So, what is eyebrow threading?
Eyebrow threading has become hugely popular in recent years, but it’s actually pretty ancient - with origins in Asia and the Middle East. It’s pretty low-tech - and uses a simple piece of cotton thread, which is expertly twisted to trap and uproot even the finest unwanted hairs. Done correctly, it’s super precise and controlled - making it perfect for small areas such as the upper lip and brows.
It’s said to be less painful than other hair removal methods (such as waxing and plucking), as there’s little to no contact with the skin, and many swear by the clean precise results that can be achieved.
How does eyebrow threading work?
Perfect arches? Less pain? All sounds pretty good if you ask us - but you might be thinking ‘how exactly can you remove hair with just a piece of string?’ And we don’t blame you - it can be pretty hard to picture without having seen it yourself. Essentially - your expert practitioner doubles the cotton thread onto itself, holding one end in their mouth, and twists it into a figure of eight to make a kind of loop. The thread is then rolled across the skin, and the loop lassos the individual hairs - gently plucking them out whole from the root. It sounds complicated, we know - but all you really need to know is that it does work (and pretty well, we might add).
What should I expect from my eyebrow threading appointment?
The exact process of eyebrow threading will differ from practitioner to practitioner, but there are a few things that you can generally expect from your appointment. Firstly, your therapist might give you a quick consultation just to check what kind of shape you’re after. If they don’t ask, don’t worry - just make sure to speak up and let them know (especially if you’re wanting a very specific style). You’ll sit in a reclining chair, and your therapist might ask you to hold the skin around the brows taut. This just makes the area more accessible and can make the whole process a bit more comfortable too.
Your practitioner will then get to work, and you’ll be shown the results to make sure you’re happy. It can take anywhere between 10-30 minutes - some practitioners are super speedy, so don’t be surprised if you’re in and out quicker than you’d think.
The results?
With threading, your practitioner can guide the thread really precisely, meaning they have greater control and can choose which hairs they want to keep and which they want to get rid of. The thread is also able to grab the finer hairs around your brows which waxing and plucking can often leave behind - giving you a cleaner result and leaving you fuzz-free.
Another pro of eyebrow threading is that there are less harsh lines compared with other methods (such as waxing), leading to a more natural - yet still sharp and defined - result.
The results? The technique used for eyebrow threading is super precise, which means your technician can control the exact shape and style of your brows. So, whether you prefer sharp and defined, or more natural-looking, you’ll be good to go (and fuzz-free, at that).
How long do the results last?
How long your results will last can vary from person to person - most technicians will estimate around 2-4 weeks, depending on the growth cycle of your hair. After regular appointments, though, the hair will start to grow back finer and more sparse - meaning you may be able to leave it even longer between appointments.
Does eyebrow threading hurt?
Threading is considered a fairly gentle method of hair removal, and many people are surprised at how little pain there is compared to tweezing and waxing. Only the hairs themselves are subject to any tension or force, and there’s little contact with the skin. This also means it’s a great option for anyone with particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Of course, any hair removal technique that uproots the hair completely will cause a little discomfort. You may experience a little redness, and your eyes will likely water (quite a lot, sometimes), but this is just from the stimulation of the skin, rather than from pain. The good news is that all of this will be over pretty quickly (and the results are definitely worth it).
Top tips for the perfect eyebrow threading results
- Again, eyebrow threading is kind of prone to making your eyes water - which means heavy eye makeup is usually not the best idea. *Similarly, try to avoid any makeup around your brows in the 24 hours following your appointment - the pores will be open to irritation, meaning they’ll easily get clogged and cause irritation or breakouts. For this reason, it’s also best to avoid hot showers, direct sunlight, and spray tans. *If your brow area is feeling a little sensitive post-threading, ask your technician for some cooling aloe gel (or bring your own, just in case) - it’ll help reduce irritation. *Your technician may ask you to hold your skin taut - listen to their advice as it’ll help ease discomfort and achieve a cleaner result. *Lastly, always listen to the advice of your technician when it comes to do’s and don’ts. Don’t be afraid to speak to them and ask questions - it’ll help you feel more comfortable in their hands, and will help them know exactly what result you’re after.
How much does eyebrow threading cost?
How much you're going to pay for eyebrow threading really depends on the salon, as well as where you live and your individual brow needs. The price can vary from just £5 to around £20 (but again - every salon is different).
Who is threading suitable for?
The good news is: threading is pretty much suitable for everyone. The lack of chemicals and contact with skin means that it’s great for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It’s suitable during pregnancy, too (although skin may be more sensitive during this time, which can lead to a slightly higher level of discomfort).
One thing to keep in mind is that threading is sometimes not recommended if you’re recovering from any type of surgery or cosmetic procedures around the brow area - if this applies to you, make sure to speak with your doctor before considering threading.
FAQs
Is threading or plucking better?
Compared to plucking, eyebrow threading is much quicker, as it targets multiple hairs at a time. The thread is also able to pick up finer hairs. All of this means that hairs are less likely to be left behind, leading to a cleaner, more precise result. Plucking can also nick the skin, making it less gentle than threading.
Is it better to wax or thread eyebrows?
When it comes to waxing vs. threading, there are definitely benefits to both methods. However, threading is great for those who have sensitive skin or allergy sufferers, as there is no chance of a reaction, as there may be with wax. There’s also no risk of burning the skin with wax, and no skin is taken away with the hair (as happens with waxing). Results wise, you can achieve a more natural finish with threading - but both waxing and threading will last around the same amount of time.
Does eyebrow threading thin brows?
Threading pulls the hair from the root. This means that with regular appointments, the follicle will be weakened, and the hair will grow back thinner and finer over time. Basically, it’s recommended that you only thread hairs that you’re happy to never see again, and don’t try to create shapes that are totally different to your natural brow.
Can I do eyebrow threading at home
Honestly, eyebrow threading is one of those treatments that should really be left to the professionals. An incorrect technique can be really damaging to your natural shape, and can also lead to cuts and nicks. Plus, you really need two people (one to thread and one to hold the skin taut), so it’s not ideal to DIY it.
What can eyebrow threading be combined with
One of the most popular treatments booked with eyebrow threading is brow tinting - this enhances the colour and helps the newly preened brows look fuller.
Can eyebrow threading cause breakouts
As mentioned earlier, the pores around your brows will be open and prone to blockage after threading. To avoid breakouts, it’s recommended to stay away from any cosmetic products in the 24 hours following your appointment, as well as swimming pools, saunas, and high temperatures.
