Threading vs. Waxing: Which is Better?
By: Kunti Patel, Founder of BrowsbyKunti LLC
What is eyebrow threading?
Eyebrow threading is an ancient hair removal technique believed to have originated over 6,000 years ago, with deep roots in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, though the exact beginnings remain uncertain. What we do know is that threading has stood the test of time and has proven to be more effective, precise, and gentler on the skin in comparison to eyebrow waxing.
The technique involves using a thin piece of thread to isolate and remove hair from the root, ensuring precision and extending the time between sessions.
my client here, had very bad experiences with brow artists thinning her eyebrows out, so this is what I left her with, to make sure she can get them back to full thickness. Sometimes, this process can take months or years, depending on how thin they’ve gotten. But as you can see, the threading allowed for more precision.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Eyebrow Threading
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Eyebrow threading typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair growth, and in most cases, it outlasts traditional eyebrow waxing. This longer duration is largely due to the high temperature of the wax, which can weaken hair by severing it midway and pulling away only the outermost part.
What truly sets eyebrow threading apart from waxing and shaving is its precision. The ability to isolate and remove individual hairs allows for beautifully shaped and defined eyebrows.
Exfoliation is often the unsung hero of this process. Many people don’t realize that their skin gets a gentle exfoliation during threading, but I witness it firsthand. Have you ever gotten those small bumps on your forehead with the tiny white centers? Fun Fact - sometimes, threading can exert just enough pressure to help express those. In fact, I have a client whose dermatologist recommended threading as a safe and effective way to promote continuous exfoliation for her skin.
Post-care is crucial in any hair removal routine. Since your pores are completely open, I highly recommend washing your face- yes, every time, after threading to avoid infection.
One of the biggest advantages of eyebrow threading is the reduction in ingrown hairs. Based on my experience, threading results in fewer ingrown hairs compared to waxing. This is primarily because threading removes hair directly from the follicle, preventing the hair from breaking and growing in the wrong direction under new skin.
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Opinions on the pain of eyebrow threading can vary widely.
While some claim it’s unbearable, I've often been pleasantly surprised by my clients’ reactions. I've had several first-time clients who had never tried threading before, and most of them didn't even shed a single tear during the process.
I 10,000% recommend avoiding going to a nail salon. They don't specialize in eyebrows, so don't do it.
Some technicians may hurry through the process, potentially leaving your brows uneven, so it's important to communicate your preferences clearly.
What about Eyebrow Waxing?
Waxing is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, with historical accounts indicating that the Romans used cocoa shells, resin, and even bat blood for hair removal. Throughout the ages—from Egypt to the Middle Ages—both men and women experienced various trends in waxing. Some of the earliest forms included sugar wax and beeswax, which are still popular today.
The waxing process is quite straightforward and can be performed using different methods. There are two primary techniques: hot and cold. The cold method utilizes pre-made waxing strips, while the more common hot method involves melting wax, which comes in several forms, including soft or strip wax, hard wax, sugar wax, and wax pellets or beads. After melting the wax, a popsicle stick is typically used to spread a thin layer over the desired area. The wax can be removed either by hand or with an adhesive sheet. Waxing is particularly more effective for the body like the chest, legs, bikini area and underarms, as these spots might be more frequently shaved and benefit from longer-lasting results. For added care, especially after waxing or shaving the bikini area, I highly recommend using the GRADIENT Collection Booty Scrub to keep skin smooth and clear from razor bumps.
ADVANTAGES OF Eyebrow WAXING
The waxing process is usually quicker and therefore considered to also be “less painful” than eyebrow threading.
If you’re trying it at home and want a more eco-friendly approach, use an old cloth—like a cut-up shirt—instead of disposable wax strips to remove the wax.
DISADVANTAGEs OF eyebrow WAXING
The high heat of wax can cause hair to break, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs, which can lead to itchy, sometimes painful bumps. In terms of precision, waxing tends to be harder to control which is risky and often costs more for similar results. Many also experience burns or breakouts after getting their eyebrows waxed, especially if they’re using retinols or Accutane, which can increase skin irritation.
My Professional Take
I have been threading since I was 13 years old, and I can confidently say that eyebrow threading is superior to eyebrow waxing. While some people claim it's not as painful as you’d expect, I’ve found that I can’t tolerate it nor trust anyone else with my eyebrows, so I pluck my own.
When you book an appointment with me, I prioritize understanding your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to one question: Are you happy with your eyebrows? If not, I’m committed to shaping them exactly as you desire while also offering personalized suggestions. Everyone is unique, and so are their eyebrows. If there’s something you’re struggling with, I’m here to help. I hope to see some new faces soon!
xo, Kunti