In an era where Cara-esque bushy brows reign supreme, you don’t want to be caught with a pair of tweezers plunging.
What, therefore, is the alternative? We’re talking about a professional procedure that shapes and defines your brows while maximizing your natural fluff – we’re talking waxing or threading.
However, how can you determine which one is the best fit for you? Or, more precisely, what is at stake in the first place? We questioned Sherrille Riley, celebrity brow specialist and founder of Nails & Brows, and Beth Camilleri, proprietor of The London Dolls, on all of your eyebrow waxing vs. eyebrow threading must-know questions.
Thus, you may put an end to your do-it-yourself plucking.
How are waxing and threading different?
Eyebrow waxing is a procedure in which warm wax is applied thinly to the hairs to be removed with a wooden spatula, a paper strip is then placed directly over the area with the wax, gentle pressure is applied to ensure the hairs in the wax adhere to the paper, and the paper is swiftly removed, removing the hairs directly from the root.
Threading the brows is an old hair removal method that originated in Asia. After sanitizing the skin for preparation, an in-depth consultation is conducted to guarantee the desired form and thickness are attained.
When the eyelids are closed, the skin is kept taut to provide support. A length of thread that has been carefully treated with anti-bacterial wax is then twisted in the hands of the expert to form a mini-lasso, which swiftly and effectively eliminates hairs from the follicles. Additionally, the hairdresser may clip the hairs to neaten and define the contour of the brows.
Waxing of the eyebrows
The Advantages
‘Waxing is quick, effective, and readily available,’ Riley explains. ‘It is ideal for individuals who are sensitive to threading and tweezing. With continued use, the hairs might regrow softer and finer.’
The Negatives
‘The expert employing this technique must be quite skilled, as it is less precise than threading,’ Riley adds. ‘Waxing is not recommended for individuals who have had chemical peels or are using Retinol. Additionally, it is not recommended for people with severely sensitive skin.’
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Threading the brows
The Advantages
‘Threading is preferable for allergy sufferers or if you develop those godawful pimples following a wax,’ Camilleri explains. ‘Some claim it produces a smoother, more accurate finish because it allows for the inclusion of all of the small hairs that are rolled into the thread.’
The Negatives
‘It’s the strenuous effort for the client to maintain the skin pulled that tightly each time—you may nick and cut the skin if it’s not pulled tightly enough!’, Camilleri adds. ‘The discomfort associated with threading is even more annoying – similar to teeny-tiny elastic bands snapping on your forehead – and it makes you sneeze a lot!’
Should those with sensitive skin abstain from threading and waxing?
‘Extremely sensitive skin types should avoid waxing due to the abrasive nature of the procedure. At Nails & Brows, our personalized technique enables us to get the greatest results with a combination of threading, waxing, and tweezing,’ Riley adds.
Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to waxing or threading?
‘While it is extremely rare, sensitive skin might react to waxing. If in doubt, an allergy test can be performed 24 hours prior. Certain individuals may experience breakouts following threading; thus, proper hygiene must be followed by using clean string each time and sanitizing the skin prior.’
Which is more durable, waxing or threading?
‘If done properly, they both last the same length of time. Due to the fact that both methods remove hair from the follicles, 4 to 6 weeks is an average duration, depending on the person.’
Which is more painful, waxing or threading?
‘Most people believe threading is more painful than waxing since it takes longer to do. Threading is frequently the most desired procedure for precise outcomes, and individuals are willing to forego the discomfort in exchange for good results.’
Is threading or waxing more effective in creating bushier brows?
‘Threading. It’s more sensitive, and specialists have a greater degree of control over the form,’ Camilleri adds.
What preparation should you make before having your brows waxed or threaded?
- Proper cleanliness practices should be followed both before and after to avoid skin pimples.
- If you choose to wax, avoid products that include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), as they might make the skin more delicate.
- Avoid putting makeup to the region immediately afterward since the follicles will be open, resulting in pimples.
- I would advise you to avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds the day before and after your waxing or threading, as UV exposure can irritate the skin.
- It may be worthwhile to reschedule your waxing or threading session if you are on your period. Hormonal fluctuations during your period might exacerbate sensitivity, making it more uncomfortable than normal.
The Verdict on Waxing vs Threading
Waxing is ideal for individuals with extremely dense brows or those who find brow shaping extremely unpleasant. It’s fast and has immediate effects, making it an excellent alternative for people who dislike threading or tweezing.
Threading is beneficial for customers with delicate skin and for those who have recently had skin peels or are on medication that precludes them from waxing.
Choosing between the two is just a matter of personal choice since both deliver exceptional results. Although I would argue that threading is the most often requested approach by my clients at the moment.