Is it a good idea for women to shave their faces?

Face-shaving or “dermaplaning” as it’s referred to in chic beauty salons has become so popular, I even overheard it discussed among the tennis set at London’s Hurlingham Club.

It seems that removing the peachy fuzz from our faces can help make the skin look instantly brighter and smoother, “It’s better than Botox for an instant lift,” enthused one woman, mid-serve.

“Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe swore by it,” says top facialist Tine Haqelquist. “It can add instant clarity and brightness to the skin.”

She was one of the first aestheticians to bring dermaplaning to London seven years ago and now incorporates it into her signature facial. “So many of my American clients were asking for it and not many London salons were doing it.”

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique where a blade is used to scrape off the top layers of the skin to brighten and allow products to penetrate deeper. It removes the peachy fuzz (known as vellus hairs) which can become more prominent during hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause.

“Ladies, at a certain age, can notice the peachy fuzz particularly on the sides of the face becoming more noticeable,” says Hagelquist. “Removing it not only makes the skin look smoother but creates a beautiful canvas for makeup.”

But don’t reach for the Gillette Venus quite yet.

“It’s best done using a surgical scalpel blade in a clinic,” explains Dr David Jack, who offers the procedure at his Harley Street clinic. “A professional will assess the skin’s suitability for the treatment and will reduce the risk of cutting and irritation. Also the blades used will be sharper and properly sterilised. The technique often takes months to perfect. The risk of damage associated with a DIY treatment isn’t really worth it.”

The procedure

Despite Dr Jack’s word of warning, I did try and attempt a home session with a Hollywood Browzer microblade, £8.98, from www.lookfantastic.com. I peered into the magnifying mirror pulling my skin taut with one hand and aiming the blade at a 45-degree angle with the other, as per instructions.

However, I found the technique too tricky and was too scared to incur a series of shaving injuries and appear covered in bits of blood-stained tissue. I felt safer leaving it to a professional and booked in for a session with Hagelquist.

The first revelation, it does not hurt at all. My pain threshold is not impressive; I’ve fainted during Profhilo face-moisturising injections. But this feels almost relaxing as the blade is dusted over the face in short, feathery strokes.

It’s followed by a soothing mask (Hagelquist uses Dr Sebagh’s Rose de Vie Hydrating Mask post-“shave”) and some terrific old-school massage. The theory is that a hyperclean face also means that any skincare used afterwards, be it a mask, serum or moisturiser, will penetrate the skin more effectively.

The results

The result? I’m amazed at the difference and didn’t realise how much peach fuzz I must have been covered in. While the “glazed-doughnut” skin is definitely not a trend I was aspiring to, my face is suddenly as shiny and as smooth-looking as a teenage TikTokker. Luminous even!

But I’m worried about becoming addicted to this de-fuzzing trend, and what if the hair regrows thicker and darker?

“There is no risk of the hairs coming back thicker or darker as the hair follicles are not affected by the procedure,” reassures Dr Jack. “The hairs being treated are vellus hairs which do not convert to thicker hair. And there is no risk of stubble forming.”

Like me, makeup artist Nathalie Eleni is also a convert. “While professional dermaplaning definitely comes with its perks,” she says, “it's a faff booking into a salon all the time. So I found an easy-to-use at-home device. [The Dermaflash Luxe Anti Ageing, Exfoliation Peach Fuzz Removal Device, £153, currentbody.com] It’s designed with safety guards so you can’t nick yourself. I find it brilliant at removing any fuzz and creating a beautiful, smooth canvas for putting on my foundation.”

Determined not to become a bearded lady, I’ve added it to cart.

Treatments

• Signature facial with Tine Hagelquist, £140, dermaplaning add-on, £30 (Phone: 07958 216 848)

• Dermaplaning, £150, Omniya Clinic, omniya.co.uk

• The Egyptian Facial at Dr David Jack Clinic, £250, combines a facial with dermaplaning and a face peel, drdavidjack.com