Threading: Shaping the future of hair removal

When it comes to beauty trends, eyebrows are front and centre. In fact, some consider brows the most important facial feature. Keeping our eyebrows “on fleek” takes effort, but things have just gotten a little easier thanks to a new brow-shaping  technique that’s actually centuries old. It’s called threading, and it’s taken over our salons, spas—and even malls. Here’s what all the buzz is about.

What Is Threading?

Threading is a technique where a thin piece of cotton thread is used to remove facial hair. The thread is doubled up, twisted in a loop and quickly rolled over the skin to grip and pull out hair by its follicle. This method removes hair row by row, rather than one hair at a time (like tweezing). Threading is mostly used to shape and define eyebrows, but it will also effectively remove unwanted hair on the upper lip, chin and cheeks.

Where Does Threading Come From?

We know that threading is a centuries-old technic that originated somewhere in the eastern hemisphere, but that’s where the “for sures” end. Some claim that threading started in India, while others credit the Middle East. Either way, it’s an ancient tradition that’s still widely used throughout Asia.

The Pros

Perhaps the biggest pros to threading are speed and precision. Threading is faster than tweezing and more precise than waxing. An average threading session runs about 15 minutes,

and the end result is a clean, defined brow shape.Threading is also a safe, natural way to remove your unwanted facial hair. There are no harsh chemicals (like in waxes or depilatory creams), and it’s gentle on the skin. Many people who have tried threading say it’s less painful than waxing or tweezing. Most describe a “slight pinching” sensation.

The Cons

Although threading works wonders on facial hair, it’s not effective in removing thick, coarse hair (like on the arms or legs). As expected, there are also some minor side effects, such as itchy, red or puffy skin where the hair was removed. In rare cases, people have experienced folliculitis (an infection of the hair follicles) as a result of threading.

Trying out the Trend

If you’re ready to up your eyebrow game, there are a few things to look out for before going under the thread.As with any type of salon or spa service, it’s important to bring your business to the right place. First and foremost, make sure the environment is clean and sterile. Your threading practitioner should be using new thread and clean scissors and brushes on each client.It’s also a good idea to check into your practitioner’s credentials. Ask about his or her training and experience, certification and references.Communication is important as well. You and your practitioner should have a detailed discussion about the eyebrow shape you would like to achieve to avoid any surprises.

Why Is It So Popular?

Over the last few years, the popularity of threading has grown significantly throughout

North America. Threading services are offered everywhere—from salons and spas to kiosks at the mall—and customers are flocking to them.One explanation for this high demand is the major emphasis on eyebrows in today’s beauty and fashion industries. Advertisements

for every kind of eyebrow-enhancing product imaginable are everywhere. Celebrities, like Kim Kardashian and model Cara Delevingne, are leading by example when it comes to big, bold, well-defined brows.Social media is also doing its part to keep eyebrows on trend. There’s the Instagram brow (an ombré-inspired eyebrow look), and let’s not forget the hashtag phenomenon #EyebrowsOnFleek.With so many people striving for stylish brows, it’s no wonder that threading is thriving.  t8n

What Shape Is Right for You?

Choosing an eyebrow shape is completely personal, but these are the standard recommendations for matching face shape to eyebrow shape:

Round face: angular with a high, sharp arch.

Square jaw: thick and strong, and slightly rounded or angular.

Heart-shaped face: clean, defined, and not too heavy or thick.

Oval face: classic shape with a slight arch.

Fun Facts

Threading is easy on your wallet—it costs roughly the same as an eyebrow wax. The average price for a threading session is between $10 and $20.

Your threading results will likely last about three weeks.