Dermaplaning in Raleigh, NC: Smooth, Glowing Skin

Session Time:
75 minutes
Downtime:
None
First Signs:
Same day
Frequency:
Every 3 to 4 weeks
Pricing:
$175 for 75 minutes
Dermaplaning blade removing dead skin and fine hair from the cheek at The Haven in Raleigh, NC

Expert Wellness Care

The Dermaplaning Glow Treatment in Raleigh

Dermaplaning in Raleigh, NC uses a sterile surgical grade blade held at an angle to lift away dead surface cells and fine vellus hair in a single pass, leaving skin visibly smoother and makeup sitting flawlessly. We treat clients from Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Apex and across the Triangle. If foundation catches on texture or peach fuzz, this is the treatment that solves it in one visit.

Our 75 minute Dermaplaning Glow is performed by licensed esthetician Kaydence L., who works with a fresh sterile blade for every client. Dermaplaning is also available as an add on inside a facials appointment when you want it layered into a wider protocol.

Before and after dermaplaning showing smoother more even skin texture at The Haven in Raleigh NC

The Challenge

When Texture and Peach Fuzz Call for Dermaplaning

Understanding Physical Exfoliation

Foundation never quite sits right. It catches on texture across the cheeks, it separates by lunchtime, and in certain light you can see the fine hair along your jaw and upper lip. You have tried at home face razors, which either irritated your skin or grew back looking worse than before. Meanwhile your serums sit on the surface instead of absorbing, because there is a layer of dead cells in the way.
Dermaplaning removes both at once. A sterile blade held at a shallow angle lifts away the outermost layer of dead cells along with vellus hair, in a controlled pass across the face. Physical exfoliation of the stratum corneum has been studied for its effect on barrier function and product penetration. Skin is immediately smoother, makeup sits flat, and there is no downtime. Hair grows back exactly as it was, not thicker or darker.

Understanding Your Treatment

What Is Dermaplaning?

The Science of Blade Exfoliation

Dermaplaning is a manual physical exfoliation treatment in which a sterile surgical grade blade is drawn across taut skin at a shallow angle, removing the outermost layer of the stratum corneum along with vellus hair. Our Dermaplaning Glow runs 75 minutes and includes cleansing, the dermaplaning pass and finishing products. Guidance on exfoliation and skin care basics is published by the American Academy of Dermatology.

The mechanism is straightforward and mechanical. Removing accumulated dead cells reduces the diffusion barrier at the skin surface, which is why serums applied immediately afterward absorb noticeably better, and why makeup sits flat rather than catching. The vellus hair is cut at the surface, so it regrows at the same texture and color it always had. Clients wanting deeper surface renewal often choose microdermabrasion instead.

Treatment Timeline:

Treatment Time:
75 minutes (per treatment)
First Signs:
Same day (immediately smoother)
Full Effect:
24 to 48 hours (as skin settles)
Recovery:
None (mild flush at most)

Treatment Areas

Dermaplaning Treatment Areas

What the Blade Addresses

Vellus Hair
Fine facial hair along the jaw, cheeks and upper lip
Surface Texture
Dead cell buildup that makeup catches on and separates over
Dull Complexion
Immediate brightness as the surface layer is lifted away
Product Absorption
Serums penetrate better once the surface barrier is cleared
Makeup Application
Foundation sits flat rather than clinging to fine hair
Pre Event Prep
A popular choice a few days before photographs or an event

Benefits of Dermaplaning

Smooth skin in one visit

Immediate Results

Skin is visibly smoother before you leave the room

No Downtime

Apply makeup the same day with nothing to recover from

Removes Vellus Hair

Solves peach fuzz as well as texture in a single pass

Better Product Uptake

Serums absorb far more effectively immediately afterward

Fresh Blade Every Time

A sterile single use blade for every single client

Dermaplaning vs Alternatives

How dermaplaning compares with the other exfoliation and hair removal options for the face.

TreatmentMechanismTimeResultsDurationDowntimeBest For
DermaplaningBlade exfoliation and hair removal75 minSame day3 to 4 weeksNoneTexture and vellus hair
MicrodermabrasionMechanical crystal or tip abrasion90 minSame day4 to 6 weeksNoneDeeper surface renewal
Custom FacialsCleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate60 to 75 minSame day2 to 4 weeksNoneOverall skin health
At home face razorsUncontrolled surface shaving5 minSame dayDaysIrritationBudget hair removal only
Chemical exfoliantsAcid based cell looseningDaily to weekly1 to 2 weeksOngoingSensitivityGradual home maintenance

Is This Right for You

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?

