Eyebrows make or break your facial expression, general groomed look, and overall appearance. Although ungroomed eyebrows have been a trend in 2024, we must agree that we all prefer a neat eyebrow look, right?
Two of the top methods for shaping eyebrows are threading and waxing. These are also the best methods for getting rid of a unibrow. So, are you wondering if threading or waxing is more suitable for your eyebrows?
If yes, let’s discuss eyebrow threading vs. waxing and find out which of the two will serve you better in various aspects.
Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing: What are the Differences?
Let us discuss the major and minor differences between eyebrow threading and waxing one by one to conclude which is more compatible with your skin, budget, convenience, and other requirements.
Working Process
The recommended articles describe the detailed process of Eyebrow waxing and threading. Here, we will keep it basic.
Threading
Threading uses a new cotton thread on well-cleansed skin to remove the hair and shape the eyebrows. A long thread is twisted in the middle to form a loop.
The twisted part of the loop is controlled between the two hands and is used to grab the hair and pull it out of the roots. Also, the eyebrow skin needs to be held taut during this process. Powder can also be used to reduce the pain and improve the results.
Waxing
Waxing uses a substance that sticks firmly to the hair and removes it as the wax is pulled off the skin. It can be soft wax with strips or hard wax without strips.
You do not need to pull the skin tight for the waxing session. Waxing is a quick process when the sticky material is applied in a defined shape to the eyebrows and then pulled off quickly.
Benefits of Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing
The benefits of waxing vs. threading are clearly stated here.
Threading
If you choose to go for threading, here are its plus points.
- Works better on sensitive skin
- Gives a clean yet natural look
- Does not irritate the skin or form little bumps on the threaded area
- Last for up to a month
- Provides a precise and symmetrical shape of the brows
Waxing
Here are its advantages when it comes to waxing:
- Consumes much less time as it can be done in an instant
- Less painful
- Exfoliates the skin as well
- Lasts for a month
- This can be done without pulling the skin tight
- Makes the hair regrowth finer over time
Drawbacks of Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing
Just like any hair grooming technique comes with its plus and minus points, both methods are not without cons as well. Let us see both individually and decide which of the drawbacks you are ready to accept.
Threading
Prepare yourself for the following side effects if you choose threading.
- Can give the skin minor invisible cuts
- Costumes more time as each hair needs to be removed individually
- Is more painful as well
- Can cause ingrown hair
Waxing
The drawbacks of waxing are given as.
- Can give bumps to the waxed area
- Some people are allergic to the wax
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Can leave behind little hair
Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing: Price
A good thing about waxing and threading is that you can get these procedures at a salon and do them at home by yourself as well.
However, you will need some practice on other parts of the face or body before working directly on the eyebrows. Let’s check the price of both here.
Threading
Threading is a relatively cheaper procedure because only a single cotton thread is needed. On average, salons charge $5 to $30 for a single session of threading eyebrows.
If you decide to do it yourself at home, it would be virtually free. You can also buy automatic threading devices for a few dollars.
Waxing
Waxing the eyebrows is not an expensive process. However, its price is slightly more than that of threading. In general, a single session of eyebrow waxing at a salon costs around $10 to $50, depending upon the pre- and post-wax treatment.
Also, it is much cheaper, quick, and convenient when done at home alone.
Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing: Painful and Comfortable
The comfort and pain level of waxing vs. threading differs to a great extent.
Threading
Unfortunately, threading is not as comfortable as waxing. The reason is that the thread is used to remove the individual strands of hair from the follicles. Also, the skin needs to be pulled tight during this process.
As a result, it is not a comfortable process for the person. Furthermore, it lasts longer and gives you more pain as well.
Waxing
Waxing is an instant procedure. There is no pulling the skin, and there are no skin tears caused by twisting the thread. Therefore, it is more comfortable and less painful. It becomes more gentle if you go for hard wax as well.
Furthermore, the hair regrowth reduces with waxing, making it less and less painful in subsequent sessions.
Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing: Skin-Friendly and Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Although waxing is more comfortable in terms of the experience, the same is not true for its effect on the skin.
Threading
The threading only grabs the hair and pulls it out. It rarely comes in contact with the skin, and even if it does, there is nothing more than an invisible cut or redness.
Therefore, threading is more skin-friendly and suitable for sensitive skin.
Waxing
On the other hand, the wax is warm when applied and it can burn the skin if the temperature is not well-controlled. Also, waxing can irritate the skin, peel it off, and cause bumps.
Therefore, it is not the best choice if you have sensitive skin.
Eyebrow Threading Vs. Waxing Results
Lastly, let’s see which of the two offers better results because that is what matters the most, right?
Threading
Threading is an accurate technique that removes hair one by one from the roots. It also grabs the smallest hair and ensures that it does not grow back for up to a month.
The results are more precise and the finish is more natural. Also, the lines of eyebrow shape are better. You do not need to touch up by yourself as well. This is why most women prefer threading on the eyebrows.
Waxing
Waxing can be a little messy and does not always give the best results. This is because the hair needs to be an appropriate length for it to be removed with the wax.
If it is not that long, it won’t be removed, so you’ll need to use tweezers after the session. Also, the hair grows back sooner with waxing because, at times, it is cut rather than pulled off.
Conclusion
There is a clear winner regarding the grooming technique for eyebrows. Threading is the best choice because it is quick, cheap, compatible with sensitive skin, and gentle.
On the other hand, waxing can be a good alternative if your skin is strong and you cannot tolerate the pain associated with slow threading.
Also, individual results and experiences vary among women. So, try both methods before deciding which is better for you.