What Is Eyebrow Threading and How Does it Work?
Believe it or not, your eyebrows are a massive part of your look. They can help shape and define your face and can be coaxed and molded in a hundred different ways. One of the most recently popular methods is eyebrow threading, a form of hair threading.
Eyebrow threading uses a thin piece of thread to remove eyebrow hair. It’s a simple process that requires practice to perfect but has quick, controlled results. Before you get your eyebrows threaded, there are a few things to take into consideration. However, the process isn’t any worse than waxing or plucking.
Here’s everything you need to know about eyebrow threading.
What Is Eyebrow Threading?
Eyebrow threading is the process of removing eyebrow hair using a piece of thread. This technique focuses on the eyebrow area, ensuring precise and clean hair removal. The thread is typically made of cotton and is relatively thin to allow a stronger hold on each strand.
Eyebrow threading was practiced in multiple different cultures for several thousand years. While no one knows where it actually originated, the popular theory is that it started in either India or Iran, where a woman would carefully thread her eyebrows for cosmetic and cultural reasons. It was also popular in China, where thin brows were a mark of sophistication.
Today, threading has been adopted by cultures worldwide and is one of the most popular methods of unwanted hair removal.
How Does Eyebrow Threading Work for Hair Removal?
Eyebrow threading is a form of epilation. The process removes the entire hair, including the root, rather than cutting it. It starts with cleaning the skin under and around the eyebrows with a gentle cleanser or quick wipe with alcohol to make sure the area is sterile, and it is easy to see the hairs.
A technician will hold a piece of thread between their hands, occasionally with one end in their teeth, and twist it. In some techniques, the thread is twisted and pulled through two fingers on each hand, known as the butterfly method. They’ll then hold the end of the twist over the section of hair you want removed and move the thread in a swift motion. The twisting motion traps hairs between the threads and lifts them out whole.
The process is relatively quick, taking only about ten minutes with an experienced technician.
Can You Thread Other Body Hair?
Threading is an excellent process for your eyebrows and occasionally for upper lip hair, but generally, it's for facial hair only. Threading is an incredibly precise treatment meant for shaping rather than full removal, so it wouldn't be an efficient way of removing larger swaths of hair from the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
There are other epilation methods, such as rollers that have a similar effect on larger areas. However, threading is best as far as a detail-oriented grooming procedure goes.
The Pros and Cons of Eyebrow Threading
As with every hair removal treatment, there are both benefits and drawbacks to eyebrow threading to consider. Unlike tweezing, threading does not lead to ingrown hairs, making it a safer option for all skin types. The individual lists will vary from person to person, but generally, here are the pros and cons of eyebrow threading.
The Pros of Eyebrow Threading
Of course, the speed of the process is a major benefit. There’s no waiting for the wax to cool or depilatory creams to dissolve the hair. Threading is suitable for various skin types, including those with sensitive skin or prone to breakouts. The process is mechanically simple, and with practice, entire lines of hair are removed in seconds.
It’s less painful than many people expect, especially when compared to waxing or tweezing. Threading removes multiple hairs at once with no anticipation, so there’s very little time for pain receptors or your brain to react between removals. There’s also no contact with the skin, which makes it gentler for those who are acne-prone or have particularly sensitive skin.
Maintaining threaded eyebrows is relatively easy, as you only need to go to professional appointments every 4-6 weeks. Between appointments, you can tweeze straggling hairs at home, which can save you money.
The Cons of Eyebrow Threading
It's not all roses, though. Depending on the salon you choose, your threading appointments may cost anywhere from $5 to more than $30. If you're getting appointments every four weeks, that means spending up to $360 every year on your brows alone.
Also, as with any epilation process, there will be some irritation around the area for hours afterward. It can lead to redness, puffiness, and breakouts, especially with exposure to sun or sweat. Of course, the process does hurt. It's unavoidable; most hair removal processes have some level of pain involved.
You'll also have to be very careful about the aesthetician you choose. Though the process is simple, it takes a significant amount of training and experience to get it right. A small mistake with threading can lead to massive gaps in your brow that may take weeks to grow back.
Is Eyebrow Threading Worth It?
