Threading vs. Waxing: Why Choose Threading for Your Brows?
When it comes to brow grooming, most people are familiar with waxing and tweezing—but what about threading? While threading can sometimes be more painful than waxing, there are very good reasons why someone might choose it. As an esthetician certified in threading, I want to share why this method is not only a great alternative but also a safer option in certain situations.
What Is Threading?
Threading is exactly what it sounds like: a thin cotton thread is twisted and used to trap and pull out unwanted hair directly from the follicle. It’s an all-natural, precise method that has been used for centuries. Typically, threading is done on the face—most often for eyebrows—but it can be applied to other small areas as well.
Why Choose Threading Over Waxing?
1. Personal Preference
Some people simply prefer threading. For many, it’s the only method they’ve ever used, and they feel comfortable sticking with it.
2. Contraindications to Waxing
This is the big one. As an esthetician, I’ve seen many cases where waxing just isn’t safe. Waxing can sometimes lift or damage the skin when it’s already compromised. Here are a few situations where threading is the better option:
Exfoliating skin treatments – freshly exfoliated skin should not be waxed.
Excessive sun exposure or sunburn – waxing can cause the skin to appear red and irritated, similar to a burn.
Certain medications (like antibiotics, Accutane, or retinoids) – these thin the skin, making it more vulnerable.
Skincare products with active ingredients (like retinol or AHAs/BHAs) – these also make the skin more delicate.
Threading vs. Tweezing vs. Waxing
At the end of the day, all three methods remove hair from the follicle, so the result is similar. The difference lies in the process and experience:
Waxing: Fastest method, but carries the most risk for sensitive or compromised skin.
Threading: More precise and gentler on the skin than waxing, but it can feel more painful.
Tweezing: Safe and effective, but very time-consuming for larger areas.
Threading falls right in the middle: safer than waxing for specific clients, but quicker than sitting through a full tweezing session.
Why Consultations Matter
Many clients tell me they’ve never been asked about their medications, skincare, or sun exposure before waxing. But these questions are essential. Hair is an extension of the skin, and how it’s removed absolutely impacts skin health.
So, even if you’ve waxed before without issues, these factors listed above can put you at risk for skin lifting. For example, I once had a client who forgot to mention she was on antibiotics because she didn’t think it mattered. Remember, anything we take orally or put on or near the area to be waxed can and does impact our skin.
The Bottom Line
Threading might not be the most comfortable option, but it’s a wise choice for anyone who:
Has sensitive or compromised skin
Uses strong skincare products or medications
Has recently had a peel or sun exposure
At Brow to Toe, we offer threading as part of our TrueBrow Services because it provides a safe, effective alternative for clients who want beautifully shaped brows without risking damage to their skin.
If you’re ever unsure whether you should wax or thread, talk to your esthetician about your skincare routine, medications, and recent sun exposure. Together, you can choose the method that keeps your skin healthy while still giving you the brows you love.