First Eyebrow Threading? Here's What You Need to Know (2024)

Good news: It lasts longer than tweezing at home.

First Eyebrow Threading? Here's What You Need to Know (1)Harper's Bazaar Staff

Unlike other beauty trends, eyebrow threading wasn't tailor-made for social media (though eyebrow threading videos do have an ASMR-like quality). It's a salon treatment to remove extra hairs above and below your natural eyebrow shape. The results are red-carpet precise without the pain of microblading or waxing.

If you're looking for a new way to groom and reshape your eyebrows, eyebrow threading should be on the table. And although DIY threading is gaining traction (read this before attempting!), there's nothing that will compare to a professional treatment. Here's what you need to know before booking your first appointment that Instagram scrolling alone won't tell you.

The Treatment

Eyebrow threading has been around much longer than the treatment's recent rise would have you think. The technique has been used in parts of Asia for centuries to remove unwanted eyebrow hairs.

"Threading is an ancient hair removal technique that's been around for centuries that is ideal for hair removal on small areas like the brows, upper lip and sides of the face," explains Umbreen Sheikh, founder of Wink Brow Bar in New York City. "A twisted cotton thread is used to gently pull the hair from the follicle," Sheikh explains. More specifically, "The technician twists the thread into a loop and then lassos it by repeatedly twisting the loop and threading the hair in the opposite direction from where your hair is growing. The thread is then pulled slightly to gently remove the hair from the follicle." It may sound tedious, but with an experienced eyebrow threader you can expect to be in and out of the salon within a half hour (or less).

First Eyebrow Threading? Here's What You Need to Know (3)

Is Threading Painful?

Ripping hair out of its follicle sounds more painful than it is. Eyebrow threading is widely considered the most gentle form of eyebrow grooming because it's only pulling on eyebrow hairs. Read: The skin surrounding your eyebrows won't be pulled or pricked like it would be in waxing or microblading. "There is a level of discomfort that you have to get used to and most people think that the top part of the brow is less sensitive than the underneath part," explains Sheikh, adding that one benefit of threading is that it's completely product-free. "Most people that love threading feel that the discomfort is worth it given the natural, organic process."

The Results

If you're looking for sharp, defined brows, you're in the right place. By moving hair-by-hair, eyebrow threading delivers precise results no matter the length of the hair. "This means you can go longer between appointments with cleaner brows," says Sheikh. The exact length of time the shaping will last varies from person to person, but "At Wink Brow Bar we like to quote anywhere from 2-4 weeks," says Sheikh. Plus, she adds, the longer you thread, the longer you may be able to go between adding to your calendar. "As you thread regularly the hair starts to grow on the same cycle and it lasts longer. Also, 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 so it gets less and less painful and quicker as you keep going," explains Sheikh.

Benefits aside, there are some side effects you may way to keep an eye on. All that pulling on hair follicles can result in redness around your eyebrows following the treatment; sensitive faces may have subtle irritation as well. If that's the case, ask your stylist for a cooling gel, like aloe vera, to calm your skin.

The Cost

Eyebrow threading appointments are comparable to waxing. Depending on the salon you're visiting and the rates in your area, you can expect to pay between $10 and $40 for the service—a small price to pay for ultra-precise eyebrows.

Watch Next

First Eyebrow Threading? Here's What You Need to Know (4)

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Skincare

Shop These 16 Eye Creams for Puffiness Shop Sofia Coppola x Augustinus Bader Lip BalmsThe “Unsexy” Beauty Products I’m LovingThe 9 Best Eco-Friendly Razors to Shop Now

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

For Brighter Skin, Try These Dark Spot CorrectorsThe 9 Best Lactic Acid Serums 15 Aluminum-Free Deodorants to Keep You FreshShop Our Favorites: The Best Moisturizers for Men
The 2024 Skincare AwardsGet Glowing With Our Favorite Self-Tanning LotionsPresented by EltaMDThese Beloved SPFs Are Perfect for Melanated Skin10 Coveted Sunscreens Perfect for K-Beauty Lovers

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

First Eyebrow Threading? Here's What You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

First Eyebrow Threading? Here's What You Need to Know? ›

Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the skin around your eyebrows a day or two before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. Come without makeup: When you get to your appointment, don't wear any eyebrow makeup. A clean surface will help the technician assess your brows accurately.

