Eyebrow Shapes 101: Threading vs. Waxing Embroidery

Sick of plucking brows, fake-looking eyebrow stencils, and fussing over eyebrow shapes? Consider eyebrow threading.

Eyebrow threading is a natural and cheap way of achieving perfect eyebrows. But how does it compare to plucking, waxing and eyebrow embroidery? IS it painful? How long does it last? And what eyebrow shapes can you achieve?

We’ve got all the answers here.

Contents

How does eyebrow threading work?
Is eyebrow threading painful?
How does it compare to other eyebrow treatments?
Why do some women prefer eyebrow threading?
Where to get Eyebrow Threading in Singapore

How does eyebrow threading work?

Basically, a cotton thread is twisted and pulled like a lasso along the area you want to clean up. The thread lifts the hair from the follicle, so you don’t get any ugly stubble. The entire session often takes less than 10 minutes, and doesn’t use any chemicals.

Is eyebrow threading painful?

You’ll feel a sting – enough to make your eyes water a bit – but it’s over quickly. The skin will be a little red and sensitive for a few minutes. Compared to bikini waxes, it’s a walk in the park.

How does it compare to other eyebrow treatments?

It’s one of the most cost-effective ways of achieving eyebrow shapes. You can pluck or shave eyebrows at home, but a lot of us just don’t have the time or hand-eye coordination to pull this off well.

Eyebrow threading is cheaper than eyebrow embroidery, but bear in mind that it can only clean up the eyebrow shapes – it can’t fill in sparse brows, or suddenly create an arch. However, most women find it easier to “fake” thicker brows with a pencil or brow gel after a grooming session. With all the stray hairs out of the way, you just need to fill in the bare spots.

Compared to eyebrow waxing, eyebrow threading is slightly more painful but it is less irritating. During a wax, you only feel pain when it’s being peeled off in one quick rip. During a threading, the hairs are pulled off section by section. However, eyebrow waxing isn’t recommended if you have sensitive skin, are using skincare products that make your skin more sensitive (like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or acne treatments), or just had a chemical peel.

Why do some women prefer eyebrow threading?

Just like we all have our personal favourite eyebrow shapes, we all have our own preference for achieving them. It’s all about what works for you!

However, those who love eyebrow threading say that it’s quick and has a lot of value for money. “I only need sessions every 6 to 7 weeks. I’ve also noticed that after getting several regular sessions, my eyebrow hairs also take longer to grow back,” says Bethany.

“It’s very convenient for me, because I can have my eyebrows fixed at the same salon where I have my nails done,” says Lucy.

Sarah says that she likes how it gives natural looking results. “I don’t want to change my eyebrow shape, I just want it to look groomed. After years of overplucking – and years of waiting for my brows to grow back – I have learned that the best eyebrow shapes are the ones that look like those you were born with.”

Dermatologists even say that eyebrow threading is one of the safest ways to shape your eyebrows. There’s no risk of burns from eyebrow waxing, or inborn hairs from tweezing or shaving. It’s also very hygienic because the thread is thrown away after it’s used.