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The Ultimate Guide to Threading Hair Removal

Threading is a hair removal technique receiving a wave a recent popularity in the Western world. It is centuries old, originating in India, and today many people in the UK are choosing to use it to remove facial hair.  Here is the ultimate guide to the cosmetic procedure of threading, which is often used by women to shape or add definition to their eyebrows.

Threading Upper Lip

Threading on the Upper Lip

Origins of Threading

Threading began approximately 6,000 years ago in India and since then it has spread across Asia, the Middle East and, most recently, to Europe. It is a common practice of Iranians, who originally used the procedure when a woman was preparing for marriage or another special event.

What is the Purpose of Threading?

The intention of threading is to remove the complete hair follicle. It removes lines of hairs rather than removing each hair one at a time like tweezing.

It is usually used for eyebrows, to add shape or definition to them; it can also be used for other parts of the face, such as the upper lip, neck, cheek, and forehead.

How Does Threading Work?

The cosmetic method begins with a cotton thread, which is pulled along a short line of unwanted hair in a twisting motion to pluck the hairs at their follicles.

Threading can be done by professionals at spas or salons or there are a number of at-home threading systems to choose from too. Watching a professional at work with the thread can look similar to an artist painting a canvas, with precision being so important.

There are different methods of threading. The methods differ by how the cotton thread is held; it can be held by hand or mouth. For the mouth technique, the beauty professional holds one end of the thread in their mouth; it is sanitary because the thread never leaves the mouth during the procedure.

Alternatively, for the hands method, the technician ties together the string’s ends into a circle and holds the knot in one hand while the other hand holds the other string’s other end.

Eyebrow Threading

Eyebrow Threading

Advantages of Hair Threading

There are many advantages of hair threading as a hair removal method, including:

Fast – Are you considering hair threading? It is a fast process, so if you are looking to minimise the amount of time you spend on your beauty routine then this may be the method for you. Threading is faster at hair removal than tweezing, which only removes one hair at a time. It only takes about five minutes to shape an eyebrow.

Long Lasting – Hairs removed by the threading technique can take up to six weeks to grow back. This is because the method plucks hair at the follicle level and it takes that long for them to grow back in. As well, even short, fine hairs that never seem to disappear, even after waxing or tweezing, get removed with threading for an ultra-clean look.

Gentle – Threading is a hair removal technique people often turn to if they have sensitive skin because it gentler than waxing or tweezing. If you find that waxing leaves your skin inflamed and red, you are not alone. You may want to try threading instead. It is gentler than waxing because it barely touches the skin; threading only affects the hair follicle, whereas waxing may remove a layer of skin along with the hair and thus cause skin aggravation.

Precise – Shaping of eyebrows by threading is also highly precise. The method provides a clean pluck of hairs and the ability to make subtle changes to the brow shape. Hairs above and below the brow are targeted while the hairs within the brow stay lush and full.

Less Pain – While pain tolerance differs from person to person, some people say that threading is less painful than waxing or tweezing. Other people say they experience mild discomfort, but it is worth it for the clean shape of the eyebrows that they get with threading. The pain level can also depend on the skill level of the technician.

Minimal Chemicals – Threading uses few chemicals; it only requires products to cleanse or soothe the skin. The amount of products is significantly less than other hair removal methods that require applicators, strips, and more.

Helix Threadease Hair Remover and Threading Tool

Helix Threadease Hair Remover and Threading Tool

Threading: Possible Side Effects

Potential side effects include a slight redness and stinging sensation on the targeted skin area. These effects can show up almost immediately after the threading session finishes but usually last only a day or two at most. To minimise the discomfort, apply a cold pack temporarily to the sensitive area; you might even want to take it to the salon with you for use right after your appointment.

Is Threading Affordable?

In the UK, eyebrow threading costs on average £5. Treatments for the face range from £3 to £10, depending on the specific facial area and which salon you attend. The average cost for the entire face is £20.

Many beauty shops offer price lists on their website, which is helpful for comparing prices to get the best one. The cost of a session, therefore, is equivalent to waxing and many other hair removal methods.

At-Home Threading Systems

At-home threading provides an alternative to using a brow technician if you can learn the technique. You do not need to leave the comfort of home, and it saves you money over time.

The Helix Thread Ease Hair Removal Kit has many positive reviews online for its affordability, ease of use, and its effectiveness in removing hairs. It is only available online and includes two plastic handheld tools, thread and demo video that teaches you the technique.

Slique Eyebrow Face and Body Hair Threading and Removal System

Slique Eyebrow Face and Body Hair Threading and Removal System

Another option is the Slique Eyebrow Face and Body Hair Threading and Removal System. Slique is a device that grabs and holds the thread as a technician would; you press Slique’s handles to move the thread and perform the method in a precise manner. Several online reviewers for this system explain that it is convenient and works well to remove unwanted facial hair.

Have you tried threading at the salon or home? We love to hear from you! Tell us in the comments section below about your experiences with threading.