When it comes to hair removal, the choices are endless. If you have a high pain threshold and want something quick, waxing is your best bet. If you have a larger budget, an IPL device delivers long-term, painless results – as long as you’re consistent with a 12-week treatment plan. On the cheaper end, manual razors are quick and fuss-free for shaving legs and underarms.
However, facial hair removal can be particularly tricky. Most waxing strips are recommended to be kept to just your eyebrows and upper lip, IPL is unsafe to be used anywhere near your eyes, and traditional razors can be a one-stop shop to a broken skin barrier.
It’s no surprise that dermaplaning is a popular alternative, especially for removing peach fuzz (aka tiny hairs around the lower half of the face), keeping skin silky smooth and baby-soft, and improving how your makeup applies and lasts.
Dr Hassan Galadari, an American Board Certified Dermatologist, shared with me that dermaplaning is a “superficial exfoliation treatment where a sterile blade is gently passed over the skin to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair”. It also has the added benefit of refining texture, creating a smoother surface, and leaving skin looking brighter.
However, dermaplaning is often used interchangeably with facial shaving. The difference, says Dr Galadari, is that “dermaplaning is a controlled exfoliation treatment carried out by a professional, using a specific technique to remove both dead skin and fine hair evenly, while facial shaving, typically done at home with a small razor, is primarily focused on hair removal and provides only very light exfoliation. Dermaplaning is usually more uniform and structured, whereas home shaving is more maintenance-based and can vary depending on technique”.
Facial razors for at-home hair removal are often inexpensive, easy to use, and simple to maintain. With this in mind, I set about finding the very best tools, from the budget-friendly to the luxurious.
Read more: 5 best women’s razors, tried and tested for smooth skin
The best dermaplaning tools for 2026 are:
- Best overall – FFS metal dermaplaning facial hair removal & exfoliation kit: £16, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Kitsch eco-friendly dermaplaner: £6.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for eyebrow shaping –Wilkinson Sword intuition eyebrow shaper: £5, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for sustainability– Estrid dermaplaning kit the precision razor: £4.95, Estrid.com
- Best luxury buy– Tweezerman facial razor: £20, Boots.com
Read more: 8 best IPL devices for long-lasting hair removal
FFS metal dermaplaning facial hair removal & exfoliation kit
Best: dermaplaning tool overall
Blade materials: Plastic-free metal
Set includes: Razor, refillable blades and safety guard
Number of razors/blades: Three
Why we love it
- Feels expensive
- Comes with two spare blades
- Reusable design
Take note
- Heavier than other facial razors
This metal razor comes in six different colours spanning pastels and metallics – I tried the mint green version. It’s weighty and feels much more expensive than the price tag, and includes three blades, a silicone cover and a detailed instruction manual.
It has a textured handle and the blades come individually so you can easily insert them yourself. The blade is slightly smaller than other brands I tried, but this meant it came in very handy for shaving with more precision, especially to tidy up overgrown eyebrow hairs. It’s easy to use and clean and offers a detailed instruction guide on its website too. It gets bonus points for plastic-free packaging too.
Buy now £16, Amazon.co.uk
Kitsch eco-friendly dermaplaner
Best: budget dermaplaning tool
Blade material: Stainless steel
Includes: Razors only
Number of razors/blades: 12
Why we love it
- Budget-friendly
- Plenty of razors in pack
- Easy to use
Take note
- Quite plasticky
This is one of the most generously sized multipacks of facial shaving tools you can find. Each pack contains 12 razors, which I found was plenty to keep dotted around the bathroom or replace one whenever needed. The packaging also featured clear instructions on the back for anyone picking these up for the first time.
Simple and straightforward to use, they’re not particularly sophisticated but pretty foolproof for beginners. For a smooth glide, I often used a drop of facial oil beforehand, and didn’t experience any nicks, bleeding or irritation. They’re a great option if you're prone to losing things or simply want the convenience of a fresh razor within reach.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon.co.uk
Brushworks angled dermaplaners
Best: value dermaplaning tools
Blade material: Stainless steel
Includes: Razors only
Number of razors/blades: 6
Why we love it
- Curved handle
- Lightweight
- Plenty of replacements
Take note
- Feels cheap
For less than a tenner, you can get this six-pack of facial razors, which is great value and comes with enough replacements if you’re forgetful, or you can still bring one with you if you’re on holiday or a work trip. They’re straightforward and fuss-free, just a simple handheld razor for trimming unruly eyebrow hair growth, minimising sideburns or staying on top of chin hairs.
