Skin

Redhead Review: I Tried a Dermaplaning Alternative & Here Are My Thoughts

Find a dermaplaning razor recommendation + an alternative to dermaplaning too

I am a natural redhead and an H2BAR beauty writer. A couple of years ago, I started incorporating dermaplaning into my beauty routine. If you’re not familiar, the technical dermaplaning involves visiting a professional esthetician where they use a sterile surgical scalpel to gently scrape the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz). It is basically a professional facial shave, so many of us in the beauty world use the term “dermaplaning” when discussing the simple action of DIY “shaving the skin” with an at-home face razor.

There are many benefits to shaving the face, one of them being: exfoliating. It helps to promote smoother skin and I can attest to how much it enhances the effectiveness of my skincare and makeup products. I like the way it makes my makeup look and how soft my skin feels, but I did find the process a little difficult and sometimes irritating to my sensitive skin when I first got started. Until I found the Schick Hydro Silk Exfoliating Dermaplaning Professional Style Wand (this is not a sponsored post).

When learning to DIY dermaplane my face, I tried a number of exfoliating facial razors and didn’t love any of them. Then I found the Schick Hydro Silk Exfoliating Dermaplaning Professional Style Wand and it totally changed the game. I use this tool in combination with a facial oil and DIY dermaplane my face every 3-4 weeks. 

My skin felt amazing and looked glowy, but there were a few times I nicked myself and my skin got irritated. I also noticed that unless I followed a very specific aftercare routine, my skin would not be happy. My aftercare routine included double cleansing my face, using a CBD serum and moisturizer, and avoiding makeup for at least 12-24 hours after dermaplaning. Since I only dermaplaned about once a month, it was worth the “pain” for a super-soft face. 

Pros of DIY Dermaplaning – Glowy skin, smooth skin, exfoliating. 

Cons of DIY Dermaplaning – Risk of cuts/irritation, no makeup for 12-24 hours. 

Schick Hydro Silk Exfoliating Dermaplaning Professional Style Wand: $20

Recently, I discovered an alternative to dermaplaning. I found it online and it caught my eye because it was marketed as a “painless hair removal” tool. The tool is primarily marketed as being for upper lip hair removal but can be used all over the face — basically, a dermaplane alternative. I ordered it and decided to test it out. I’ve been using it for about a month now, and I’m really enjoying it. 

It’s called the Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover (also, not a sponsored post). I noticed that the tool doesn’t glide super well on dry skin, so I use it in the morning before washing my face. My leftover skincare from the night before allows the tool to glide more easily and prevents any friction. I use the tool all over my face, running it in circular motions. The built-in light makes it easier to see my light blonde peach fuzz. I don’t think it exfoliates my skin the same way DIY dermaplaning does, but since I use a chemical exfoliant twice a week, that doesn’t really bother me. After using the tool, I wash my face and apply my skincare like normal. I don’t have to wait to wear makeup either. I do avoid using any chemical exfoliants after using the tool, but that’s it. 

Pros of Hair Removal Tool – Easy to use, no nicks or cuts, no irritation, can wear makeup right away.

Cons of Hair Removal Tool – Isn’t as exfoliating as DIY dermaplaning. 

Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover: $20

Overall, I will not give up DIY dermaplaning completely, but I will use this tool for day-to-day upkeep. Dermaplaning might become something I do for special occasions to prep for my makeup or something I do every few months as maintenance. For now, I’m enjoying the ease of using this alternative. 

It’s important to note that dermaplaning should be performed by a trained professional to minimize the risk of complications.

Rock it like a Redhead!

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READ: Dermaplaning 101 for Redheads

READ: 8 More Tips: How Redheads Can Face Shave At Home