Finding Your Smooth Finish

Dermaplaning suits most skin types and is particularly useful for anyone whose makeup catches on texture or fine facial hair.

Ideal Candidates for Dermaplaning

  • Adults with noticeable vellus hair along the jaw, cheeks or upper lip
  • People whose foundation separates or clings to surface texture
  • Clients who react to chemical exfoliants and want a physical alternative
  • Anyone preparing for photographs, a wedding or an event in the coming days
  • Clients wanting better absorption from the serums they already use

Who Should Wait or Avoid Dermaplaning

  • Active acne, pustules or inflamed lesions in the treatment area
  • Active cold sore outbreak, or any open wound or infection on the face
  • Sunburn, or recent laser, peel or resurfacing treatment
  • Isotretinoin use within the last six months
  • A history of keloid scarring, or very reactive rosacea in an active flare

Dermaplaning across active acne can spread bacteria and worsen inflammation, so we treat the acne first. If your skin is in an active rosacea flare, a soothing facial is the better call and we will say so.

Dermaplaning treatment in progress with a sterile blade on taut skin at The Haven in Raleigh NC

Your Experience

What Happens During a Dermaplaning Treatment

Step by Step Process

  1. Cleanse

    Kaydence double cleanses and thoroughly dries the skin before beginning.

  2. Sectioning

    The face is worked in small sections with the skin held taut throughout.

  3. Dermaplaning Pass

    A fresh sterile blade is drawn at a shallow angle across each section.

  4. Treatment Products

    Serums are applied while the surface barrier is at its most receptive.

  5. Finish and SPF

    Moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen are applied before you leave.

Risks and Side Effects

What to Know

Common Dermaplaning Side Effects

Temporary redness or flushing for up to an hour, mild sensitivity for a day, and occasional small nicks in bonier areas are the usual effects, and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Some clients notice slight dryness for a day or two as the skin settles.

Rare Complications

Infection from an unsterile blade, small cuts from poor technique or unstable skin, breakouts where bacteria were moved across the face, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are the documented risks. Dermaplaning over active acne is the most common cause of a poor outcome, which is why we decline it in that situation.

Safety and Practice Standards

A fresh sterile single use blade is used for every client with no exceptions. Skin is held taut and worked in small sections, which is the difference between controlled exfoliation and a home razor. Because the fresh surface is more sun sensitive, daily broad spectrum sunscreen afterward is not optional. See the American Academy of Dermatology on safe exfoliation.

Investment

Dermaplaning Cost in Raleigh

Pricing and Payment Options

How Much Does Dermaplaning Cost in Raleigh?

Standalone dermaplaning treatments in this market generally run $85 to $150 for a full session, with add on pricing lower when it is layered into a facial. Our Dermaplaning Glow runs 75 minutes and includes cleansing, treatment products and finishing, so it sits at the fuller end of that range rather than being a quick pass.

How Clients Usually Book

  • Dermaplaning Glow - the full 75 minute standalone treatment
  • Facial add on - dermaplaning layered into a custom facial at a reduced rate
  • Series pricing - lower per visit cost for clients rebooking every three to four weeks

Flexible Payment Options

We accept all major cards. If you are dermaplaning monthly, series pricing or a facial membership that includes it is usually the better value. Current pricing is confirmed at booking.

The Haven Difference

Why Choose The Haven for Dermaplaning?

Kaydence L. runs the full 75 minute Dermaplaning Glow rather than a rushed fifteen minute pass tacked onto something else. That is the difference between a shave and a treatment.

She double cleanses, works the face in small sections with the skin held taut, then applies serums while the surface barrier is at its most receptive, and finishes on SPF.

  • Full 75 Minutes

    A complete treatment with cleansing and finishing products, not a quick pass added onto a facial.

  • Licensed Esthetician

    Trained blade technique on skin held taut by hand, which is not the result a home razor gives you.

  • Sterile Single Use Blade

    A fresh, sterile surgical grade blade for every single client, and no exceptions are made to that rule.

