Should You Switch From Brow Threading To Waxing? Here's What You Need To Know Before Booking In (2024)

Nineties beauty trends such as the layered bob and frosty eyeshadows might have made a comeback, but the one look that's left many a millennial scarred for good is the over-plucked, skinny eyebrow. In fact, if the AW24 is any indication, letting your brows live their best life is the way to go.

If you are keen to keep your brows looking groomed, the best alternative would be to either thread or wax. These pro treatments help to shape and define your eyebrows whilst making the most of your natural arches.

But, how do you know which one is right for you? Or, really what's involved in the first place? We quizzed celebrity brow expert and founder of Nails & Brows, Sherrille Riley, The London Dolls founder Beth Camilleri, and Jaimineey Patel, Blink Brow Bar 's head of training, on all of your burning questions about eyebrow waxing versus eyebrow threading.

What's the difference between waxing and threading?

Eyebrow waxing is...

...when warm wax is thinly applied with a wooden spatula to the hairs that will be removed, a paper strip is then applied directly over the area with the wax, gentle pressure is applied to ensure the hairs in the wax stick to the paper, the paper is then swiftly pulled away, pulling the hairs out directly from the root.

Eyebrow threading is...

... an ancient hair removal technique that originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. The skin is first sanitised for preparation and then an in-depth consultation is carried out to ensure the right shape and thickness will be achieved.

With eyes closed, skin is held taught for support. A piece of thread that is specially coated with anti-bacterial wax is then twisted in the hands of the professional, to create a mini-lasso, this removes the hairs quickly and directly from the follicles. The salon may also trim the hairs to neaten the brows and define the shape.

Eyebrow Waxing

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.'

The Cons

'The expert using this technique must be very experienced as it is less accurate than threading,' explains Riley. 'Waxing is not suitable for anyone undergoing chemical peels or using retinol (or taking certain medications). It is also not suited to those with extremely sensitive skin.'

That's because, waxing is generally considered to be quite harsh on the skin and can cause sensitivity particularly if you're a first timer. 'As you are using warm wax which must be pulled away to remove the hairs; this can cause stress to the skin,' agrees Patel. There's also a lack of control when it comes to waxing, she notes. 'It’s fiddly which can result in uneven or sparse brows.'

Eyebrow Threading

The Pros

'Threading is better for allergy sufferers or if you get those god awful pimples after a wax', says Camilleri. 'Some say its a smoother and precise finish - you can get all of the tiny hairs in that are rolled into the thread.'

Threading can also result in a more precise finish (read: twinning eyebrows). ‘It's a method of hair removal that will not only remove every stray hair and shape your eyebrows with perfect precision but creates definition and provides a smooth finish that no other method of hair removal can achieve,’ adds Patel.

'Threading is suitable for everyone, from all skin types to all brow shapes,' she notes. 'As threading simply involves using a cotton thread to remove hair from its root, it is the least invasive method of hair removal. It is perfect for those with sensitive skin looking to move away from chemical methods of hair removal.'

The Cons

'It's tough work for the client to keep the skin pulled so tight each time- you can nick the skin and cut it if the skin is not pulled tight enough!', explains Camilleri. 'The pain of a threading is also more irritating - like teeny tiny elastic bands going off on your forehead - oh and (it can) make you sneeze a lot!'

Should people with sensitive skin avoid threading or waxing?

'Extremely sensitive skin types should avoid waxing as it can be aggressive on the skin. Our bespoke approach at Nails & Brows allows us to use a combination of threading, waxing and tweezing to achieve the best results,' explains Riley.

Can you be allergic to waxing or threading?

It is quite uncommon but sensitive skin can react to waxing. An allergy test can be done 24 hours before if uncertain. Some people may find that they break out into spots after threading, so good hygiene must be practiced by using clean string each time and sanitising the skin first.

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Which lasts longer, waxing or threading?

Both techniques remove the hairs from the follicles so results generally last between four to six weeks, depending on the individual.

Is waxing or threading more painful?

For most, threading is more painful as it takes longer to do, whilst waxing is quicker. Threading is often the most requested for precision results so people are prepared to forgo the pain in favour of good results.

Is threading or waxing better for bushier brows?

'Threading. It's more delicate and technicians have more control of the shape,' explains Camilleri. Patel agrees: ‘There is much more control with threading, it removes hair from the root so gives a wonderfully clean finish and therefore longer lasting results.'

What prep should you do before getting your eyebrows waxed or threaded?

• Good hygiene practice is best carried out before and after to avoid skin pimples afterwards.
• If opting for wax, avoid using products that contain AHAs such as glycolic acid as this can make the skin more fragile.
• Avoid applying make-up to the area directly afterwards as the follicles are open which can lead to pimples.
• Stay out of direct sunlight the day before and after your waxing or threading as UV exposure can make skin more sensitive.
• If you are on your period it may be worth rescheduling your waxing or threading appointment. Fluctuations in hormones during your period can increase sensitivity so you may find it more painful than usual.

Waxing Vs Threading - The Verdict

Waxing is perfect for super thick brows and for clients that find brow shaping really painful. It's quick with instant results so is a good option for those that don’t like the threading or tweezing.

Threading is good for clients with sensitive skin and good for anyone that has recently had skin peels or is on medication that would prevent them from waxing.

Choosing between the two is really about personal preference as both provide fantastic results. Within the ELLE beauty circle, threading is the preferred choice for its natural results.