring.
It’s the Same As Shaving
While both methods remove hair, dermaplaning and shaving are completely different. In fact, dermaplaning cannot be performed with an ordinary razor.
Dermaplaning tools are scalpels that thoroughly remove dead skin and peach fuzz. Traditional razors do not provide as close a shave or as smooth a finish.
Dermaplaning Tips for Best Outcome
If you choose to try dermaplaning after debating the pros and cons of dermaplaning vs. waxing, there are a few tips and tricks that will allow for the best possible outcome.
Get the Right Tool
As we have mentioned, dermaplaning and shaving are not the same. As such, it’s essential to use a dermaplaning tool instead of the traditional razor you use on your legs.
A dermaplaning tool is a single blade that removes dead skin alongside hair. The results it provides are very different from those that a regular razor does.
Gently Exfoliate Beforehand
While dermaplaning is a form of exfoliation, the gentle exfoliation we’re talking about is just to remove surface-level flakiness that may prevent the blade from gliding over the skin uninterrupted. This allows for a smoother finished look.
Consider Angle and Direction
Dermaplaning involves moving a scalpel at a 45-degree angle to remove dead skin and hair. To do so straight up and down doesn’t result in the same result.
Additionally, it’s best to shave in direction of hair growth since this easily removes unwanted hair without irritating the skin.
Moisturize
To make the process as smooth as possible, many moisturize their skin beforehand to help the scalpel glide along the skin.
Two of the most popular methods of doing so include using aloe vera gel or facial oil before going in with the dermaplaning tool.
This step is optional because professional dermaplaning services complete the process on dry skin.
However, at-home treatments sometimes use oil or aloe vera gel because it makes the process safer and makes it less likely for you to nick yourself. This is especially true for dry and sensitive skin.
Should You Opt for Dermaplaning?
One of the major concerns with dermaplaning is whether or whether not the blade is sterile. When using your own tools, this is easy to ensure.
However, if you’re going to a salon to get the procedure done, always make sure that a sterile scalpel is being used – this way, you’ll be sure to avoid potential irritation or infection.
While it’s suitable for all skin types, dermaplaning isn’t for everyone. Some people are advised to avoid it.
This includes whose have tanned, have sunburn, are suffering from active acne or rosacea, or have conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Even deep acne scarring, or a history of cold sores can be issues when trying to undergo dermaplaning.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dermaplaning vs. waxing, both methods have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
The hair removal method you end up choosing depends on how sensitive your skin is, how long-lasting you want the method to be, and how much pain you can handle.
Waxing may not be the optimal choice for you if you can’t handle pain and want an immediate result. Dermaplaning, on the other hand, is painless, but requires more maintenance.
We recommend patch-testing both methods on your facial hair and considering the finish and look you’re aiming for before making a final decision.
Facial hair removal can be complicated, but we hope we have made it a bit more approachable with this guide on dermaplaning vs. waxing!