Ask the expert
The lowdown on threading
Eyebrow threading is a cost-effective way to shape your brows. It’s much gentler and less painful than other options like waxing. That’s why we turned to threading expert Umbreen Sheikh to clear up the confusion on how eyebrow threading works and what to expect when you go to have it done.
The process
How does eyebrow threading actually work?
A piece of thread is taken and twisted on itself as it is glided along the brow to shape it. The hair is removed from the follicle, but without damaging the skin surface. Before the actual threading happens, you’ll be given a consultation to decide on shape. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
The benefits
Since threading removes only the actual brow hair and no skin, it hurts a whole lot less than waxing. This also makes it more precise, so your threading artist will be able to remove finer hairs that usually don’t stick to 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.
Threading is also a great option if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation. Sheikh says that it’s a natural, organic technique that doesn’t use chemicals. “People on particular medications or with certain skin conditions may turn to threading because it’s gentler on the skin than other types of hair removal,” she explains. “For example, some dermatologists recommend that people who use acne medications such as topical retinoid creams choose threading over waxing because the former only affects hair and not the skin underneath.”
Ok, so does it really not hurt?
It’s true: threading is significantly less painful 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 red, but this redness is from stimulation of the skin, not through excess skin removal that can happen from waxing,” explains Sheikh.
How long does it last?
Much like waxing, threading generally lasts two to four weeks, but this depends on your hair type. However, you may eventually be able to go longer between appointments. “Hair will start to grow back more sparsely and finer after repeated threading because hair is pulled out at the root, which gets weakened through this process,” says Sheikh.