In 2021, fluffy eyebrows are all the rage. Throw out your tweezers and leave thin brows in the early 2000’s. Even though big brows are back, they still need grooming from time to time. So what are your options? Eyebrow threading vs. waxing! We’re here to tell you the difference between the two so you can find the best brow routine for you.
The Differences
What’s the difference between eyebrow threading vs. waxing? Well first let’s start by saying that either of these should be done by an experienced and licensed esthetician. Your brows can really change the way you look, so maybe we leave the DIY for another project.
Eyebrow waxing is when warm wax is applied to the skin with a wooden stick, and then pulled off either by hand or with a piece of paper stuck to it. Your esthetician will press down on your skin to make sure the wax is stuck to the hair. When the wax is pulled off, the hairs are taken by the root. You can also wax other areas of your body such as your upper lip, underarms, legs, etc. So if you’re already a waxer, it might be easier to just get it all done at once.
Eyebrow threading is an ancient technique which comes from Asia. Here is a brief history of threading. When you get your eyebrows threaded, you will close your eyes and pull your forehead skin taught. The esthetician will then use threads which are coated in wax and pull them tight as they go in on your eyebrows. They twist and pull the thread so there is no slack and will pull the hair from the follicle.
Often they also have little facial hair scissors to trim up any long (but essential) eyebrow hairs to keep your shape. You can also thread your upper lip and facial hair, but usually threading is not for anywhere except the face.
Waxing
So what’s good about waxing? In the debate of eyebrow threading vs. waxing, waxing takes the cake for being less painful. When you get waxed, the warm wax gets applied to the area and when it is pulled off it is almost instant. In addition to being less painful, it’s also generally a quicker process. If you’re in a time crunch and getting ready for an event, you can be in and out from an eyebrow waxing in less than 10 minutes.
What’s bad about waxing? If you’re using a retinol or have recently gotten a chemical peel, waxing can lift or damage your skin. When you are going for an eyebrow wax, make sure you make your esthetician aware of what products you use on your face so the process doesn’t damage your skin.
Going off that, waxing is not for people with super sensitive skin. Sometimes when you wax, you are also more prone to get pimples around your eyebrows as well. When you get waxed, some of the dead top layer of your skin can also get pulled with the strip and leave your pores exposed and more likely to break out. I know that sounds scary- but it is possible to prep for your eyebrow waxing to prevent a breakout. We also use high frequency after waxing to help prevent breakouts and some aloe to soothe the skin.
Threading
Most people who religiously prefer eyebrow threading vs. eyebrow waxing say that threading allows for a more precise brow shape. The esthetician is able to single in on specific hairs without compromising the hairs you absolutely need. And if you have particularly sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, threading could be the answer for you.
Alright, honestly threading can be way more painful than waxing. If you have a low pain tolerance, you might want to reconsider threading. The process is more precise but it also takes longer. And if you’re in a rush, threading will have you sitting in the chair longer.
You also are more involved in the threading process and have to hold your skin taught- if you don’t you can literally get cut and nicks on your skin. Your eyes will also definitely water and a lot of people sneeze, so say goodbye to your makeup. Here is how to prepare for your threading appointment.
What Can I Do to Prepare?
There are a few things you can do to minimize breaking out and the pain that comes with threading and waxing. You should be washing your face regularly, but make sure you wash your face directly before and after your appointment to avoid pimples and to be sanitary. Also avoid oil cleansers after your appointment to avoid breakouts. You should be walking in with a fresh face, but also not putting makeup on directly after so you don’t clog your pores.
Like I said before, also be aware of what you’re using on your face and tell your esthetician so you don’t end up with damaged skin. If you’re sunburnt from being outside or a tanning bed, it might be best to reschedule your appointment. Even if you’re on your period, think about rescheduling. When you are burnt or on your period, your skin is way more sensitive than usual and getting your eyebrows done can be particularly painful. No matter what area you’re getting waxed, you should have the proper aftercare.
The Verdict
For me, I will stick with eyebrow waxing because results last longer and Lemon & Honey Day Spa has a gentle hard wax that doesn’t lift the skin. Threading can break the hair much like shaving and leave the skin broken or irritated, not to mention it doesn’t get all the fine fussy hairs as easily. Right now fluffy brows are trendy- what should you do if you want those? Go get threaded! Threading allows for more control of the shape of the eyebrow and can keep your brows still looking luscious.
If you’re in a rush and have a low pain tolerance, run to get an eyebrow wax! In terms of what lasts the longest, waxing has longer lasting results. Hair growth depends on person to person but the more you get them done, the slower the hair comes back! It is definitely about personal preference and what works best for you. Both provide great results, so you can’t go wrong with that. If you’re still not sold on one or the other, you could also consider sugaring.