Maintaining your eyebrows is a personal choice, but for some, eyebrow threading is definitely worth the cost. It's an excellent choice for people who want to keep their look precise and clean but can't afford to spend hours plucking or perfecting on their own.
It's also good for people who prefer hygienic, simple processes for their beauty treatments. It is also perfect for those who receive regular facials as it can be incorporated into the process. Eyebrow threading is a proven option that has historical backing. If you're questioning whether threading is right for you, ask yourself this:
Am I looking for something less irritating for my skin?
Am I looking for something that lasts a long time?
Am I looking for something quick and simple?
If your answers are yes, then eyebrow threading is a good choice. It's worth a try, especially if you're okay with a little bit of discomfort for a lot of results.
How Often Should You Get Your Brows Threaded?
The frequency of getting your eyebrows threaded largely depends on your personal preference and how quickly your hair grows. On average, most people find that getting their eyebrows threaded every 2-3 weeks helps maintain their desired shape and keeps unwanted hair at bay. However, if you have faster hair growth, you might need to get your brows threaded more frequently, perhaps every 1-2 weeks. It’s essential to find a skilled threader who can work with your hair growth rate and provide you with a personalized threading schedule that suits your needs.
How Much Does Threading Usually Cost?
The cost of threading can vary widely depending on your location, the expertise of the threader, and the specific services offered. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 per session for eyebrow threading. Some salons may offer package deals or discounts if you combine threading with other services like waxing. It’s crucial to find a reputable threader who offers competitive pricing while ensuring high-quality service. Remember, sometimes paying a little more for a skilled professional can make a significant difference in the results.
Finding the Right Threader Near You
Finding the right threader near you can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to threading. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable threader:
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or coworkers who have had threading done before. Personal recommendations can be invaluable.
Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp or Google. Look for threaders with consistently high ratings and positive feedback.
Consider experience. Ensure the threader has experience working with your specific skin type and hair type.
Inspect the materials and sanitation. A good threader will use high-quality cotton thread and follow proper sanitation procedures to ensure your safety.
Schedule a consultation before your threading appointment. This allows you to discuss your desired shape and any concerns you may have, ensuring you’re comfortable with the threader’s approach.
Tips for First Time Eyebrow Threading
If you decide that threading is for you, here are a few things to remember for your first appointment.
Do your research. Choose a facility that you trust, with a good reputation and good reviews for threading. You'll also want to pick something within your budget, but remember, you'll get what you pay for.
Don't schedule your threading appointment immediately before a big event. As mentioned, threading can leave the skin red and puffy for a while, so give it a few hours before making a big appearance.
Take a pain reliever before your appointment. This can help reduce irritation and make the process more comfortable for you.
Don't wear makeup. Any makeup around your eyebrows will just have to be removed anyway, and you may sneeze or cry a bit during the appointment, so eye makeup will be ruined as well. It's best to go in with a clean, bare face.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If it'll make it more comfortable for you, ask your aesthetician questions about her experience and process before you get started. You can even ask for a demonstration on the peach fuzz on the back of your hand if you're particularly nervous. That way, you'll be more confident in her abilities.
Aloe is your friend. Some facilities will offer you aloe to help reduce skin irritation more quickly. Accept it, or bring your own if you're not sure they provide it.
Aftercare and Maintenance
After getting your brows threaded, following proper aftercare and maintenance is crucial to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to keep your eyebrows looking their best:
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyebrows for at least 24 hours after threading to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
Apply a soothing after-care product, such as aloe vera or coconut oil, to calm and moisturize the skin.
Exfoliate your skin gently 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
Avoid using harsh skincare products or makeup for at least 24 hours after threading to allow your skin to recover.
Schedule regular threading appointments to maintain your desired shape and prevent unwanted hair growth. Regular maintenance will keep your brows looking sharp and well-groomed.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your threading experience is as smooth and effective as possible, leaving you with beautifully shaped brows that enhance your natural beauty.
Conclusion
The next time your brows are looking a little rough, consider getting them threaded. As long as you go into it knowing what's going to happen and what to look for, eyebrow threading can be an efficient and effective way to shape and form your brows to match your style.