  • Serums at the Right Moment

    Treatment products go on while the surface barrier is at its most receptive, rather than days later.

  • Finished on SPF

    Moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen are both applied before you leave the treatment room.

  • Also an Add On

    Layer it into a custom facial instead when that suits your skin and your budget rather better.

Microdermabrasion handpiece resurfacing the forehead at The Haven in Raleigh, North Carolina

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Experience the Custom Facials Difference

Seven facial types plus jelly mask, LED and dermaplaning add ons, chosen for your skin.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning

How much does dermaplaning cost in Raleigh?

Standalone treatments generally run $85 to $150 in this market. Our 75 minute Dermaplaning Glow includes cleansing, treatment products and finishing rather than being a quick pass. Adding dermaplaning to a custom facial costs less than booking it separately. We confirm pricing at booking.

How long does dermaplaning last?

Typically three to four weeks, which matches how long the skin takes to replace the surface layer that was removed. Vellus hair regrows over a similar window. Most clients rebook on that rhythm, often aligning it with a monthly facial.

Does dermaplaning hurt?

No. Most clients describe it as a light scraping sensation, similar to a soft brush moving across the skin. There are no needles, no heat and no chemicals. Bonier areas can feel slightly more noticeable, and Kaydence works in small sections with the skin held taut.

When will I see results from dermaplaning?

Immediately. Your skin is smoother and brighter before you leave the room, and makeup applied afterward sits noticeably flatter. The final settled look appears over the following 24 to 48 hours once any brief flushing has resolved.

How often should I get dermaplaning?

Every three to four weeks suits most people, matching the skin cell turnover cycle. More frequently than that risks over exfoliating and compromising the skin barrier, which is counterproductive. Many clients alternate dermaplaning with a facial month to month.

Will my facial hair grow back thicker or darker?

No. This is the most persistent myth about dermaplaning and it is simply not how hair works. The blade cuts vellus hair at the surface, and it regrows with the same texture, thickness and color it always had. The blunt cut end can briefly feel coarser, but the hair itself is unchanged.

Can men get dermaplaning?

Yes, though it is less commonly requested, since men typically shave the areas involved already. Where it works well for men is exfoliation on the cheekbones, forehead and nose, and it is often more useful as an add on within a facial than as a standalone treatment.

What is the difference between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion?

Dermaplaning uses a blade to lift the surface layer and remove vellus hair. Microdermabrasion uses mechanical abrasion to resurface slightly deeper without touching hair. Dermaplaning wins for makeup finish and peach fuzz, microdermabrasion for buildup and dullness. Our microdermabrasion page compares them in detail.

Can I have dermaplaning with active acne?

No, not over active lesions, because the blade can move bacteria across the face and worsen inflammation. We treat the acne first with a clarifying protocol, and dermaplane once the skin has settled. Kaydence will tell you at assessment rather than proceeding regardless.

Can I wear makeup after dermaplaning?

Yes, and makeup is one of the main reasons people book it, since foundation applies far more smoothly on a freshly dermaplaned surface. Skip heavy actives for 48 hours, and use a clean brush or sponge rather than one that has been sitting in a bag.

Do I need sunscreen after dermaplaning?

Yes, and it matters more than usual. Removing the outer layer of dead cells leaves the fresh surface more sensitive to ultraviolet light for several days. Daily broad spectrum sunscreen is not optional after this treatment, particularly through a North Carolina summer.

Can I combine dermaplaning with other treatments at The Haven?

Yes. It is one of our most popular facial add ons, and it pairs particularly well before an event alongside teeth whitening. We would not dermaplane immediately before or after microneedling or a peel, since stacking exfoliation compromises the barrier.

References

  1. Grimes et al., Dermatol Surg. (2005). Microdermabrasion. PMID: 16176767.
  2. Spencer et al., Am J Clin Dermatol. (2005). Microdermabrasion. PMID: 15799680.
  3. Han et al., Dermatol Surg. (2012). Facial skin barrier function recovery after microneedle transdermal delivery treatment. PMID: 22882208.
  4. Shao et al., J Dermatolog Treat. (2025). A novel facial moisturizer containing Saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier restoration following intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized split-face study. PMID: 41211697.
  5. American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Guidance on safe exfoliation, frequency and skin barrier considerations.