I do not have nice eyebrows.
In fact, they’re down right scary when allowed to grow naturally!
They’re big, bushy, and seem to take up my entire forehead.
I can’t go long in between hair removal treatments.
But I began to wonder about which treatment was the best option.
There are many differences between threading vs waxing.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons, which should help you answer this question for yourself-should I get my eyebrows waxed or threaded?
Let’s find out!
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What Is Threading?
Threading is a unique way to remove hair. The person completing the treatment doubles a thin piece of thread, twists it, and then rolls it over areas containing unwanted hair.
The hairs are caught in the thread, which is tightened around them, and then plucked at the follicle level.
Pros & Cons of Threading
I’ve tried threading a few times, and I’ve found that there are several benefits of threading eyebrows. While there are some issues with the procedure, I keep coming back because there are some awesome perks.
Take a look at the pros and cons of threading to see if it’s an option you’d like to consider between threading vs waxing.
Pros
- I’ve found that threading provides a very natural look. You have more control over the hairs being removed and can create a very custom look. Is threading good for face hair? I’ve found it to be best for eyebrows. I wouldn’t recommend it for other areas of unwanted facial hair.
- Threading is more natural. Heat isn’t necessary and there are no chemicals used. If you have sensitive skin, this could be a real bonus.
- Threading is also very fast. If you’re working with a beautician who’s very skilled and your eyebrow shape is defined, it should only take a few minutes to get your brows where you want them.
Cons
- It’s hard to find someone qualified for threading. I would advise you to be cautious of the pop-up threading “salons”. It’s hard to verify credentials at the mall. I only like to work with threading beauticians employed at salons with great reputations.
- Irritation isn’t likely, but some can still experience redness and soreness after a threading appointment.
- There are some concerns over the cleanliness of threading. Be cautious of beauticians who place the thread in their mouths.
- Some find threading to be more expensive. This will most likely depend on how readily available it is in your area. If there is little competition, you can expect to pay more.
- You have to wait for your hair to be longer with threading than you do waxing. This means your eyebrows can look unrulier after threading when waiting for the next treatment.
- While waxing can be used on other areas of unwanted hair, threading should only be used for eyebrows. If you need to remove hair in more intimate areas but prefer not to wax, consider finding the best bikini trimmer.
What Is Waxing?
Waxing is a common hair removal method that can be used over the entire body. Very warm wax is applied to the area with unwanted hair.
A piece of cloth is placed over the wax before it dries. Once the wax is dry, the strip is quickly pulled away from the skin, bringing the hair along with it.
Pros & Cons of Waxing
I’ve relied on waxing many times during my life. It’s not so bad once you get used to it. I’ve actually sold a lot of my friends on waxing.
But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when you’re wondering about eyebrow threading vs waxing:
Pros
- In my experience, waxing left me with the longest amount of time in between appointments. This might not be the same for everyone, but if you want to spend more time out of the chair, waxing could be your best option.
- Although not guaranteed, some experience regrowth that is thinner and finer.
- It’s easy to find a salon that offers eyebrow waxing. You can even complete the treatment in your own bathroom with an at-home kit, but for about the same price, you can rest easy and have a professional do it.
Cons
- It’s not uncommon for people to be allergic or sensitive to the wax. This is because the temperature can be too high for some, especially in such a delicate area, and the chemicals included in the wax can quickly lead to irritation, redness, and bumps if there is a chance for an allergic reaction.
- Waxing can give some brows too much definition. You might need to rely more on powder and eyebrow liner to get the natural look you’re after.
- Some experience little to no regrowth, which can be a problem when it’s time to reshape your brow due to personal preference or current trends.
- Skin can be permanently altered by hot wax. It can either be burned or begin to develop hyperpigmentation, leaving you with skin around your eyebrows that doesn’t match the skin on your face in texture or shade.
Which One Has a Better Finish?
It’s difficult to determine the better outcome between eyebrow threading vs waxing. The answer to this will be based on your beautician. Neither one guarantees a better result than the other.
Threading will give you a more natural look, while waxing will give you a sharper look. Which one is best for you is a matter of preference.
I’ve only used beauticians who have been recommended to me by friends who have used their services in the past. I’ve never been a fan of walking into a salon or stopping at a kiosk in the mall and letting someone attack my eyebrows without knowing their skill level.
Make sure you discuss your treatment before it starts. I know a friend who only wanted a few stray hairs removed, but she didn’t explain this in enough detail to the beautician.
She ended up with pencil-thin eyebrows that did not do her any favors.
Be very direct with the final shape you want. I always like to bring a picture with me, especially when working with someone new or if I’ve let my brows get completely out of hand.
