Believe it or not, your eyebrows are a massive part of your look. They can help shape and define your face and can be coaxed and molded in a hundred different ways. One of the most recently popular is eyebrow threading.

Eyebrow threading uses a thin piece of thread to remove eyebrow hair. It’s a simple process that requires practice to perfect but has quick, controlled results. Before you get your eyebrows threaded, there are a few things to take into consideration. However, the process isn’t any worse than waxing or plucking.

Here’s everything you need to know about eyebrow threading.

What Is Eyebrow Threading?

Eyebrow threading is the process of removing eyebrow hair using a piece of thread. The thread is typically made of cotton and is relatively thin to allow a stronger hold on each strand.

Eyebrow threading was practiced in multiple different cultures for several thousand years. While no one knows where it actually originated, the popular theory is that it started in either India or Iran, where a woman would carefully thread her eyebrows for cosmetic and cultural reasons. It was also popular in China, where thin brows were a mark of sophistication.

Today, threading has been adopted by cultures worldwide and is one of the most popular methods of unwanted hair removal.

How Does Eyebrow Threading Work?

Eyebrow threading is a form of epilation. The process removes the entire hair, including the root, rather than cutting it. It starts with cleaning the skin under and around the eyebrows with a gentle cleanser or quick wipe with alcohol to make sure the area is sterile, and it is easy to see the hairs.

A technician will hold a piece of thread between their hands, occasionally with one end in their teeth, and twist it. They’ll then hold the end of the twist over the section of hair you want removed and move the thread in a swift motion. The twisting motion traps hairs between the threads and lifts them out whole.

The process is relatively quick, taking only about ten minutes with an experienced technician.

Can You Thread Other Body Hair?

Threading is an excellent process for your eyebrows and occasionally for upper lip hair, but generally, it’s for facial hair only. Threading is an incredibly precise treatment meant for shaping rather than full removal, so it wouldn’t be an efficient way of removing larger swaths of hair from the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.

The Pros and Cons of Eyebrow Threading

As with every hair removal treatment, there are both benefits and drawbacks to eyebrow threading to consider. The individual lists will vary from person to person, but generally, here are the pros and cons of eyebrow threading.

The Pros of Eyebrow Threading: Of course, the speed of the process is a major benefit. It’s less painful than many people expect, especially when compared to waxing or tweezing. Maintaining threaded eyebrows is relatively easy, as you only need to go to professional appointments every 4-6 weeks.

The Cons of Eyebrow Threading: Depending on the salon you choose, your threading appointments may cost anywhere from $5 to more than $30. Also, as with any epilation process, there will be some irritation around the area for hours afterward. You’ll also have to be very careful about the aesthetician you choose.

Is Eyebrow Threading Worth It?

Maintaining your eyebrows is a personal choice, but for some, eyebrow threading is definitely worth the cost. It’s an excellent choice for people who want to keep their look precise and clean but can’t afford to spend hours plucking or perfecting on their own.

Tips for First Time Eyebrow Threading

If you decide that threading is for you, here are a few things to remember for your first appointment. Do your research. Don’t schedule your threading appointment immediately before a big event. Take a pain reliever before your appointment. Don’t wear makeup. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Aloe is your friend.

Conclusion

The next time your brows are looking a little rough, consider getting them threaded. As long as you go into it knowing what’s going to happen and what to look for, eyebrow threading can be an efficient and effective way to shape and form your brows to match your style.