Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Eyebrow Threading

Of all the features to be finicky about on your face, eyebrows are the ones that can change how you look the most dramatically, we think.  Whether you choose eyebrow threading to shape, tint to change the color, or you get the hairs laminated to lay down flat, "brows bring balance and proportion to your face and eyes," Jared Bailey, Benefit Cosmetics's San Francisco-based global brow expert previously told Allure. That means, a few too many hairs plucked from their humble follicles or a few stray ones left in the wrong areas can slightly alter the way you look. By no means will you be unrecognizeable — but you'll definitely look a little different. 

We can't stress enough the difference a well-groomed set of brows makes, especially for those whose brow hairs are naturally curly — you've got to keep them in check. "A brow shape or brow line can be lost when the brow hair grows long and curls too much," Azi Sacks, a New York City-based brow expert previously told Allure. "The brow can also appear to shrink in width because the hairs are bending and clumping together."

The good news is there are myriad ways to groom or build upon (hi, microblading) your brows. But the technique you choose to get them where you want matters. If shape and definition are your main concerns, you can wax, pluck, or even thread your brow hairs.

Whether you're used to a more maintained brow look or are in need of some extra TLC in the arch department, eyebrow threading, in particular, is an excellent, natural option for hair removal. With its origins in Asia centuries ago, threading is a simple process that is often considered to be one of the most painless (and least invasive) options for shaping brows. If you've ever — or never — seen it in action and have wondered how a single piece of thread (held in the practitioner's mouth) can transform arches in mere minutes, allow us to explain.

Meet The Experts:

• Shobha Tummala, owner of Shobha Salons, which has locations in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Shobha Salons specialize in hair removal, offering threading, bikini waxes, laser, and more.
• Nitasha Dahiya, Washington, D.C.-based owner of Dupont Threading, boasting four locations in the city and one in Arlington, V.A.
• Shari Marchbein, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She specializes in aesthetic procedures and laser surgery.

• What Is Brow Threading?
• The Benefits of Brow Threading
• The Potential Risks & Downsides of Threading
• How Often Should You Thread?
• How Much Does Threading Usually Cost?
• How Can You Find the Right Threader Near You?

The process is quite simple and typically involves a single piece of cotton thread, according to Shobha Tummala, the founder of Shobha hair-removal salon. After wiping the eyebrow area clean with alcohol, the thread is "twisted and pulled along areas of unwanted hair acting like a mini-lasso, lifting the hair directly from the root without the use of any chemicals or unnecessary tugging on delicate skin," she explains.

One of the most common methods of threading is with the long strand of cotton thread held in one end of the mouth, says Nitasha Dahiya, owner of Dupont Threading in Washington, D.C., where she is based. "The thread is twisted in order to efficiently roll over the skin to individually pluck the roots of unwanted hair," she says. While there are many different threading methods, Dahiya says this is the most practiced technique.

Other methods include either the use of a chain instead of the mouth to hold the thread, or the "butterfly method," which has the knotted thread being twisted and pulled through two fingers on each hand, says Dahiya. Clients are typically in a reclining chair and asked to hold the skin taut around the brow, which makes the area more accessible and often alleviates the discomfort, too.

As opposed to waxing, tweezing, or lasers, threading is considered one of the safest and most precise methods of hair removal, especially in the delicate areas surrounding the eye. "Threading allows our specialists to have greater control over which hairs are removed," says Tummala. The technique is also "100 percent natural," which means there are no artificial waxes, chemicals, or invasive techniques used during the procedure.

Even dermatologists are on board with the brow-shaping technique. Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine in New York City, considers threading to be one of the safest options as she's witnessed burns from waxing, particularly in patients who use retinoids for acne or have sensitive skin.

Eyebrow threading is also said to be safer for those prone to post-waxing breakouts, says Dahiya. "Unlike tweezing, threading does not create ingrown hairs and is safer for all skin types," she says. "A good practitioner has light and painless movements with the thread and skin."

Although threading does involve a piece of thread held in the practitioner's mouth, Marchbein says the risk of contamination is little to none because "the part of the thread making contact with the threader's mouth is not the same part as that making contact with the skin." However, we should note that while rare, contamination can happen (Khloé Kardashian's fear), but with proper prep and aftercare, it can be avoided.

Threading isn't just for brow shaping, either. While the act does indeed remove unwanted brow hairs, Tummala says threading can also target stubbles and peach fuzz-like growth that waxing would normally miss.

While it is considered a safe and noninvasive brow-shaping situation for most, that doesn't mean the technique doesn't come with its own set of risks, says Tummala. She warns against brow threading for those who have recently undergone an in-office procedure.

"The only instance where we would recommend you not to get your brows threaded is if you just had a cosmetic surgery," she says. "We recommend checking with your physician first, and then come back to us three to four weeks after the surgery for your threading appointment, so your skin has had some time to heal."

While the rate of regrowth is individual, clients typically get their eyebrows threaded every two to three weeks, says Dahiya. Because the process actually removes singular hairs from their roots, the results can last just as long as waxing.

While the cost will vary depending on the region, practitioner, and individual needs, Tummala says pricing typically ranges from $12 to $40 for the eyebrow area.

Just like your relationship with your dermatologist, hairstylist, and even your dentist, finding someone you trust — especially with your brows — is important. Before your appointment, be sure to have an open conversation with your threader to discuss your desired brow shape. But, most importantly, try to relax — your brows are in good hands.