Despite how cheap they are, and do feel – each razor is very lightweight, they didn’t irritate my sensitive skin, nor did they leave behind any redness, so if you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this multipack.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon.co.uk
Tweezerman facial razor
Best: luxury dermaplaning tool
Blade material: Stainless steel
Set includes: Razor and refillable blades
Number of razors/blades: Four blades
Why we love it
- Sharp blade for quick hair removal
- Comes with spare blades
- Feels expensive
Take note
- On the pricier side
For me, Tweezerman’s tweezers are unbeatable. The sharp, precise blades make plucking pesky eyebrow hairs or chin growth easy, so it was no surprise to me that its facial razor is equally as good.
As it’s a metal handle, it’s heavier, but feels much more robust, and this kit comes with three spare blades, so you’ll never need to face a blunt one. It is very sharp, so be careful when replacing it, but if you have a bigger budget, this is a fantastic option.
Buy now £20, Boots.com
Wilkinson Sword intuition eyebrow shaper
Best: dermaplaning tool for eyebrow shaping
Blade material: Stainless steel
Set includes: Five razors and five precision caps
Number of razors/blades: Five
Why we love it
- Affordable multipack
- Easy to use and clean
- Angled handle
Take note
- Packaging reflects the budget price
Designed primarily for shaping unruly brows, these facial razors double up as a tool for tidying the lower half of the face, too. They're very lightweight with a textured handle that keeps them firmly in your grip, and each one comes with a protective safety cap, which is useful for storage safety and for keeping dust off while they sit on the bathroom shelf.
In terms of performance, they get the job quickly without fuss or irritation. They’re nothing revolutionary, but at this price point, they deliver exactly what's on the tin, and sometimes that's all you need.
Buy now £5, Amazon.co.uk
Estrid dermaplaning kit the precision razor
Best: dermaplaning tool for sustainability
Blade material: Steel and plastic
Set includes: Razors only
Number of razors/blades: Three
Why we love it
- Folding design that keeps the blade uncovered when not in use
- Pretty packaging
- Affordable
Take note
- Can’t replace the blade without disposing of the whole thing
You’ll probably recognise Estrid from its pastel-coloured razors that can be fixed to your shower wall for legs, bikini lines and underarms, but its facial razor is well worth a look. This is a three-pack, designed with a foldable handle and made from recyclable wheat straw.
They’re safe to use on a dry, clean face and the brand recommends using short, quick strokes pointing downwards. It’s quick, easy and painless, and Estrid also publish an in-depth guide on its website – you can find it here – so if you’re a novice, it’s a handy bit of guidance.
Buy now £4.95, Estrid.com
What is the best dermaplaning tool?
For me, the top spot goes to the FFS metal dermaplaning facial hair removal & exfoliation kit. It’s more expensive but higher quality, and it comes with replacement blades and a heavy metal handle. There’s no irritation, nor does it feel cheap, but it remains a much more affordable alternative to waxing.
How I tested dermaplaning tools
In order to thoroughly and equally test each dermaplaning tool, I applied the following testing criteria to each one:
Is facial shaving safe for all skin types?
According to Dr Galadari, facial shaving can be suitable for some skin types, but those with sensitive, acne-prone or reactive skin should be cautious. “Shaving over inflamed areas can worsen irritation and potentially spread bacteria. It’s best avoided if the skin is compromised or if someone is already using strong exfoliating ingredients,” he says.
What are the benefits and risks of dermaplaning?
Dr Galadari describes the main benefits of dermaplaning as smoother skin, improved radiance and better product absorption. “It can also be helpful before events when patients want an instant glow.”
He notes that any risk relates to sensitivity and over-exfoliation. “If performed too frequently, it can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to dryness or irritation. It’s generally avoided in those with active acne or inflammatory conditions such as rosacea.”
What are your tips to avoid skin irritation after dermaplaning?
Dr Galadari ‘s advice when using a facial razor is to start with clean skin, use very gentle pressure, and avoid going over the same area multiple times.
In terms of aftercare, his recommendations are straightforward: “Afterwards, keep skincare simple and soothing, focusing on hydration and barrier repair. Skip retinol, acids and other actives for a couple of days, and wear daily SPF, as freshly exfoliated skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure.”
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Louise Whitbread has spent years working in the beauty and skincare industry, having reviewed everything from the best cleansing balms to the best setting powders. She has spoken to countless experts about the best ways to remove body hair, including the best women’s razors. For her review of the best dermaplaning tools Louise used all of the products as you would at home, looking for the perks and pitfalls of each. She won’t recommend a tool unless she thinks it’s worth your money, so you can rest assured the buys below are effective.
Meet the expert
Dr Hassan Galadari, an American Board Certified Dermatologist, practising at Dubai’s Galadari Derma Clinic. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and currently an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences of United Arab Emirates University, with a particular interest in cosmetic dermatology.
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