You’ve heard it before: Brows can make or break your look. And guess what? It’s 100% true! The right brow shape can elevate your features, boost your confidence, and have you feeling unstoppable.
Whether you’re going for bold and defined or soft and natural, choosing the right brow-shaping method is key. Eyebrow threading or waxing? That’s the big question, and we’re here to help. We’ve tapped Waxing the City Co-Founder Summer Vasilas to help answer common questions about the difference between threading and waxing, so you can walk away with brows that are nothing short of fabulous. Let’s get into it!
Eyebrow threading vs. waxing — what we’ll cover:
- The differences between each process, plus pros and potential cons to consider
- Key things to know about pain, skin sensitivity, and brow maintenance
- Tips for your best brows ever
What’s the difference between threading and waxing?
Eyebrow threading is a beauty technique that originated in South Asia and the Middle East. It involves using a twisted cotton thread to remove hair at the follicle level by rolling over the skin and plucking out hairs in rows. Waxing, on the other hand, uses a specially formulated wax that adheres to hair and is quickly removed, pulling hair from the root.
Eyebrow threading pros + cons
Positive benefits of eyebrow threading:
- No heat — Since threading doesn’t use wax or heat, it’s an option for those sensitive to warm temperatures on their skin.
- Good for precise shaping — Threading can target individual hairs for detailed brow shaping.
- No chemical ingredients — This makes it a natural alternative to waxing for those with certain allergies.
Possible disadvantages of eyebrow threading:
- More discomfort — Threading pulls out hairs individually, which can feel more painful compared to the quick motion of waxing.
- Takes longer — Because it removes hair strand by strand, threading can take more time than a swift wax application. If you opt for regular brow hair removal, this can make upkeep more time-consuming.
- Potential skin irritation — The repeated motion of thread rubbing against the skin can lead to redness, irritation, and even minor cuts or abrasions which can create inflammation.
- Not ideal for very thick or coarse hair — Threading may not effectively remove coarser or denser hair as efficiently as waxing, with the potential of the appearance of minor unevenness in certain areas.
Eyebrow waxing pros + cons
Benefits of eyebrow waxing:
- Quick and efficient — Waxing removes multiple hairs at once, making it a super-speedy process. We use a specially formulated hard wax that’s gentle on the skin for a more comfortable experience, too.
- Longer-lasting results — Because waxing removes hair from the root, regrowth is slower, typically lasting three to six weeks. This allows for a more low-maintenance approach to brow hair removal, without compromising on results.
- Exfoliates the skin — Waxing gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin fresh and radiant. (Pro beauty tip: Pair your wax with our Bryght® Skin Brightening Treatment for next-level glow!)
- Better for thicker brows — Thick, full brows? We love them. Waxing can handle coarse or dense hair more effectively than threading, and our expert Cerologists deliver precise results that are just right for you and your face shape.
- Precision and consistency — Our expert Cerologists know brows and you can expect the same expert shaping at every visit. Whether it’s your first brow wax or your fiftieth, we keep your arches consistently flawless.
- High-quality wax formulas — Our hard wax is made with skin-loving ingredients that moisturize and soothe skin, like Azulene oil, and glyceryl rosinate for effective adherence.
Possible disadvantages of eyebrow waxing:
- Can cause temporary redness — Some skin types may experience slight redness post-wax, but don’t worry — it typically fades within a few hours. We apply a soothing post-wax serum to help calm and refresh your brows before you walk out looking flawless.
- Not recommended for certain skin conditions — If you’re on retinoids or have highly sensitive skin, you should consult a health professional before waxing. Find answers to more common questions about waxing here.
Is waxing or threading better for eyebrows?
Waxing does more than just remove hair. It’s a gentle exfoliator, sweeping away dead skin cells for a smoother, glowier finish. Whether it’s brows, bikini, or beyond, get ready to feel silky soft long after your wax. Trust us, your skin will thank you!
