by Leslie Haasch

Created on: August 13, 2008

Threading has only recently begun to prove itself as a popular alternative to waxing and laser hair removal despite the fact that it has been used in the Middle East for a long time. This hair removal technique involves using a thread of twisted cotton thread to trap and pluck unwanted hairs from the brows. The most difficult part of threading is finding a skilled practitioner to do it!

While threading can be used to remove hair from the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and various other parts of the body, it remains most popular for use with the eyebrows. Threading requires a fairly flat surface to be effective, so this rules out certain areas of the body. The practitioner holds a cotton thread between his fingers that he twists with the help of their teeth and creates a loop that will trap unwanted hairs and pluck them from the skin. The whole process, when performed correctly by a trained professional, can be done in less than 15 minutes. While it isn't as tedious as plucking single hairs, it can feel just as uncomfortable the first few times you have it done.

One of the reasons people favor this method over waxing and laser hair removal is that it does not result in painful ingrown hairs. Additionally, it is inexpensive and generally less painful. In most cases, after two to four weeks when the hairs begin to grow back, they are more faint and after a few treatments begin growing back much slower. For people with sensitive skin, threading is a welcome alternative that involves no harsh chemicals of any kind.

As I stated previously, the most difficult of the threading process is finding a skilled practitioner in your area that offers the service. While it is becoming more popular, it is still hard to find in some areas. Even though the side effects from threading are less considerable than other methods, there is always a chance of red, irritated skin and hair follicle infections. If you're skin is prone to acne and frequently flares up, it may be difficult to find a good time to have threading done. Any acne around the eyebrow area could be irritated or burst, which could result in scarring or simply a brief period of discomfort.
If you're sick of staring at your brows in a mirror, desperately trying to pluck each and every stray hair, give threading a try. If nothing else, it will give your hands and tweezer a break. He can always come back out the next time you get a splinter.

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