Everything You Ever Needed to Know about Eyebrow Threading

Everything You Ever Needed to Know about Eyebrow Threading

For centuries, women have looked for ways to remove unwanted hair. For example, Native-American women used clam shells to pluck hairs one at a time from all over their body. While shaving was mostly reserved for men historically, that didn't stop women from trying inventive ways to remove hair. Threading, a technique involving a piece of cotton thread, was frequently used in the Middle East to remove unwanted facial hair. The technique still thrives today and is a popular menu item at many salons and spas. 

Eyebrow Threading: Historically and Today

Centuries have passed, but threading hasn't changed much. Thought to originate in the Middle East and South Asia, threading was commonly used by women to shape brows and remove facial hair found on the chin, upper lip and sideburn areas. Historically, the practice was used in several countries including India and China.

Recently, threading has gained momentum in Western cultures as an ideal way to remove facial hair. The process is tricky, but threading removes hair quickly and with less pain than other types of epilator hair-removal systems. Since the whole root is removed in threading, results normally last a few weeks. 
 

Who's a Good Candidate?

Almost everyone is a good candidate for eyebrow threading. In fact, threading is less invasive and gentler on the skin than waxing. You see, different waxes are used for different hair types. To remove coarse hair, technicians use a strong wax, which can be damaging to sensitive skin. Threading doesn't affect the skin, so there's no redness, swelling, bruising, burning and skin lacerations involved.

How it works

In threading, the technician uses a loop of cotton thread to remove hair. She twists the loop until a series of knots or twists form in the middle, which serve as the mechanism for hair removal. By placing her fingers through the holes at either end of the loop, the technician is able to manipulate the thread, causing the twisted part of the thread to move. Placing the thread gently against the skin, the technician manipulates the cotton thread, entrapping hairs and pulling them free of the skin.

Should You Thread Your Own Brows?

It can take years to learn how to thread, making it unadvisable for you to try this at home on your own. The eyebrows especially require great skill and intricate maneuvers. Areas that do not require shaping such as your legs, upper lip, chin and sideburns might be an option for you. Practice on these areas, but don't expect to become a pro overnight. Most technicians learned how to thread at a young age from family members. Threading is truly an art that has been passed down through the generations. It's not something that comes easily to many people.

To learn more about eyebrow shaping and other hair-removal methods that you can do at home, read the Perfect Eyebrows Guide [CLICK HERE], a comprehensive guide to all things you need to know about your brows and how to keep them looking great.