The eyebrows are a prominent feature on anyone's face, and it takes proper care and attention to keep them looking just right. There are many different methods for removing eyebrow hair, some of which are more popular than others.
Threading and waxing are two popular options for cleaning up the brows. However, both of these choices are different from start to finish. Waxing has been a staple in salons, but threading is the trendier option.
We are going to go over how brow specialists perform each method and if there's any difference besides the techniques used. Plus, find out if one is better than the other as far as hair regrowth and the effect each option has on your skin.
What Is Threading?
Eyebrow threading has been around for centuries. While the exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have originated in Asia and the Middle East.
Threading involves twisting a cotton thread so it picks up hair and removes it. As the technician works, the thread opens and allows hair to get caught and removed from the root. Threading creates a precise line, which is why so many people choose this option.
Tweezing can lead to accidentally poking and pulling on your skin. If you're not careful when tweezing, you can end up with red marks and even broken skin around your eyebrows. Meanwhile, the soft threads used for threading won't accidentally poke you, grip your skin, or scratch you. However, threading can still be painful to some.
Let's go over some common questions people have when it comes to threading.
Does Threading Hurt?
Threading pulls your eyebrow hair out by the root, so there is some pain involved. However, tweezing and waxing also pull on the hair and skin and also cause pain. There is some debate over which one hurts more, waxing or threading, but if you can handle waxing, you can probably withstand threading. All in all, though, the pain level is tolerable.
Is Threading Expensive?
The cost of threading is going to vary depending on where you live and where you go to get it done. A 10-20 minute threading session can cost anywhere from $15 to $45. This cost is similar to how much you would pay to get your brows waxed.
How Long Before My Hair Grows Back?
How fast your results last all depends on each individual. The results can last anywhere from two to five weeks. You can go in for touch-ups to maintain the look for longer.
What Is Waxing?
Eyebrow waxing is the method of removing brow hair with wax. It is done with either cold or hot wax, depending on where you go.
There are pre-waxed strips that are less messy. The strips are warmed slightly between the palms before being pressed down on the hair and pulled back. Even though it is slightly warmed in the hands, it is considered cold wax because it doesn't need to sit over a heater.
The most popular method for waxing uses hot wax. The wax is applied with a wooden spatula on a small section of the brow. As the wax cools, it attaches to the hair. A cloth strip is then placed over the wax and pressed down to ensure the wax sticks to it. After a few seconds, the strip is quickly removed in the opposite direction of hair growth. This process is repeated several times in different areas around the brows until the unwanted hair is gone.
The Post-Waxing Process
Other hot wax will harden right to the skin and doesn't need to be removed with a cloth strip. Instead, once it’s hard, it can be pulled right off. This method doesn't pull the skin as much, so it's not as harsh of a process. If the wax leaves behind any stray hairs, the specialist will use tweezers for the finishing touches.
After the waxing and tweezing are done, any wax residue is cleaned off of the skin. The specialist will also apply a product that calms the skin and helps with redness.
Similar to threading, your waxing results should last up to four weeks. However, in between appointments, you can create definition with a few makeup products. As your hair grows back, cover the unwanted hair with concealer around your brows. Next, go in with the TatBrow Microblade Pen. It allows you to create thin, hair-like lines to fill in the brow hair you do want to see.
The Pros and Cons of Waxing and Threading
There is some debate over threading and waxing and which is better. Let's go over the pros and cons of both.
Waxing Pros
If waxing is done correctly, it is relatively gentle on your hair follicles and skin. To be successful, though, the waxing specialist you go to has to do the proper steps before waxing. They need to use a pre-wax treatment to oil the hair follicle and protect your skin from the wax.
This step ensures there isn't a lot of pulling on the skin and the hair easily comes out. Another pro is you may have smoother skin after waxing because dead skin cells will come off in the wax.
Waxing Cons
If you wax your brows too much, it may lead to damaged hair follicles. Some consider waxing more painful than threading. The temporary redness and swelling generally last longer than threading. You may experience an allergic reaction or irritation from the wax or other products used in the process. You can also get burned if the wax is too hot.
Threading Pros
The threads don't have a lot of contact with the skin, so there's less of a chance of irritation. For this reason, threading is the best option for people with sensitive skin. You can also use retinol and other products since you don't have to worry about wax interacting with them and causing inflammation. The redness caused by threading disappears within an hour, while waxing redness lasts much longer.
Threading Cons
If you go to someone that doesn't know what they're doing, you can end up with ingrown hairs. It also takes longer to have your brows threaded than it does to have them waxed.
As you can see, there are pluses and minuses to both options, so you have to decide which ones are most important to you.
Will Threading Or Waxing Damage Your Brows?
When it comes to threading and waxing, both can do damage.
Threading hurts the hair follicle when it rips the hair out by the root. There is also the possibility that the threads break some of the hairs instead of pulling them all the way out. When brow hair is damaged instead of being removed, it can grow back in different directions. The hair will also be visible more quickly if it isn't fully removed in the threading process.
Additionally, you could end up with little bumps or blemishes if the threads used are not fresh, clean, or properly sanitized. It is also possible that some of the brow hair removed from threading never grows back. This damage can be seen as a positive or negative depending on your hair preferences.
When it comes to waxing, it can be very damaging for sensitive skin. Waxing can cause rashes and bumps if you have delicate skin. It may also be harmful to people who recently underwent a chemical peel or other treatments, which leaves your skin sensitive.
Preparing for Brow Hair Removal
There are steps you can take to make sure your brows are ready for hair removal. These steps can help you avoid pain and possible side effects.
The first step is to make sure the area is clean beforehand. Remove any makeup, dirt, or oil from your brows. If it's not removed beforehand, you may have a breakout after the treatment. You also want to avoid applying makeup to the area after threading or waxing. Makeup can clog the open follicles leading to bumps.
You may also want to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds before treatment. Waxing or threading over a sunburn isn’t going to be fun.
If it's that time of the month, you might want to consider postponing treatment since some find their skin is extra sensitive around this time. This decision is just a personal preference and won't cause you any harm if you choose to have it done.
Takeaways On Threading and Waxing
There are positives and negatives when it comes to threading and waxing. Threading is generally better for those with sensitive skin since there's not as much contact with the skin. Waxing is a quicker process, and, if done right, it’s a less painful procedure.
No matter what option you choose, TatBrow products can help you fill in any areas that need a few extra hairs. Our products are long-lasting, waterproof, and look natural.
Sources:
Waxing vs. Threading - How to choose? | Being Healthfull
Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing: Pros and Cons of Both | Healthline
Celebrity Brow Experts Explain the Difference Between Threading and Waxing | Byrdie.