TikTok trends and viral products are a dime a dozen, and the latest one is a hair identifier spray that’s dividing the internet. The trending product has been taking over BeautyTok, and many people love the results. For those unfamiliar, hair identifier sprays, such as the viral SknBody’s Hair Identifier Spray ($21), can be applied to your face to emphasize hair and help guide you during dermaplaning.
Whether you regularly partake in dermaplaning your face or are interested in trialing a new method to get rid of peach fuzz, the hair identifier spray does look pretty appealing. But with every trending product comes a ton of opinions on whether or not it’s worth trying out. We spoke with board-certified dermatologists to get the scoop on how hair identifier sprays work and see if it’s as good as TikTokers claim it is.
Keep reading to find out if it’s safe to use, how effective it is, and how to care for your skin before and after using it.
Experts Featured in This Article
Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell New York Presbyterian.
Bari Genoa, PA-C, MPAS, is a board-certified dermatologist.
Jackie Habashy Hakim is a double board-certified dermatologist.
What Is a Hair Identifier Spray?
The hair identifier spray’s purpose is to help you achieve a more accurate shave, guaranteeing that you’ll get every tiny hair visible. It works by highlighting the contours of your face, including all your hair strands. It’s a very light texture that feels almost like air when applying it to your skin.
When spraying the product onto your face, you’ll notice that it leaves a refreshing, cool feeling, which helps protect the skin by reducing friction during the dermaplaning process.
Is It Safe to Use?
Hair identifier spray is considered safe to use. “While it may be irritating in those with sensitive skin, overall, it can be used by all skin types,” board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, tells PS.
If you have any current skin irritations on your face, such as active acne breakouts, sunburned skin, excessively dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis, board-certified dermatologist Bari Genoa, PA-C, MPAS, says to proceed with caution while using the hair identifier spray. “Although the spray itself is considered noncomedogenic, this type of hair removal is considered ‘dry shaving,'” she says. “With dry shaving, there is always a risk of folliculitis or ingrown hairs, as well as razor bumps.”
Since the hair identifier spray also contains fragrance, it’s important to be cautious if you have sensitive skin or a history of contact dermatitis, as it can cause irritation. Dr. Garshick says no matter what product you start using, you should always do a patch test prior to using it.
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Do Hair Identifier Sprays Actually Work?
While there’s a possibility of experiencing inflammation and irritation, especially around the eye area, our experts say the hair identifier spray does help make the dermaplaning process smoother and more effective by ensuring you’re getting all the hair on your face while revealing a more youthful and radiant glow.
How to Use a Hair Identifier Spray
It is pretty simple to use, too. All you have to do is shake the bottle, hold it five to seven inches away from your face, and spray in short bursts to coat your face. Then, use your dermaplaning tool of choice to remove the identified hair (it shouldn’t be hard to miss as the hair will be white) and dead skin before rinsing your face with water.
Prepping your skin is important before using the hair identifier spray because you want to ensure your skin is ready for the dermaplaning process. Jackie Habashy Hakim, a double board-certified dermatologist, says double cleansing is the way to go. “I classically recommend the first step of cleansing to be a gentle micellar water followed by a gentle hydrating cleanser,” she says. “Using a hydrating serum to create an easy glide is also recommended.”
“It is recommended to discontinue any retinoids, retinol, AHA, BHA, or other astringents for 24 to 48 hours prior to use and after use,” Genoa says, adding that when dermaplaning with the hair identifier spray, moisturize immediately after the procedure with a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer or barrier cream to help restore the skin barrier.
Your skin needs to be calmed after the dermaplaning process, and using a hydrating moisturizer will instantly do that while helping your skin look and feel its best.
Sydney Wingfield has been a freelance writer in the beauty and wellness space for six years. She has written for Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Glamour, and other publications and loves to cover all things skin care, makeup, and hair.
