The Great Debate: Threading vs. Waxing

Threading in a nutshell...

Threading is a method of hair removal which uses thread to twist around each hair to be removed, and pull it completely from the follicle. The method is said to have originated in Turkey or Iran, and is still popular in the middle east and India today. Threading is most commonly used to remove superfluous hair on the face--typically the cheeks, chin, lip, and eyebrow. There are many techniques--the most common of which, the thread is held in the practitioner's mouth (usually by the teeth) and the other side is held by hand. 

For sanitary reasons, I use a simple loop of thread with about 10-15 twists in the middle. I use my index finger and thumb of each hand (and not my mouth!) to move the twists across the skin. I choose to use 100% cotton unfinished thread--I feel this is less likely to cause reactions to the skin.

Results of threading last just as long as waxing, and I charge the same price for waxing or threading, even though threading requires somewhat more time and technical skill.

Of course, like anything else, threading has it's pros and cons.

Reasons people often choose threading over waxing.

• Waxing has the potential to burn the skin, leaving blisters and possibly scars.
• Wax residue, or occasionally the products used to remove the wax residue, can sometimes cause skin irritations (tiny bumps that often look like acne) Since threading requires no products, it is less likely that the skin can become inflamed. (I do, however, ask if you would like me to apply a 1% Hydrocortisone cream that will help soothe the skin after--and the choice is always up to you.)
• Unlike waxing, threading does not have the possibility of lifting, tearing, or over-exfoliating the skin.
• It is safe for people using strong medications such as Accutane, Renova, Tazorac, Differin, Retin-A, etcetera. or also for those who have particularly dry skin, or have gotten a little too much sun recently.
• Many are convinced that threading is more precise, and can achieve a better shape.
• Often, clients have reported that their skin appears less red immediately after threading (compared to immediately after waxing) and the redness typically seems to subside more quickly.
• There is no possibility for double dipping; sanitation for this procedure is as easy as the practitioner washing his or her hands and using a new piece of thread for each client.

Reasons people stick with waxing:

• Threading takes longer than waxing. Not much longer, but because the hairs are removed more gradually (instead of a few quick pulls) many feel it hurts more than waxing. Keep in mind that I do have a product with 2% Lidocaine I can apply beforehand that clients report helps take the edge off.
• Rolling the thread against the skin, does create friction, and occasionally with slack skin, pinching can occur. Both of these can add to the discomfort level.
• Just like when you take time to tweeze your eyebrows at home, your eyes may water, and you may wind up sneezing. 

In my opinion the pros outweigh the cons, and I try my best to convert waxing clients to threading. 

If you decide to stick to waxing, however, take comfort in knowing that I never double dip, I always test the temperature on my wrist before applying it to your skin, and I remove wax residue with an oil-based remover--but then remove the oil-based remover with a light astringent, followed by a soothing hydrocortisone cream.

If you decide to try threading, know that I will use tweezers to remove hairs that were too short to be caught in the thread. Also know, that if you decide, even just part-way through the process that you would prefer waxing---we can always switch from one to the other.

Your hair won't grow back thicker, longer, or darker. Removing hair by waxing, threading, tweezing, or even shaving WILL NOT make your hair grow in darker, or thicker.  Hair color and thickness is determined by genetics, and affected by hormones as we age. It doesn't make sense that by cutting the hair at the surface or removing it from the follicle, it would change your genetics and the way your hair grows. Shaving can make hair feel more coarse because it cuts the naturally tapered end off of the hair; when it grows back out, it feels prickly because it was cut straight across, usually at the widest part of the hair. When hair is removed from the root, though, it must grow back completely, meaning the hair that replaces it will naturally have a tapered edge, making it feel softer and finer. If you know someone who insists that after waxing her lip, her hair grew back darker, unfortunately, it is probably a change based on fluctuation of hormones or medication. Many people experience different hair growth during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, or while taking birth control. It is also a somewhat common side-effect to many prescription medications for serious illnesses, or after radiation therapy.

For the best results, get on a hair removal regimen. Many people tout waxing as leaving them bare for weeks or sometimes even months. This can be true, but won't be if you're not on a regular regimen. Your hair grows in different stages. When you have your eyebrows done, you have hair that is visible to be removed---some hair could have just fallen out yesterday on its own, and some could be growing under the surface ready to peek out---in fact it very well may peek out the next day! This doesn't mean your threading or waxing specialist did anything wrong, it's just how it works! But if you go ahead and tweeze that hair between appointments you will keep it growing on a different schedule, since it's unlikely it will grow back in before your next session.  I recommend you DO NOT touch up your eyebrows between appointments. Leave the strays. I know it might just drive you nuts, but if you come back in the recommended 2-3 weeks for another appointment, more of your hairs will be removed at once. After a few sessions of doing this, it will seem like it takes longer for hair to grow back between appointments, and it will also seem like they all grow back, just before you're ready for your next appointment. If getting these services done professionally all the time is too expensive, don't despair! Just make the appointments at home with yourself! Set "appointments" and stick with them---do not be tempted to stray from your regimen, or you'll always have a few strays you're obsessing over...

For facial hair, I recommend appointments every 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly your hair grows. For body hair, I recommend appointments every 4-6 weeks depending on how quickly your hair grows.

Most spas (including mine) do allow you to schedule several appointments in advance, and norris of houston always calls to confirm your appointment the day before.

Please note, that I do not offer threading for removal of body hair, with the exception of a basic bikini line. Other areas of the body are far too tedious; it would take too long for me, and it would be too painful and expensive for you.

Use all the tools in your box. If you are really self-conscious because of excess hair on your cheeks, chin, or lip talk to your doctor. You could be a candidate for prescription Vaniqa. It is a topical medication that reduces hair growth. It is recommended only for use by women on the face, and results are not permanent, they only last for as long as you are using the product. Be forewarned that it can be expensive, and results do vary.


Keeping you beautiful (and bare) one post at a time,
Kate Block