salon-treatment
Dermaplaning
A sterile blade held at an angle to remove surface dead skin and fine facial hair.
Indicative cost
£40.00–£90.00 per session
Downtime
None to minimal. Skin can look flushed for a few hours and feel tight.
Typical course
Roughly every four weeks if you like it
Keeping it up
Every four to six weeks
How it works
It is physical exfoliation. Removing the outermost dead layer and vellus hair changes how light hits the skin. It does not affect deeper layers.
What a session actually involves
Skin is cleansed and dried, then the practitioner works in small sections with short strokes. It feels like light scraping and is not painful. A soothing mask, serum and SPF usually finish the appointment.
What people usually consider it for
- Texture
- Dullness
This reflects what the treatment is commonly used for — not a claim that it will work for you.
When it may not be suitable
- You have active acne, cold sores or broken skin
- You are using a prescription retinoid or have had a recent peel
- You have very reactive or rosacea-prone skin
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified practitioner should assess you before any treatment.
Things to weigh up
- — Hair grows back at the same texture — it does not grow back thicker
- — Skin is temporarily more exposed, so SPF matters
What the evidence looks like
Widely used in salons. Published evidence is limited but the mechanism is straightforward physical exfoliation.
Questions worth asking first
Ask whether a fresh single-use blade is used for every client.
What tends to sit alongside it
- Hydrating facial
- LED therapy
Others people compare it with
Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first.