Will Dermaplaning My Upper Lip Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

by Becky

Dermaplaning Upper Lip At-Home???

Hi,

I want to do an at-home dermaplaning facial. But, I'm afraid of dermaplaning my upper lip. I worry that it might make the hair on the upper lip grow back thicker and darker.

Should I try it? Is it safe? And, are there any benefits to dermaplaning the lip and face?

Thanks,
Becky

Editor's Note:

Hi Becky!

Oh, I've heard this concern so many times! And I understand why you'd hesitate. Nobody wants to remove a little peach fuzz only to worry that it'll come back looking like a mustache!

But here's the good news. Dermaplaning your upper lip won't make the hair grow back thicker, darker, or faster.

What can happen is that the hair feels a little stubbly as it grows back because the blade cuts it straight across, leaving a blunt tip. That doesn't mean the hair itself has changed.

Why I like dermaplaning the upper lip

One thing I like about dermaplaning is that you're doing more than removing peach fuzz. You're also gently removing some of those dead skin cells sitting on the surface.

That can leave the upper lip feeling smoother, and I find makeup looks nicer when it's not catching on tiny hairs or dry, flaky skin.

It can also make those little lines around the mouth look less noticeable temporarily, especially when dry skin is making them stand out.

A few tips before you try it

The upper lip is a small, curved area, so this is one place where I'd take my time.

• Use a clean facial razor designed for at-home dermaplaning, not a professional surgical blade.


• Work in very short, gentle strokes without pressing hard.


• Don't keep going over the same spot trying to make it perfectly smooth.


• Skip the area if you have irritation, active breakouts, a cold sore, or broken skin.

My favorite tip: Dermaplane at night

I like to dermaplane at night. That way, I can apply a gentle, calming moisturizer afterward and leave my skin alone for the rest of the evening.

No makeup, exfoliating acids, retinol, or other skincare products. Just a little moisturizer and that's it!

Then, the next morning, I go back to my regular gentle skincare routine and apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.

I find this much more comfortable than dermaplaning in the morning and immediately applying sunscreen and makeup, especially since my skin can be sensitive. Some sunscreens can sting freshly exfoliated skin.

If you do need to go outdoors shortly after dermaplaning, protect your skin from the sun with shade or a hat, and use a sunscreen your skin tolerates.

Want to see how I do it?

I have a complete at-home dermaplaning guide where I explain the tools, technique, and little things I've learned from doing it myself.

And if you're still deciding whether dermaplaning is right for your skin, take a look at my pros and cons of dermaplaning page.

My advice, Becky? Start with a small area, use a light touch, and see how your skin responds. There's no need to rush or try to remove every tiny hair in one session.

Hope this helps! And let me know if you give it a try. I'd love to hear how it goes!

Best,
Linda