I Tried Eyebrow Threading So You Don't Have To — Here's What I Learned

"Never touch your eyebrows!" The four words I always heard growing up as a bushy-browed girl following the '90s days of over-plucking. But once I hit puberty, even my mom had to admit that I needed some eyebrow shaping and maintenance — landing my middle school-self in the chair of an eyebrow waxer. Walking out of the room, I'll never forget the pain, redness, and plethora of pimples I experienced following the appointment. Determined to find the best method for brow hair removal, I researched everything from laser hair removal to a classic pair of tweezers. I eventually landed on eyebrow threading and haven't looked back since.

"Eyebrow threading involves using a cotton thread that is rolled along the skin, catching and pulling the hair out. This ancient technique originated in Asia and has been practiced for centuries. When you watch the process, it almost looks like magic because it’s so fast," explains Celebrity Eyebrow Specialist Joey Healy. "This technique is considered one of the safest and most precise methods of hair removal to shape the brows," Adriana Orozco, Eyebrow Specialist and Founder of Ikal Spa + Face Salon, shares.

To give you a proper review of the threading process, I have not only documented my latest appointment, but I've also chatted with brow experts Healy and Orozco to help answer all your burning questions regarding eyebrow threading.

What is Eyebrow Threading?

"Eyebrow threading involves using a cotton thread that is rolled along the skin, catching and pulling the hair out. This ancient technique originated in Asia and has been practiced for centuries. When you watch the process, it almost looks like magic because it’s so fast," says Healy, who compares the treatment to "the sensation of a rubber band snapping against your skin as the hair is removed." Although I have to admit, I find the rubber band more painful.

Orozco shares that threading "is considered one of the safest and most precise methods of hair removal to shape the brows." She adds, "Synthetic thread can also be used, but I do not recommend it as cotton thread is softer, so it is more comfortable for guests and less likely to cause irritation."

What to Expect During an Eyebrow Threading Appt?

After laying down in the chair, the brow area should be cleaned with some form of antiseptic, such as rubbing alcohol, to disinfect the pores. "Disinfection prevents contamination and exposure to bacteria," says Orozco, adding, "Some people use powder to make the hairs more visible during threading, but I personally prefer to use magnifying glasses instead of powder."

Next comes the thread. After clearing out the top, sides, and middle of the brows — the least painful areas — the brow specialist will ask you to stretch the skin around your brows so they can reach all those pesky hairs growing towards your eye. According to Orozco, stretching the skin will "prevent the skin from being caught in the thread and getting cut." After the treatment, "a cream is applied to cover and soothe the pores and skin," Orozco adds.

The entire appointment is incredibly quick. As Healy says, "Most appointments last about 10 minutes, as it's a quick service. Threading is typically quite affordable, and many places accept walk-ins without the need for an appointment, making it convenient and accessible."

What Are the Benefits of Eyebrow Threading?

When compared to waxing, "Eyebrow threading is less likely to cause any minor swelling, irritation, or allergic reaction since no type of wax product is used," Orozco says. Healy completely agrees, sharing that threading "doesn’t involve heat or chemicals, unlike waxing, which can be harsh on the skin. Waxing not only removes hair but can also strip the top layer of skin, increasing the risk of burns or irritation."

Orozco continues, "Because hairs are removed at the root, it takes longer for the hairs to grow back and the shape is maintained for a longer period of time. Also, threading is a more precise and gentler hair-removal method so you get a better shape without the potential for long-term hair loss."

"It’s fast, inexpensive, and readily available at many salons," Healy concludes.

What Are the Downsides of Eyebrow Threading?

"Threading isn’t as precise as tweezing," Healy admits. "Brows don’t grow in neat rows, so it’s essential to carefully consider each hair, which is easier to do with tweezing." Another downside Healy shares is brow symmetry. "Threading can make each brow look good individually, but it’s often hard to get them to match perfectly," he says.

Orozco brings up important issues surrounding those with cotton allergies, sensitive skin, and fine brow hairs. "Individuals with cotton allergies and extremely sensitive skin may experience redness for up to a day or two following the treatment," she says, noting that "in most cases, potential adverse reactions such as redness or hives will subside within a few hours or a few minutes, even for sensitive individuals."

"People with very fine eyebrow hair may experience ingrown hairs for a few weeks following the treatment," she explains, "but this can be prevented with proper exfoliation of the area."

Does Eyebrow Threading Hurt?

The pain level of eyebrow threading varies from person to person. While I may have a high pain tolerance (at least I think I do), I tend to find waxing and tweezing more painful than threading. "This varies depending on each individual's level of sensitivity," Orozco explains, adding that "Women tend to be more sensitive and are more likely to experience discomfort when menstruating."

"Some guests describe threading as a little uncomfortable, but not painful, while many of our guests feel very little and fall asleep during the service," Orozco continues, but "People who do experience discomfort are most likely to do so during threading of the bottom area of the brow as opposed to the top or sides."

On the other hand, "Threading can be quite painful for some people, which can be surprising," says Healy.

What Is the Aftercare of Eyebrow Threading?

When it comes to eyebrow threading, before and aftercare are equally as important. "Before your appointment, it’s best to avoid using skincare or sunscreen products on your brows, and it’s also a good idea to come with clean brows free of makeup," Healy urges. Both Orozco and Healy recommend patients to cleanse their skin following the appointment, or at least at the end of the day. "We also ask guests to avoid touching the threaded area to prevent bacteria from entering the exposed pores and possible breakouts," adds Orozco.

Both brow specialists share that if the area feels irritated, products including tea tree oil, aloe vera, or chamomile will help calm it down. And applying makeup after eyebrow threading isn't recommended. "It’s best to keep the area clean, and while you can apply eyebrow makeup afterward, it’s a good idea to let the skin rest if you're prone to irritation," Healy says.

Orozco even mentions, "Makeup should be avoided for 24 hours since many cosmetic products contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation or break-outs."

What Does Eyebrow Threading Cost?

My eyebrow threading appointment with Orozco was $40, however, "The cost of eyebrow threading varies depending on the location, ranging from $5 to $75," says Healy.

"The price of eyebrow threading varies from place to place depending on the location and level of experience of the specialist," explains Orozco. "If you select a service at the lower end of this range, you should expect a faster service without much attention to detail compared to the service you get at the higher end."

"A lot of places offer brow threading, but it can be a challenge to find a good brow specialist who will give you the desired shape for your eyebrows; we always recommend checking out reviews and asking around before trusting someone with your brows," Orozco adds. After all, combing through eyebrow specialist reviews on Yelp was how I found her after moving to NYC!

Meet The Experts

Joey Healy

Known for his classic approach and technical skill, Joey Healy has become one of the most influential eyebrow specialists in the industry. With his skill for crafting the ideal arch, Joey launched his eyebrow empire in 2010 with his signature product line, Joey Healy Eyebrow Collection, following in 2011. Located in the heart of NYC's Village, Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio is a stylish eyebrow sanctuary for his jet-setting clientele.

Adriana Orozco

Adriana Orozco is an Eyebrow Specialist, NYS Licensed Esthetician, and the Founder of Ikal Spa + Face Salon located in Soho, NYC. Ikal is a Mayan word that means “finding the spirit." She's known for her keen attention to detail when it comes to all things brows, lashes, skincare, and permanent makeup.