Going Threading For The First Time?

What is Threading

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal originating in India. In more recent times it has gained popularity in Western countries, especially with a cosmetic application (particularly for removing/shaping eyebrows). Most people believe threading originated in India over 6000 years ago and spread throughout Asia, the Middle East and in recent times Europe. The Arabic word for threading is ‘Khite’; in Egypt, it is also called ‘Fatlah’.

Threading is widely practiced amongst Iranians, but it was originally only done when a woman was getting married or for special occasions. In ancient Persia, threading was a sign that a girl had reached adulthood.

In threading, a thin (cotton or polyester) thread is doubled, then twisted. It is then rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level. Unlike tweezing, where single hairs are pulled out one at a time, threading can remove short lines of hair.

Advantages cited for eyebrow threading, as opposed to eyebrow waxing, are that it provides more precise control in shaping eyebrows and is more gentle on the skin. It can be painful as several hairs are removed at once: however, this can be minimized if it is done professionally.

There are a few different techniques for threading. These include the hand method, mouth method, and neck. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages; however, the mouth holding method is the fastest and most precise.

Threading allows for a more defined and precise shape and can create a better definition for eyebrows.

Health and Safety of Threading

Used mostly on the face, a thin piece of thread is twisted and rolled along your skin’s surface, entwining the hairs in the thread and quickly lifting them from the root. There is no use of harmful products, just thread, so it’s a natural way to get rid of unwanted hair. And unlike waxing or using depilatories, the skin is not at risk for peeling or burning. Threading is a quick process, but it’s not pain-free — think of it like tweezing. Slight redness or puffiness can occur afterward, but it quickly subsides. Just like with waxing or sugaring, ingrown hairs are a possible side effect.

Potential Side Effects

• Redness and irritation. You may end up a bit pink and feeling a slight sting like I do. I haven’t ever gotten ingrown hairs or breakouts, so the redness is worth it. But generally, this lasts only a short time. I generally use some toner for sensitive skin if there’s some redness. It goes away in no time.
• Ouch factor. As far as pain goes, it really is subjective. It also depends on the skill of the technician.

Contraindications

There are no known contraindications for this method of epilation as it is not used on large parts of the body and it does not require the use of any products that might contain allergens. IF anything this should be great for all skin types especially diabetics as they tend to be bruised easily during waxing or sugaring.

How Long Does It Take?

A simple eyebrow shaping can take just 5-7 minutes. Can you even imagine?

How Long Will It Hold My Eyebrow Shape?

The time you can go between appointments will all depend on your hair type and how your hair grows. Re-growth can be anywhere from two to six weeks. Even if your hair grows back faster, it will grow back finer if you get this done repeatedly. The hair follicle will become weakened over time- and for some- hair will not regrow at all!

Unlike waxing, threading can be done as soon as you see the hair. There’s no need to wait until the hair is a certain length.

Benefits of Threading

• Great for sensitive skin. It’s the best alternative to waxing especially for those who turn red at the thought of removing hair. Unlike waxing, threading doesn’t remove a layer of skin, which can cause excessive redness, scabbing or hyperpigmentation.

If you’re taking a medication or using a skincare product that may cause a problem with waxing, threading may be a safe alternative.

• Precise shaping. While the technician has to be skilled in their craft and able to understand how you want your brows to look, the technique itself allows for creating clean, well-defined edges.

Threading eliminates removing the inner hairs that we sometimes get carried away with leaving the bare patch when removing hair from the top of the brow. Since hairs are removed individually, the brow can remain precisely shaped but full.

• Not a lot of chemicals or waste. The only chemicals that may be used are the product(s) to cleanse, prep or soothe skin. There’s hardly any waste beyond throwing away the string- as opposed to the product, strips, and applicators that are tossed in the trash after waxing.

Aftercare Advice for Threading

• Toner for sensitive skin if redness occurs
• Calamine lotion
• Post-waxing lotion
• No make-up for an hour after threading

Our Master Threading Specialist is available to cater to those who prefer this method of epilation for brows, lip and full face.