Eyebrow threading is a beauty method used to remove stray hairs and to arch or shape the eyebrows. It was invented in the Middle East, but is now used in both Eastern and Western areas. The process begins with a thin piece of thread that is woven underneath the eyebrow hairs and tied into a knot to firmly position the hairs in place. As the thread is lightly tugged, it pulls the hairs underneath the thread knots out by the root. Eyebrow threading has a variety of potential advantages that may make it a more appealing eyebrow shaping method than using hot wax or tweezers to remove hairs.
One advantage of eyebrow threading compared to other eyebrow shaping methods is the amount of time it takes to perform. The thread is woven through all of the hairs that need to be removed, and only requires one swift pull to remove all the hairs at once. A typical threading session may last less than five minutes, making it a significantly quicker process than using tweezers to remove individual hairs.
The amount of pain any hair removal method imparts may vary among individuals, but people who prefer eyebrow threading believe it is one of the least painful methods. During the threading process, the thread only touches the hairs and does not touch the skin beneath the hair. The lessened pain may be a result of the lack of contact with the skin near the eyebrows, which is thinner and can be sensitive to touch. Other eyebrow shaping methods require pulling on the skin underneath the eyebrow hairs and can cause more pain in certain individuals.
People with skin that is prone to redness or itchiness after contact with chemicals may opt to use eyebrow threading because it does not use any artificial products or ingredients. The thread used in the hair removal process is made of soft cotton and will typically not cause any skin irritation. Since the method only uses one piece of equipment and no chemicals, it also tends to have a lower price than other methods that rely on various products and equipment.
Another potential advantage of eyebrow threading is the precision of the hair removal and shaping. When a trained threading professional attaches the thread to the hairs, he or she usually has a clearer line of vision during application than professional eyebrow waxers. Wax is spread in a layer, then covered with an opaque strip of cloth before being pulled off in a swift motion, which can possibly leave room for error due to the lack of visibility. During threading, a professional can typically see what he or she is doing at all times.