Waxing,microblading, and tweezing are all tried-and-true hair removal methods. However, eyebrow threading is a cost-effective alternative that's equally good at shaping your brows. Plus, it's gentler and less painful than other options like waxing or plucking.
With origins in Asia, and India in particular, the beauty treatment has been around for centuries. But if you've never had your eyebrows threaded before, you're probably curious about its claimed benefits. After all, how does a single piece of string shape brows and remove stray hairs? To find out, we turned to brow expert Umbreen Sheikh and esthetician Khadijah Ayanna who let us in on everything there is to know about the ancient hair removal technique.
Meet the expert
- Umbreen Sheikh is the founder of New York City-based beauty destinationWink Brow Bar.
- Khadijah Ayanna is a licensed esthetician.
Keep reading for what to expect during a threading appointment and whether it's right for you.
What Is Eyebrow Threading?
Eyebrow threading uses a piece of thread to remove hair from the brow area to shape your arches.And while hair is removed from the follicle, it doesn't damage the skin. In fact, threading allows for eagle-eyed precision and can pull out even the smallest hairs.
Who It's For
According to our experts, anyone can benefit from eyebrow threading—under most circumstances. "The only times I say someone should not get their eyebrows threaded are if they just had surgery or if the eyebrow area is infected," says Ayanna.If the skin around your eyes is dry or irritated, it may also be a good idea not to get your eyebrows threaded.
Though threading is most commonly used for removing hair from the eyebrow area, you can also use it on facial peach fuzz or to line up a beard.
The Benefits of Eyebrow Threading
More Precise Results
Threading is much more precise than waxing, so your threading artist can remove finer hairs that usually don't stick to the wax. "While waxing and plucking can often leave unwanted stray hairs around your eyebrows, a threading artist goes through your hair row by row, giving eyebrows a clean and defined shape," Sheikh explains.
Good for Sensitive Skin
Threading is also a great option if you have sensitive skin that's prone to irritation. Sheikh notes it's a natural, organic technique that doesn't use harsh chemicals on your face. "People on particular medications or with certain skin conditions may turn to thread to remove their hair because it's gentler on the skin than some other types of hair removal."
"For example, some dermatologists recommend that people who use acne medications—including Accutane and topicalretinoid creams—choose threading over waxing because the former only affects hair and not the skin underneath," she adds.
Less Painful Than Waxing
Since threading only removes the actual brow hair and no skin, it hurts a lot less than waxing. While it can still be a little bit uncomfortable, there's little contact with the skin. There's also no risk of burning or irritating your skin with wax. "Your skin may look [irritated], but this [irritation] is from stimulation of the skin, not through excess skin removal that can happen from waxing," explains Sheikh.
VIDEO: Beauty School: Feathered Brows
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Before the actual threading happens, you'll be given a consultation to decide on the shape. After that, your technician will start the process. While you're sitting on a chair, the threading artist will ask you to close your eyes and lean back so they can start threading. Whether the artist is working on the top, middle, or bottom of your brow, you'll feel the thread removing hair—akin to small pinches. The whole process takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Results
Much like waxing, threading generally lasts two to four weeks—but this depends on yourhair type. However, you may eventually be able to go longer between appointments."Hair will start to grow back sparse and finer after repeated threading because hair is pulled out at the root, which gets weakened through this process," says Sheikh.
Cost
Threading costs around the same as waxing and sugaring. The price will vary depending on where you live and the type of salon you go to, but you can expect to pay between $25 and $35. At Wink, an appointment costs $27.
The Bottom Line
Eyebrow threading is an ancient beauty practice that we all stand to benefit from knowing about. Especially if you can't afford microblading—or if waxing and tweezing are simply too painful—eyebrow threading might just be the brow grooming method for you. Of course, you'll never know until you try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is threading more sanitary than waxing?
In a way, threading is more sanitary than waxing because wax often sits in the same tub for months at a time. Threading, on the other hand, uses a new "tool" each time (i.e., a new piece of cotton thread).
Is eyebrow threading or waxing better?
Whether eyebrow threading or waxing is better depends on the type of eyebrow hair you have. For example, if it's coarse or grows quickly, you'll benefit most from waxing. However, if you have sensitive skin, it's better to opt for threading so as to not irritate your skin.
Learn More:How to Decide Between Eyebrow Threading and Waxing
What should you avoid after eyebrow threading?
Because your skin is sensitive from having been tugged at, you'll want to avoid exfoliating, fillers, and UV rays. Instead, use products that hydrate, soothe, and moisturize your skin.
