Your Guide to Eyebrow Threading vs Waxing
Both threading and waxing remove eyebrow hairs from the root to sculpt your ideal brow shape. But which option is better? If you’re searching for answers in the great threading vs waxing debate, you came to the right place! Today, we’re discussing how each method works, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both, to help you make the best choice.
What is eyebrow threading?
Eyebrow threading is an ancient technique that’s seen a resurgence in popularity. Here’s what you need to know about this hair removal procedure.
How does eyebrow threading work?
During a threading session, your treatment specialist will use a wax-coated cotton thread, which is strategically coiled, to pull hairs from your brows. As your provider passes the thread across your brows, it plucks out unwanted hair.
Benefits of eyebrow threading
Threading can be a very precise way to shape your brows. It may also offer a more gentle solution for people with a particularly sensitive skin type.
Drawbacks of eyebrow threading
While eyebrow threading can create a defined brow, finding an experienced, talented treatment specialist can be a challenge, especially if you don’t live in a big city with plenty of options. We’ve heard of cases in which clients had painful treatments at the hands of an unskilled threader. Additionally, some find the process more uncomfortable than waxing.
What to expect with eyebrow waxing
Waxing is incredibly popular for many reasons. In turn, it’s usually easy to find a great treatment specialist, no matter where you’re located. Here’s what to expect from a waxing session.
Before your waxing appointment
Starting about a month before your first waxing appointment, you’ll want to put down the tweezers and let your brows go au naturale. As your waxing session approaches, stop using chemical exfoliants and harsh actives like retinols. We suggest avoiding these products starting two weeks before your scheduled appointment.
During your appointment
Your treatment specialist will start by cleansing the skin around your brows to remove dirt, oils, and makeup. In some cases, they may trim any long strands or apply a moisturizing oil to protect your skin.
Most providers use soft wax on eyebrows for the ultimate precision. They’ll apply a layer of wax and top it with a wax strip, then remove it in one swift pull. If needed, they’ll pluck any remaining hairs the wax didn’t capture.
After eyebrow waxing
Freshly waxed skin will be more sensitive than usual. It’s essential to avoid sun exposure, excessive heat, exercise, and makeup for the first 24 hours.
Be sure to apply a full-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin in the days after treatment. If you feel discomfort, you can apply a cold compress or a gentle moisturizer to soothe your skin.
What are the differences between eyebrow threading vs waxing?
Threading and waxing are very different modalities to define your brows and achieve your desired aesthetic. Here are some of the key distinctions between these hair removal techniques.
Technique
Waxing is very straightforward. You apply wax in one direction and remove it in the opposite direction to sculpt the exact shape you want.
On the contrary, threading offers much less control, pulling hairs in pretty much any direction the thread dictates. This can lead to damaged follicles and higher pain levels than other methods without proper experience and technique.
Results
Just as techniques vary, so do the results. Unless your threading specialist comes highly recommended, it can be hard to trust you’ll get the results you want. After all, wayward threads can be much less precise than a sleek line of wax.
Since threading doesn’t necessarily remove each and every hair from the root, many find that they get longer-lasting results from waxing.
Precision
You can think of threading and waxing as art forms. They both require skill, precision, and a steady hand. However, creating perfectly shaped brows with thread is substantially harder than with wax. As such, you might be left with uneven eyebrows.
Time
An eyebrow wax can easily take as little as 10 minutes. It’s a quick and easy appointment that won’t take much time out of your day. A threading service takes about the same amount of time to complete, as your technician removes hairs to create an ideal shape.
Skin sensitivity
All hair removal methods come with associated risks. Waxing can cause minor irritation, such as redness and discomfort. While threading won’t cause an allergic reaction, a less-skilled practitioner can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection and other adverse effects.
Discover the most comfortable eyebrow waxing experience at The Wax Studio!
At The Wax Studio, we’re committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and effective hair removal experience for all of our clients in the Salem area! We will happily wax everything from brows to bikini lines and beyond!
Contact us today or book an appointment online to get started!