Eyebrow Threading

Getting your eyebrows threaded is a singular experience, especially if you are accustomed to waxing. How do the two compare?

Threading: A hair removal technique popular in the Middle and Far East for millennia, it is now receiving its fair share of customers in the West. The aesthetician uses a loop of thread, though it looks like two separate pieces, and twisting it around your eyebrow hairs and tweezes. At first I typed 'pluck' but then I remembered my aesthetician correcting me saying, "You pluck chickens, not eyebrows." Thanks, Autumn!

The first time I had my eyebrows threaded it felt...odd. It didn't hurt at all, then again I have a high pain threshold. Nonetheless, I think it much more pleasurable than, say, tweezing. Or at least the way I tweeze because I'm just not good at it. My regrowth period was about the same as when I have my brows waxed, which is three weeks. If you're interested check at your local salons. Irritation is slight but do not have threading done if you have any bumps or pimples under your brows. You do not want to go there.

As I said, threading is gaining in popularity over here so some of everyone is providing the service. If you are in Chicago check out Sarah at Havana Nights Nails & Spa, but it is best you get a reference from someone you trust. Since it is popular someone may attempt to do it even though they do not have the skill. Though not as tragic as a poorly done chemical service, who wants to walk around with wonky brows? Prices for threading start at a minimal $8.


Waxing: My personal preference. I enjoy the hot wax on my face. It just feels so relaxing. I had my eyebrows waxed for the first time when I was about eleven years old. Basically because I am so very hairy. My aunt took me and it was almost like a ritual, a young lady getting her first eyebrow manicure.

The redness factor is a big minus but if your aesthetician is worth their weight in wax, irritation will be next to nothing. The wax is smoothed onto the hairs that need removal, then the strip is placed on top of the wax and it is taken off quickly. Though parodied in sitcoms, the quickness of the removal is to ensure total removal of the hairs and it is much less pain than if it were done slowly. Usually they will place a cool cloth on the brow afterward to counteract redness and irritation. Once again a reference is preferable for this service. Prices range from $20 and up but whatever the price it is always worth having beautiful, sleek brows.

(Photos courtesy of Shobha Threading and Alfredton Hair and Beauty.)