Threading is known for its precision, but for sensitive skin types, it can cause friction-related irritation. Some experience redness or tiny breakouts that last a little longer than post-waxing.
Does threading or waxing hurt more?
Let’s be real: no one loves hair removal, but if you’re looking for the gentler option, waxing is the way to go. Unlike threading, which removes hairs one by one (ouch!), waxing gets the job done in one swift motion. Plus, our high-quality hard wax is designed for comfort, and our expert Cerologists know exactly how to make your experience as smooth as your brows. (We’ve got your back — or in this case, your brows!)
Does threading or waxing last longer?
Since waxing removes hair from the root and exfoliates the skin, regrowth takes its sweet time — up to six weeks of smoothness. Threading, while precise, sometimes leaves behind finer hairs, meaning you may need more frequent touch-ups to keep your brows on point. If you’re all about longer-lasting, low-maintenance beauty, waxing wins this round!
Get your best brows ever with these tips:
Now that we’ve covered the big differences between waxing and threading, let’s get personal! Here’s how to find the best brow routine for YOU — plus some pro tips to keep your brows (and skin) looking flawless.
1. Work with the brows you naturally have:
- Bushier brows: Thicker, fuller brows? Waxing is your best bet. It removes more hair at once, giving you a sculpted, defined look in record time — without the endless plucking of threading. Bonus? It’s way more comfortable!
- Thin brows: If your brows are naturally on the slimmer side, threading can help with minimal shaping. But don’t count waxing out! A gentle wax can refine your arches and keep them looking polished without overdoing it.
2. Know your skin type:
- Sensitive skin: People with sensitive skin may react differently to each method of hair removal. While waxing can cause temporary redness, it’s typically brief. Threading, however, involves constant friction, which can lead to prolonged irritation, small abrasions, or even breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, waxing may be the right choice with less agitation — though to be sure it’s right for you, always consult with a health professional.
- Acne-prone skin: While threading is a natural hair removal method, it can be risky if you have acne-prone skin. The friction of the thread against the skin can cause minor cuts, irritation, and even trigger breakouts due to bacteria transfer if the thread isn’t handled properly. If you have acne-prone skin, it’s important to be especially cautious.
3. Enhance your results with these bonus tips:
Once you know your brow and skin type, maintain your look! Here are a few of our favorite ways to take your self-care and beauty routine to the next level:
- Lash lift: Pair your brow wax with a lash lift for up to eight weeks of eye-opening, mascara-free definition. It’s the beauty hack you didn’t know you needed!
- Specialty treatments: Looking your best starts by feeling your best. Our specialty treatments are your ticket to effortless, expert self care for your face, body, or both (you have options). Just sit back, relax, and let us take care of the rest.
- Game-changing products: Discover your new favorite product in the studio. Our good-for-you skincare products are effective and gentle with ingredients like bakuchiol, so you can keep glowing long after your appointment.
- Brow lamination: Available at your local studio, brow lamination corrects the brow shape with a chemical solution. If you’re looking to make a change by sculpting, lifting, or altering the shape of your brows, this service may be perfect for you. Talk to your Cerologist about a maintenance plan that works for you, and how waxing can fit in.
Take it from us: Eyebrow waxing is a game-changer
Ultimately, eyebrow threading vs. waxing is a personal choice. When you choose to wax with us, you can prepare to say goodbye to uneven brows, agitated areas of skin, and other “oops” moments. At Waxing the City, we’re all about delivering smooth, precise, and consistent results. Our specially formulated wax is designed to be gentle on the skin while effectively removing hair from the root. Plus, our trained Cerologists ensure that every wax is done with precision, helping you achieve well-defined, sculpted brows every time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, effective hair removal method or long-lasting smoothness, waxing is our go-to recommendation. Take it from us: Once you start waxing, don’t be surprised if you can’t imagine what life was like without it!
More beauty tips for brows — and beyond
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