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 is eyebrow 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. 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?
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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.