There are many blade sizes and materials for Dermaplaning. The most popular blade types are by far the 10R “butter blade” and No.14. Both single-use, sterile, surgical scalpel blades. Which is best? We’ve created a handy guide (below) to help!
Ideal “Butter Knife” shape - straight blade and rounded tip
Features
Pack Size
Ideal “Butter Knife” shape. This blade is a modification of the 10S - a shape that we love, honed to our specifications for greater sharpness.
Features
Pack Size
Outward curved blade with severe tip
Features
Pack Size
Adaptation of “butter knife” shape with a slight corner at the tip that must be filed down manually
Features
Pack Size
#10 Blades
This is shorter and more rounded than the #14, it is ideal for getting into smaller more restricted areas of the face and the rounded (bullnose) tip prevents any accidental snagging or scratching, thus providing a more effective and consistent finish.
#10R Blades
Referred to as the “butter blade” the 10R is extremely popular and is used to “refinish” the skin’s top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping that exfoliates the epidermis. Shorter and more rounded than the 14 it is ideal for getting into smaller more restricted areas of the face and the rounded (bullnose) tip prevents any accidental snagging or scratching thus providing a more effective and consistent finish.
It’s worth checking what your ‘butterblades’ are made from as some brands are better than others!
Swann Morton 10R blades are made from stainless steel – unlike most of their other carbon steel blades. This means the blade will dull very quickly. Often 2-3 blades are needed per treatment. Many clients find the SouthMedic DermaplanePro 10R Blades far superior, where only one is needed per treatment.
#14 Blades
Also sometimes referred to as the “butter blade”. The No. 14 is distinguishable due to its butter knife shape, as well as a long blade, and a discernible corner at its edge. Not as suitable for angular areas of the face such as cheekbones, chin, or under the nose, or eyes. Hence, are less used than size 10 blades.
#15 Blades
Made from Carbon Steel but much less common for dermaplaning. Some providers do use these for fine detail and targeted areas – generally the eyes and lips. However, with the sharp tip, this can be a riskier blade choice unless you are highly experienced.
Blades with Attached Handle
Also available are blades permanently attached to a blue polystyrene handle, eliminating the need to attach and remove the blade from a handle. These are often billed as “timesavers”, but the lightweight handle can be hard to get used to and fills up your sharps bin very quickly!