What not to do before eyebrow threading? ›

If you've prepped your skin nicely the day before your session, don't clog it up again with makeup before your appointment. It's best to avoid wearing any makeup on your eyebrows and eyelids whatsoever. You should also avoid wearing mascara if possible.

What to do after first eyebrow threading? ›

Stay Away from Makeup: Hold off on applying makeup, especially directly on the threaded area, for at least 24 hours. Let your skin breathe and recover. Soothe with Aloe Vera: A natural remedy, aloe vera gel can be applied to reduce any immediate redness or swelling.

What are the cons of eyebrow threading? ›

As opposed to waxing, the top layers of skin are not peeled or traumatized in the process. It is important to find an aesthetician who is experienced at eyebrow threading. Inexperienced aesthetician/beautician can result in uneven brows, hair breakage, ingrown hairs, or unnecessary pain and other complications.

What are the do's and don'ts after threading? ›

Avoid touching the treated area for 2-4 hours. No make-up or perfumed products should be applied for 2-4 hours. Avoid steam treatment or heat source like sun bathing / tanning beds, hot baths or sauna for at least 24 hours. Avoid swimming or spray tanning 24-48 hours post threading.

How many hours before I can wash my face after eyebrow threading? ›

This can clog the pores that were opened during the threading process and lead to a breakout or minor skin infection. A gentle face wash is recommended a few hours after your treatment, but ensure that you do not exfoliate for at least 24 hours.

How long do eyebrows look good after threading? ›

How long does threading last? Depending on your hair type and area of the face, full re-growth can be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. 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.

Should I moisturize before threading? ›

Preparing your skin for threading can make a world of difference, especially if you have sensitive skin. Here are some steps to follow: Start by cleansing your face with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Then, a day before your threading session, exfoliate the skin and moisturize thoroughly.

Do eyebrows get thinner after threading? ›

“The trauma inflicted on hair follicles during waxing, tweezing, and threading can lead to permanent follicular damage,” explains Dr. Umar. “Women who grew up in the height of the '90s overplucked, pencil-thin brow trend have begun to notice the difficulty in growing thicker eyebrows after years of this habit.”

What is better than eyebrow threading? ›

The Pros. 'Waxing is instant, provides good results and is widely available,' says Riley. 'It is suited for clients that find threading and tweezing very painful. The hairs can grow back softer and finer with regular usage.

How badly does eyebrow threading hurt? ›

With any hair-removal technique, there will always be some level of discomfort. Threading, however, is the least painful. This is because the hair is removed directly from the root. If you've ever tweezed your brows, you can compare the feeling of threading to plucking five hairs at once.

What are the long term effects of threading eyebrows? ›

Other complications include erythema, folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis, hyperpigmentation, and depigmentation, including koebnerization of vitiligo.

How to do threading for beginners? ›

Open up the loop and hand in the opposite direction that you want to thread (left hand to thread to the right; right hand to thread to the left). Place the twisted section of the thread under the hair that needs removing. Make sure to thread the eyebrows in the opposite direction from which your hair grows.

What to ask for when getting eyebrows threaded? ›

Not everyone looks good with all eyebrow types, but this gives your technician something to start with. If you're unsure, ask them to do what they think will look best or use minimal guiding terms. If you don't want them too thin or too thick, say so. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.

How do you shape eyebrows with thread for beginners? ›

Place the twisted part of the loop over the part of the eyebrow you want to thread. Locate the hair that needs to be removed and position the twist of the loop against that hair. Also, place the twist of the loop against the direction of hair growth in order to prevent ingrown hairs from developing in your brows.

Should I wash my face before getting my eyebrows threaded? ›

Cleanse Your Face

On the day of your appointment, cleanse your face thoroughly, paying particular attention to your eyebrow area. Remove any makeup, oils, or debris to create a clean surface for threading. By doing these, the threading process becomes more precise and efficient.

What do you need to know before getting your eyebrows threaded? ›

Before sitting for your threading session, it is recommended you let the brow hairs grow out 2-3 weeks in advance. By having your eyebrows with the full hair growth our technician will be able to create the most suitable and desired shape according to your face.

Should I shower before threading? ›

Soaking yourself before shaving makes it easy to get clean and smooth skin. Similarly, threading after a warm shower makes it easy to pluck a hair. The roots become soft, making it easier to pull. If you cannot get in the shower, make sure to splash your face with lukewarm water before the beautician starts her job.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 5401

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.