Eyebrow Hair Removal: Threading Vs Waxing

Eyebrows are one of the most noticeable features on your face, so you should put care into how you treat them. Neither waxing nor threading is permanent hair removal techniques, which is a good thing! Trends come and go and permanency is not something you want on your eyebrows. The best part about either eyebrow hair removal technique is that the hair grows back.

Options for eyebrow hair removal: waxing, threading, or tweezing?

These are the three most common methods. While tweezing is easily done at home, waxing and threading are quicker and more popular options. Tweezing is mainly used for maintenance in between waxing or threading sessions.

How does waxing work?

Eyebrow waxing consists of getting your hair removed with either hot or cold wax. The wax is applied to your face in a way that shapes the eyebrow and then a cloth strip is firmly placed over the wax. After a couple of seconds, the aesthetician will pull the strip off of the skin, removing the hair with the wax. Waxing pulls the hair out in a single direction. It takes between 5-10 minutes.

How does threading work?

Threading is an ancient hair removal technique that originated in the Middle East. It involves two cotton strings. The strings are twisted around each hair follicle and used to pull the hair out of its pores. Threading pulls the hair out in numerous directions at once and is usually used on the eyebrows and upper lip. The average threading session takes about 5-10 minutes.

Deanna Pai of Glamour Magazine tells about her first time getting her eyebrows wax and her verdict? It’s worth it!

The Pros and Cons of eyebrow waxing:

Waxing Pros:

• The hair is removed from the root. This leads to clean results!
• Waxing leads to good eyebrow shape if done correctly.
• DIY wax kits might save you money if you choose to wax your face yourself at home.

Waxing Cons:

• Waxing causes a breakdown of skin collagen when it is pulled off of the skin. This can lead to sagging skin.
• Waxing can also irritate the skin since it is pulling on it directly. It can cause chemical/allergic reactions if your skin doesn’t agree with the wax being used. There is also potential to be burned if the wax being applied is hotter than it should be.
• Post wax, it is common for skin to be left red and irritable for a longer period of time.

The Pros and Cons of eyebrow threading:

Threading Pros: 

• The string hardly comes into contact with the skin and instead pulls directly on the hair. i.e. less skin irritation!
• The smallest hair can be pulled out of its follicle, leaving your eyebrows with a cleaner and more precise look.
• Threading uses absolutely no chemicals!
• You can also thread on yourself if you spend the time learning the technique.

Threading Cons:

• While threading, there is potential to break the hair and miss the follicle. This can cause the hair to grow back faster since it wasn’t removed properly from the root.
• Because the thread pulls the hair in multiple different directions, this may negatively affect the hair follicles and the direction the hair grows back in.

 

In the end, both waxing and threading have similar end results. They are usually in the same price range as well. Many individuals prefer threading because it is gentler on the skin and doesn’t use irritating ingredients. In the end, it’s up to you which method you prefer, but its important to know what you’re getting into when you get to the salon!