1 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Threading is a method of hair removal which, contrary to popular belief, goes back many years. Indians for example, have used this as their primary method of eyebrow shaping for at least the last 15 years, if not more. It is debated as to where it originates from - some say India, some say it comes from Middle Eastern countries, but either way it is an inexpensive and quick procedure which has only recently been introduced in the western world of beauty.

What is it? It is a method of plucking which is faster and produces neater results than using tweezers. You can always tell when someone has threaded as opposed to plucked with tweezers as not only are the results neater, but the hair on the eyebrows all look even lengths - as though they have been trimmed. In terms of speed, having your eyebrows threaded takes, on average a maximum of 15 minutes.

How is it done? Threading is implemented through the use of cotton string which is wound around the fingers to form a scissor effect - where the thread crosses over. It is controlled by placing the end in your mouth or around your neck, the movement from which closes the clasp to enable the hair to be grabbed for removal. Although it forms a scissor-like shape, it still follows the principle of plucking hair from the root rather than cutting.

It is usually done by someone else but with practise, it is something which you can learn to do on yourself. Other than eyebrow shaping, it is also used to remove facial hair and sometimes even body hair. It is relatively pain-free, in comparison to other methods like plucking and waxing. It does cause redness, but this should not last for more than a few minutes. The lack of chemicals or heat means that you do not even have to worry about risks like allergic reactions or prolonged discomfort.

As it is a novelty in Western salons, it tends to cost more than it should if you think about it, all you need is a cotton thread and a person who knows how to use it with no chemicals and inexpensive materials, it doesn't make sense for it to be an expensive treatment.
A handy tip if you want your eyebrows or facial hair threaded, is to go to a salon in an area where there is more of an Indian or Middle Eastern population. You will not only pay less, but will benefit from far more experienced practitioners. Their experience will not only ensure good results, but will reduce the chance of incorrectly applied methods which cause pain, ingrown hairs and swelling and/or redness.

Learn more about this author, Sumantha Dutta.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Eyebrow shaping: The art of threading?
We want to hear your view. Write now!