What Is Eyebrow Threading? Everything You Need To Know Before Booking

Partial to a sharp and tailored arch? We bet you'll fall in love with eyebrow threading. Now, you might not think using a soft piece of thread can result in immaculately groomed brows, but trust when we say: This brow service quite literally whips your eyebrows into shape. (Check out the plethora of visually satisfying videos on social media, and you'll know exactly what we mean.) 

Eyebrow threading is an ancient form of hair removal that uses a cotton thread to remove the stray hairs above and below your brow shape. The technique has been used for centuries in South Asia and the Middle East, says celebrity brow expert Dani Kimiko Vincent, founder of KIMIKO, and "the process involves 'rolling' a series of looped cotton threads against the skin to create a twisting motion that pulls out hairs from the root." Essentially, the thread wraps around each hair and traps it inside a tiny coil, which makes it easier to remove. 

Threading works in a few different ways: Sometimes, the technician will hold the piece of thread in their teeth to keep it steady as it wraps around each hair; or they might wear some sort of chain around their neck and tie the threads onto it as they work.

Other threaders use the "butterfly method," where they twist the thread taut in each hand to keep it steady. "Essentially, there's a stationary point of the thread, and then the thread is rolling and coiling on itself," notes Healy. 

No matter the method, the threader will start by wiping the area clean—even if you arrive with a bare face, they'll want to remove any lingering skin care residue. You'll also likely sit in a reclining chair so the threader has access to more surface area.

Eyebrow threading is great if you want a sharp, tailored brow—but if you prefer a softer, fluffier look, Vincent says you may want to stick with tweezing. "Tweezing also allows for the density of the core brow to be changed, while threading only addresses hair around the brow itself," she adds. So while threading can create a pristine-looking border, it won't address the density of the brows themselves (you may need to pair it with a brow trim). 

And while threading is more precise than waxing, nothing is more accurate than using a set of tweezers to pluck each individual hair. "Tweezing is more artistic," says Healy. "It's more of a slower process, but you really sculpt the brow in a more efficient way with an eye toward symmetry." Vincent seconds the notion: "Nothing beats the precision of tweezing because it assesses how each hair contributes to the overall brow and doesn't remove hair in hard, straight lines," she says. 

Now, you're probably thinking: Which brow service is most painful? Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal pain tolerance, but people generally find threading less painful than waxing. The technician will also pull your skin taut before each round, which can decrease the discomfort.

Like any other brow service, the best results are paired with proper upkeep. First, you'll want to stow any exfoliants or retinoids the few days leading up to your appointment, as these can increase the potential for irritation and make threading way more painful. "You can also prep the skin the night before by very gently sweeping a wet muslin cloth or washcloth over the area to exfoliate," Vincent adds.

Additionally, "Try to space out your sunless tanning away from when you get your brows threaded," says Healy. We're all for a healthy faux glow, but know that threading can potentially remove the pigment a bit and make the brow area look a bit discolored. 

As for aftercare, you'll want to stick to gentle, nourishing skin care products for a few days. Your freshly threaded brows are super sensitive, as the follicles are open, so you don't want to layer on any harsh actives for the time being. If you do have any lingering irritation, both Healy and Vincent recommend applying a drop of aloe vera gel to help soothe the area—just make sure you choose a 100% pure option with no fragrance or artificial dyes. (Check out our recommendation below.)

Generally, experts recommend getting a brow service every four to six weeks (be it a wax, thread, or trim), but the exact timing varies from person to person and depends on how much at-home maintenance you're comfortable with. "Some people like to see their professional every few weeks for a quick cleanup, while others might be more comfortable cleaning up on their own in between appointments," notes Vincent. 

If you crave the look of sharp, maintained arches, eyebrow threading is a great brow service to try. The thread won't change the density of your brows, but it's A+ for reaching stray hairs above and below your natural brow structure.