Finally, listen to your beautician. They’ll have an idea of what shape will look best for your face. This is their profession, after all. If you aren’t sure, ask for a second opinion. But in my experience, a properly trained beautician will instantly know the perfect shape for your eyebrow.
Which One Hurts More?
Pain is an important factor to consider when it comes to waxing vs threading. But does threading hurt more than waxing? The answer is up for debate.
In my experience, threading hurts more. But I have a friend who swears waxing hurts more. However, she had never waxed before her appointment.
So maybe, because I’m used to the sensation of waxing, I found the threading to be more painful only because it was a new sensation.
Either way, removing hair is going to hurt a bit. Luckily, both techniques are over fairly quickly.
If pain is holding you back, I can assure you that after having your eyebrows waxed a few times, you become accustomed to the pain.
I also say a few minutes of discomfort is worth not looking like I have a caterpillar on my head. Makeup can’t cover up eyebrows, ladies!
Which One Takes Longer?
Eyebrow threading should take less than 10 minutes. If your eyebrows aren’t as crazy as mine, it could be done in as little as five minutes.
A waxing can take up to 30 minutes if the beautician needs to shape your brows. I’ve had mine waxed several times, so my beautician usually finishes both eyebrows in about 15 minutes.
When it comes to the length of waxing vs threading treatments, the difference can be measured in minutes.
Which One Costs More?
There isn’t much of a cost difference when it comes to threading vs waxing eyebrows. I’ve seen some salons charge more for threading while others charge more for waxing.
The difference is usually just a few dollars, so I’ve never considered this a big deciding factor.
Will My Eyebrows Grow Back at the Top After Threading?
Yes, your hair should grow back. You aren’t permanently altering or damaging the hair follicle. It will most likely take several weeks, but you will notice new hair growth.
If this is your deciding factor between threading vs waxing eyebrows, I would try both and see which gives you longer results.
If you’re hoping to speed up the growth to reshape your eyebrow, add a bit of castor oil to the area every night before bed.
Will My Eyebrows Grow Back After Waxing?
Yes, your hair will grow back. I’ve been waxing for years and I’ve never noticed a difference in my eyebrow hair. It grows back the same color, the same thickness, and in the same direction.
I have heard that some people have difficulty regrowing eyebrow hair once they’re ready to try a new brow shape. This is because the follicles can become damaged.
This isn’t ideal though, so make sure you’re working with a licensed beautician who can prevent permanent damage.
Skin Care Tips After Threading
There are several things you can do to keep your skin happy and healthy after a threading treatment. Whether you go for your first or tenth treatment, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid anything with bleach in it. This ingredient can cause itching and irritation. If you use a product with bleach, wait at least one hour before applying it.
- Don’t touch the area. Threading opens up pores, so avoid touching with your hands or anything else. You don’t want to transfer germs to the area, which can result in an infection or ingrown hair.
- Avoid facials or steam showers. Your skin can react in the opposite manner, becoming dry and cracked in the eyebrow area.
- Avoid using exfoliating creams or products to treat redness. If your skin is irritated, use a simple ice pack to soothe and calm the skin. If the condition worsens, use aloe vera or rose water, neither of which should make the irritation worse.
- Stay out of the sun for several hours after a threating appointment. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and prone to burning or damage.
Skin Care Tips After Waxing
Waxing can give you smooth, flawless result, but it’s going to take a bit of work. Make sure you follow these tips for your waxing day.
I’ve found that if I don’t take the proper precautions after a waxing, I pay for nearly a week with red and irritated skin.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure for a day after waxing. You’ll want to give your waxing a time out if you’re going on vacation or have a special event coming up.
- Don’t put on any creams or lotions for at least 12 hours or you might experience an unpleasant burning sensation.
- Don’t touch the area, for the same reasons as when threading. The pores are open, and you don’t want to introduce bacteria to the area. If you are concerned about infection, use a tea tree oil solution to keep the area clean.
- To prevent ingrown hairs, gently exfoliate the area every few days. Don’t feel like you need to scrub. Just a light touch will remove excess dead skin cells and prevent pores from becoming blocked.
The difference between waxing and threading eyebrows comes down to just a few details. At the end of the day, it’s really all about your personal preferences.
There are many options out there for hair removal. When it comes to threading vs waxing, some swear by threading while others will only wax.
Take your pain tolerance, schedule, and desired outcome into consideration and you’re sure to know which is right for you.
You also have other options. You can pluck, or accept your eyebrows as they are. As long as you’re happy, you’ve made the right choice!