Cost, Upkeep, and How It Works

Waxing, microblading, and tweezing are all tried-and-true hair removal methods. However, eyebrow threading is a cost-effective alternative that's equally good at shaping your brows. Plus, it's much gentler and less painful than other options like waxing or plucking.

With origins in Asia, the treatment has been around for centuries. But anyone who's never had their eyebrows threaded probably wonders how a single piece of string shapes brows and gets rid of stray hairs.

That's why we turned to brow expert Umbreen Sheikh and esthetician Khadijah Ayanna to clear the confusion on how eyebrow threading works.

Meet the expert

Keep reading for what to expect during a threading appointment and if it's less painful than waxing.

What Is Eyebrow Threading?

Eyebrow threading is using a piece of thread to remove hair from the brow area to shape your brows. The hair is removed from the follicle, but it doesn't damage the skin. This hair removal method allows for eagle-eyed precision, and the thread can pull out even the smallest hairs.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Before the actual threading happens, you'll be given a consultation to decide on the shape. While you're sitting on a chair, the threading artist will ask you to close your eyes and lean back so they can start threading. Whether the artist is working on the top, middle, or bottom of your brow, you'll feel the thread removing hair — akin to small pinches. The whole process takes around 15 minutes to complete.

The Benefits of Eyebrow Threading

Threading is much more precise than waxing, so your threading artist can remove finer hairs that usually don't stick to the 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 explained.

Threading is also a great option if you have sensitive skin that's prone to irritation.

Sheikh noted it's a natural, organic technique that doesn't use harsh chemicals on your face, telling InStyle, "People on particular medications or with certain skin conditions may turn to thread to remove their hair because it's gentler on the skin than some other types of hair removal.

"For example, some dermatologists recommend that people who use acne medications — including Accutane and topical retinoid creams — choose threading over waxing because the former only affects hair and not the skin underneath," she said. 

The Process Doesn't Hurt as Much as Waxing

Since threading only removes the actual brow hair and no skin, it hurts a lot less 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 [irritated], but this [irritation] is from stimulation of the skin, not through excess skin removal that can happen from waxing," explained Sheikh.

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Results Last for Weeks

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 sparse and finer after repeated threading because hair is pulled out at the root, which gets weakened through this process," said Sheikh.

It Isn't More Expensive Than Other Methods

Threading costs around the same as waxing and sugaring. The price will vary depending on where you live and the type of salon you go to, but you can expect to pay between $25 to $35. At Wink, an appointment will set you back $27.

When to Avoid Eyebrow Threading

"The only times I say someone should not get their eyebrows threaded are if they just had surgery or if the eyebrow area is infected," said Ayanna. 

If your the skin around your eyes is dry or irritated, it may also be a good idea not to get your eyebrows threaded.

All in all, if you can't afford microblading — or if waxing or tweezing is simply too painful — eyebrow threading might just be the brow grooming method for you.

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