The hair identifier spray has been all the rave on #BeautyTok, gaining popularity on the back of DIY derma-planing. With medical derma-planing, an aesthetician uses a special razor, the dermatome, to exfoliate back and forth, removing dead skin and leaving you radiant and smooth. DIY derma-planing, on the other hand, is pretty much a close shave and does not give the same results.
However, as a beauty editor here at Marie Claire Nigeria, I figured it’s only right I give derma-planing a try and see what the craze is all about. I was not impressed. All that pulling and tugging cannot be the best way to get smooth and better absorbent skin, I’ll stick with exfoliation, thank you.
Rena, our resident beauty writer, has even more first-hand experience with derma-planing, so she’s here with me to tell you ways this product might be practical (PS: I’m not convinced).
Rena: Scrolling through TikTok, I couldn’t help getting swept up in the whirlwind of videos showcasing the hair identifier spray. As someone who’s deeply invested in skincare—and yes, proudly self-identifies as a hairy girl—I found myself genuinely captivated. I mean, who wouldn’t want a little extra help in the quest for smooth, flawless skin?
But of course, not everyone is on board with my excitement. My editor, ever the sceptic, sees it as nothing more than a clever marketing ploy—one that plays on our insecurities about body hair to sell yet another product we don’t need. It made me wonder, and when I wonder, I research. Here’s what I found.
Why does the hair identifier spray exist?
Derma-planing: As someone who loves DIY dermaplaning for smooth, glowing skin, I think this spray is a game-changer. It helps catch those tiny, nearly invisible hairs that might get missed otherwise.
Precision Shaving: Whether it’s the upper lip, brows, or any other spot where precision matters, with this spray, you don’t miss a single hair. And as someone who’s all too familiar with those “problem areas”, I appreciate any tool that can make my routine more efficient.
Genius invention or marketing gimmick?
Bunie: While its use cases are practical for those who need it, I cannot help but think that this is yet another gimmick to play on the once invisible insecurities of women. As far back as the 19th century, beauty advertising has affected how women view themselves. And this would not be a problem if it wasn’t directly linked to many harmful results like eating disorders, poor body image, and even violence against women.
So when another beauty trend surfaces to highlight a body feature in this case, facial hair—that is otherwise natural for every human being to have, it’s only fair that I raise a few eyebrows. The trending SKNBODY spray retails for at least ₦30,000 ($20), and it claims to “highlight even the tiniest peach fuzz.” My question is, why do you have to highlight what I couldn’t even see in the first place? Nobody can see it! I could go my whole life without the thought of the tiniest peach fuzz on my face and how it needs to go, but all of a sudden, there’s a trending spray reminding me with every scroll that it’s there, it’s problematic, and it has to go.
@beautybyfaye.com ignore my nobodys gonna see me pajamas in the first clips 😭 #fyp #dryshampoo #hairidentifierspray #foryou #hairy
How safe is the hair identifier spray?
Now, to make matters worse, those who cannot get their hands on the hair identifier spray resort to alternative products, like dry shampoo, that may give the same results but are not safe for your skin. In fact, is the hair identifier spray safe for your skin? This dermatologist on Tik Tok does not think so. She points out that applying something with such high alcohol quantity, as well as dry-shaving at all, is one of the most irritating things you can do to your face.
Rena: While it’s true that the beauty industry has a long history of turning our insecurities into profit, I genuinely believe that this spray is more about precision than pressure. Unlike products that make us feel we must adhere to certain beauty standards, this spray serves as a practical tool for those who already care about the finer details of their grooming routine. It’s designed to help us spot and remove those tiny, hard-to-see hairs that linger even after derma-planing.
For me, it is about enhancing what we’re already doing, not imposing some unattainable ideal. I know firsthand the effort it takes to get our skin looking smooth and ready to soak up skincare. The videos circulating show that this spray already resonates with those of us who are invested in these details, rather than creating a new standard to chase.
Shave with care
Bunie: If, in the end, you choose to use the hair identifier spray, I hope you don’t find another reason to hate your beautiful body and all its features just because these companies all but ask you to. I’ll leave you with Rena, who has tips and tricks on how to use the product.
Rena: If you’re as curious as I was and want to give the hair identifier spray a try, here are a few tips to get the best results:
- Prep Your Skin: Start with clean, dry skin to give the spray the best chance to work. This ensures it adheres properly and highlights those fine hairs.
- Less Is More: A light mist is usually enough. You don’t want to overdo it and end up with a sticky mess.
- Follow Your Routine: Use the spray as a guide, but stick to your tried-and-true methods of hair removal. This is just an extra step to help you out, not a whole new process.
- Moisturise: Post-shave or derma-plane, don’t forget to moisturise. It’s the key to keeping your skin smooth and irritation-free.
As a hairy girl, I’ve learned that my beauty doesn’t depend on how much or little hair I have. Embrace your body, hair and all, and don’t let anyone—least of all, a product—tell you otherwise.
