Everything to know about eyebrow threading, and why you should try it at least once

I’ve been getting my brows groomed since middle school. Early on, my mom introduced me to brow waxing when she’d get her own done every other weekend. Naturally, waxing became my go-to method for doing my brows. Recently, I began noticing small irritation bumps all over my forehead and around my brows after waxing. One of my colleagues suggested I switch to threading—yes, it involves literal thread that you use to sew clothes. I was hesitant at first, but since I made the switch back in 2017, I haven’t let wax come anywhere near my face.

Threading, in my opinion, is more painful than waxing, but it doesn’t cause me to break out. I love how natural my eyebrows look since I began getting them threaded. My brows have actually gotten thicker since I stopped waxing them two years ago. Also, the tail ends of my brows haven’t been as thin.

I’m just getting familiar with brow threading, but it is not a new method. When we were on the hunt for ways to get thicker brows, Brow expert and esthetician Shirin P. of Perfect Brows NYC suggested threading. Shirin also told us why brow threading is the preferred method of brow grooming for her celebrity clients. She explains:

"Threading is an age-old Indian method of brow hair removal and the most gentle and customizable means of brow grooming. Cotton thread removes hair from the surface without risking damage to the actual hair follicle, unlike waxing and tweezing."

How are eyebrows threaded?

If you’ve ever seen someone get their brows threaded, you’ll know that the threader anchors part of the thread with their mouth. This may seem a bit off-putting to some, but Shirin reassured us it’s okay. That part of the thread should never come in contact with your skin. Also, most threaders will ask the client to hold their skin around the brow, pulling until it’s taut. According to Shirin, this ensures that your brow therapist can have better visibility and easily catch the hairs to create the best shape for your brows.

If you never had your brows threaded, here are some things to keep in mind:

If you’re switching to threading to help your brows grow, exfoliation is your best friend.

According to Shirin, exfoliating is a major key for growing thicker brows. Exfoliating the brow area helps get rid of dead skin cells that clog pores and block hair follicles, which can stunt hair growth.

Threading may hurt more than waxing.

From my experience, threading is quite painful. It feels like someone repeatedly pinching your skin. Depending on your pain tolerance, you may find it more uncomfortable than waxing. It’s bearable but a different kind of pain that takes time getting used to.

It’s likely your brow specialist won’t ask you how you want your brows shaped.

I don’t care for a high arch or thin brows, so I am very vocal about that upfront. Professional threaders usually clean up the brow and create a flattering shape. However, if you have a specific way you like your brows, speak up.

You’ll have to lend a helping hand.

As I mentioned, your brow specialist will ask you to pull your skin around your brows in opposite directions. Don’t be alarmed—the specialist will explain beforehand and show you the correct way.

Say yes to the aloe vera gel.

Brow threading is more gentle than waxing, but a little aloe vera gel afterward won’t hurt. If your brow specialist offers it, say yes without hesitation. Aloe vera is a cool, soothing way to end a threading session.

I recommend everyone try threading at least once to form an opinion on it. You may leave the threading salon saying, “Wax, who? I don’t know her.”