Nineties beauty trends such as feathered hair and tonal lip liner might have made a comeback, but the one look that's left many a millennial scarred for good is the over-plucked, skinny eyebrow.
While we certainly aren't suggesting you settle in for a tweezer-happy session, there's no harm in keeping you brows gently groomed: in fact, enhancing those arches can make a remarkable difference to your facial structure. (And if you are still attempting to correct the sins of decades past, an eyebrow growth serum is your saviour).
Now for the big question: threading or waxing? Both of these pro treatments help to shape and define your eyebrows whilst making the most of your natural arches: so how do you know which one is right for you? Or, really what's involved in the first place? We quizzed celebrity brow expert and founder of Nails & Brows, Sherrille Riley, The London Dolls founder Beth Camilleri, and Jaimineey Patel, Blink Brow Bar 's head of training, on all of your burning questions about eyebrow waxing versus eyebrow threading.
What's The Difference Between Waxing And Threading?
Eyebrow waxing
This method involves having warm wax thinly applied with a wooden spatula to the hairs that will be removed. A paper strip is then applied directly over the wax, gentle pressure is applied to ensure the hairs in the wax stick to the paper, and the paper is swiftly pulled away, pulling the hairs out directly from the root.
Eyebrow threading
This is an ancient hair removal technique that originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. The skin is first sanitised for preparation and then an in-depth consultation is carried out to ensure the right shape and thickness will be achieved.
With eyes closed, skin is held taught for support. A piece of thread that is specially coated with anti-bacterial wax is then twisted in the hands of the professional to create a mini-lasso. This removes the hairs quickly and directly from the follicles. The salon may also trim the remaining hairs to neaten the brows and define the shape.
Eyebrow Waxing
The Pros
'Waxing is instant, provides good results and is widely available,' says Riley. 'It is suited for clients that find threading and tweezing very painful. The hairs can grow back softer and finer with regular usage.'
The Cons
'The expert using this technique must be very experienced as it is less accurate than threading,' explains Riley. 'Waxing is not suitable for anyone undergoing chemical peels or using retinol (or taking certain medications).'
Waxing also isn't ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin. 'As you are using warm wax which must be pulled away to remove the hairs; this can cause stress to the skin,' agrees Patel. There's also a lack of control when it comes to waxing, she notes. 'It’s fiddly which can result in uneven or sparse brows.'
Eyebrow Threading
The Pros
If you have allergies or tend to get spots after waxing, threading is the better option.
Threading can also result in a more precise finish (read: twinning eyebrows). ‘It's a method of hair removal that will not only remove every stray hair and shape your eyebrows with perfect precision but creates definition and provides a smooth finish that no other method of hair removal can achieve,’ says Patel.
'Threading is suitable for everyone, from all skin types to all brow shapes,' she notes. 'As threading simply involves using a cotton thread to remove hair from its root, it is the least invasive method of hair removal. It is perfect for those with sensitive skin looking to move away from chemical methods of hair removal.'
The Cons
Threading requires you, the client, to keep the skin pulled tight throughout the session, which can be hard work. If the skin goes lax, there is risk of nicking it. Threading can also feel more painful to some: imagine teeny tiny elastic bands going off on your forehead.
Should People With Sensitive Skin Avoid Threading Or Waxing?
'Extremely sensitive skin types should avoid waxing as it can be aggressive on the skin. Our bespoke approach at Nails & Brows allows us to use a combination of threading, waxing and tweezing to achieve the best results,' explains Riley.
Can You Be Allergic To Waxing Or Threading?
It is quite uncommon but sensitive skin can react to waxing. An allergy test can be done 24 hours before if uncertain. Some people may find that they break out into spots after threading, so good hygiene must be practiced by using clean string each time and sanitising the skin first.
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Which Lasts Longer: Waxing Or Threading?
Both techniques remove the hairs from the follicles so results generally last between four to six weeks, depending on the individual.
Which Hurts More: Waxing Or Threading?
For most, threading is more painful as it takes longer to do, whilst waxing is quicker. Threading is often the most requested for precision results so people are prepared to forgo the pain in favour of good results.
Is Threading Or Waxing Better For Bushier Brows?
Threading, as technicians have better control of the shape. Patel agrees: ‘There is much more control with threading, it removes hair from the root so gives a wonderfully clean finish and therefore longer lasting results.'
The Essential Eyebrow Prep:
- Good hygiene practice is best carried out before and after to avoid skin pimples afterwards.
- If opting for wax, avoid using products that contain AHAs such as glycolic acid as this can make the skin more fragile.
- Avoid applying make-up to the area directly afterwards as the follicles are open which can lead to pimples.
- Stay out of direct sunlight the day before and after your waxing or threading as UV exposure can make skin more sensitive.
- If you are on your period it may be worth rescheduling your waxing or threading appointment. Fluctuations in hormones during your period can increase sensitivity so you may find it more painful than usual.
Waxing Vs Threading - The Verdict
Waxing is perfect for super thick brows and for clients that find brow shaping really painful. It's quick with instant results so is a good option for those that don’t like the threading or tweezing.
Threading is good for clients with sensitive skin and good for anyone that has recently had skin peels or is on medication that would prevent them from waxing.
Choosing between the two is really about personal preference as both provide fantastic results. Within the ELLE beauty circle, threading is the preferred choice for its natural results.
ELLE UK's Top Brow Spots In The UK
Your local South Asian salon will often deliver excellent results (especially when it comes to threading), but for a boutique experience, we highly recommend:
Blink Brow Bar: Available across London and Manchester, Blink delivers all things brow (and lash, nails and permanent make-up, if you're keen) including threading, waxing, tinting, and lamination. The 'brow pinching' massage is worth trying, too.
Benefit: This high-street mainstay is best known for their efficient brow services, which include waxing, lamination and tinting. Extra care is taken, so expect a fairly painless waxing process. Available nationwide.
Shavata Singh: Shavata Singh and her team of highly-trained brow connoisseurs guarantee natural-looking, polished arches every time. Available nationwide.
Nails & Brows: This plush beauty spot in Mayfair is reportedly a favourite of Meghan Markle, and for good reason: they offer bespoke brow services that often includes a combination of threading, waxing, tweezing and trimming to achieve desired results.
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Amelia Bell is the Senior Site Beauty Editor at ELLE UK, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and overseeing all beauty content for the site. Amelia has a particular interest in sustainable beauty practices, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
