Before dermaplaning became a beauty trend, I had a little secret: I was shaving my face.
About 15 years ago, when I was around 40, I heard one of the housewives on Bravo talking about shaving her face. I remember thinking, Wait a minute…women do that?
I had some peach fuzz on my face that bothered me. My body hair is very blonde, so it’s usually hard to see on my face, arms, and legs. That has been a blessing! But even though other people probably didn’t notice the fuzz on my face, I noticed it, and I wanted to try something about it.
So I thought, Why not? And just like that, I started shaving my face.
At the time, my husband thought I was crazy. He told me, “It’s going to grow back thicker!”
Well, guess what? It didn’t. 😉
Let’s Talk About That “Thicker Hair” Myth
This was the first thing people said when I told them I was shaving my face. And I understand why—it’s something many of us have heard for years.
Shaving cuts the hair at the surface of the skin. It doesn’t change the hair follicle or make the hair grow back thicker or darker. As it grows back, the cut end can feel a little blunt or stubbly, but the hair itself hasn’t changed. That has certainly been my experience.
Back then, I didn’t talk about it much. It felt like one of those beauty secrets you kept to yourself! I only shaved my face about every four to six weeks, whenever I felt like it needed it.
A few years after I started, I remember reading a beauty article that said models shaved their faces, too. I can’t remember where I read it, but I remember thinking, See? Maybe I’m not so crazy after all!
The Girls’ Trip Confession
At some point, I shared my little secret with my girlfriends on a girls’ trip. Of course, I got a little teasing! 😂
But then one of my friends mentioned it to the woman giving her a facial. According to my friend, the woman said it was one of the best beauty secrets out there.
I felt pretty good about that! And now, years later, dermaplaning seems to be everywhere.
What once felt like my quiet little beauty secret has a fancy name—and you know I appreciate a little fancy!
So, Is Shaving Your Face the Same as Dermaplaning?
At-home facial shaving and professional dermaplaning have similarities: both can remove fine facial hair and some surface dead skin. Professional dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment performed with a specialized blade by a trained provider. At-home facial razors are a different experience, so it’s worth choosing the option you’re comfortable with.
I’ve tried the smaller dermaplaning razors, and I think they do a good job, especially when getting into smaller areas. But if I don’t have one on hand, I’ve also used a regular disposable razor that I keep just for my face.
That’s what works for me. You may prefer a facial razor, a professional treatment, or leaving your peach fuzz exactly where it is. There’s no wrong choice!
My Face-Shaving Routine
My routine is pretty simple, which is just the way I like it.
- I use a razor dedicated to my face. Sometimes it’s a dermaplaning-style razor, and sometimes it’s a regular disposable razor.
- I use my Aveeno foaming cleanser as my shaving cream. That’s what I personally use to help the razor glide over my skin.
- I take my time and use a gentle touch. There’s no prize for rushing a razor across your face!
- I follow up with a face mask or serum. Today, I used an açaí berry mask, which made the whole thing feel a little more like a treat.
Afterward, my skin feels smooth, and I enjoy taking a few extra minutes for myself.
I also noticed that I seemed to have fewer breakouts after I started shaving my face. That’s simply my personal experience, and I can’t say shaving was the reason. Shaving can irritate skin, and it isn’t an acne treatment, so your experience may be different.
A Few Tips Before You Try It
If you’re thinking about shaving your face for the first time, start gently and listen to your skin.
- Use a clean, sharp razor, and don’t share it with anyone.
- If you’re using a regular razor, wet your skin first, use a shaving product that lets it glide, and shave in the direction your hair grows.
- Skip areas with active breakouts, irritated skin, cuts, or an eczema flare-up. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, check with a dermatologist first.
- Keep your aftercare gentle. A simple moisturizer may be a better choice than a mask or serum with strong active ingredients if your skin feels sensitive.
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, especially after exfoliating.
shaving tips from the American Academy of Dermatology and
at-home dermaplaning from Cleveland Clinic
Shop My Beauty Finds
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Shop Nancy’s Amazon Storefront & Beauty Finds
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So, What About You?
I think it’s funny that something I was almost embarrassed to admit 15 years ago is now a beauty topic everyone seems to be talking about!
For me, shaving my face has become a simple part of my routine. It doesn’t take long, and I like the way my skin feels afterward. But beauty is personal, and we all get to decide what makes us feel comfortable and confident.
So tell me, ladies: Do you shave your face, dermaplane, or leave your peach fuzz alone? And if you do shave, what are your favorite tips? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Stay comfortable, confident, and a little fancy!
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