Threading vs. Waxing: Which is Better?
By: Kunti Patel
What is Threading?
Threading has its roots in Central Asia and Eastern cultures. While some argue that it originated in the Middle East or South Asia, 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 than 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.
You might wonder if there’s a special type of thread for this process. In my experience, I've used regular sewing thread and even dental floss for shaping clients' eyebrows. However, nothing compares to my favorite—Griffin 40, Art 552M Tkt. 40, 300m cotton thread. A special thanks to my parents for always finding a way to send it to me from India!
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages:
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.
Disadvantages:
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.
Additionally, you can get threaded on your:
- Forehead (an absolute game changer to your skin and makeup routine)
- Chin (beneficial for anyone who has thicker chin hairs)
- Cheeks (often done with a full-face threading, it hurts a lot, you're wildin if you do this)
- Sideburns (great for anyone who is a bit self conscious of how "thick" their hair might be)
- Upper Lips (also a game changer to your skin and makeup routine, plus your confidence after >>)
What is 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.
However, when it comes to eyebrows, the process can be quite tricky. Personally, I’ve never had my eyebrows waxed. While I might consider getting a Brazilian wax before a vacation, I’ll likely steer clear of waxing for my eyebrows.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
The waxing process is straightforward and can easily be done at home. Many salons or beauty parlors may charge you for the service, often amounting to what you would spend on the materials themselves. If you’re waxing any part of your body, consider using an old cloth—perhaps cutting up an old shirt—to remove the wax instead of wasting disposable wax strips.
If you’re attempting to wax your eyebrows, I recommend mapping out your desired shape with white eyeliner or lip liner. When applying the wax, do so in the opposite direction of hair growth. If needed, enlist someone to help pull the skin above and below your eyebrows to avoid pinching yourself.
Using wax can help you achieve a smooth and even surface in just minutes. I definitely recommend body waxing for areas like your legs and underarms, as these are common areas people often shave. Additionally, I highly recommend the GRADIENT Collection Booty Scrub after shaving the vaginal area for optimal skin care.
Disadvantages
The high temperature of wax can cause hair to sizzle and break, increasing the likelihood of developing new skin and experiencing ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can lead to itchy and sometimes painful bumps. One effective way to prevent this is by using a gentle exfoliator that won’t irritate your skin.
When it comes to precision, threading is undoubtedly the superior method. With waxing, a technician typically just "waxes your eyebrows" and plucks any stray hairs—tasks you can easily do at home. This often results in paying more than necessary. Personally, I’ve seen many post-wax eyebrows and often think, “I would have done that differently!”
Have you ever experienced breakouts after waxing? It’s more common than you might think. It’s crucial to avoid waxing while using retinols or Accutane, as many individuals have allergic reactions that can lead to skin irritation, redness, or breakouts. If there’s a better option available, why not give it a try?
I recently came across an interesting finding worth mentioning: According to a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, of 28 women who developed folliculitis after waxing, an estimated 100% had waxed their arms (MedicalNewsToday, 2019). Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles are damaged during rough hair removal. If bacteria, naturally present on the outer layer of your skin, infect the hair follicle, it can result in itchy bumps and red rings around them.
MY TAKE...
I have been threading since I was 13 years old, and I can confidently say that the experience leaves you feeling different than a typical waxing appointment—at least with me, it does. I’ve only had my eyebrows waxed once, and I won’t be doing that again. I truly admire anyone who can endure the pain of threading. While some people claim it's not so bad and that you eventually get used to it, I find that I can neither tolerate the discomfort nor trust anyone else with my eyebrows.
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. I believe each person is born with features that are beautiful and distinct. If there’s a part of your body you’re not completely happy with, you have every right to change it—but more importantly, embrace it. No one needs to alter their appearance, but if there’s something you’re still struggling to accept, I’m here to help.
I hope to see some new faces soon!
That's all for now,
Thanks for your time,
xo, Kunti