Precise brow shaping with a twisted cotton thread
Threading removes hair with a length of cotton thread twisted into a loop, which the therapist rolls across the skin to lift out whole rows of fine hairs at once. Originating in South Asia and the Middle East, it is now on every UK high street, often in walk-in threading bars in shopping centres as well as in salons.
Its strength is precision: the thread follows a clean line and can pick up the finest vellus hairs, so it gives a sharper shape than waxing and does not lift the top layer of skin, which suits people using retinoids or with sensitive skin. Threaders also shape the upper lip, chin and the whole face.
A brow thread takes ten to fifteen minutes and lasts three to five weeks. It stings briefly, more on the first visit than after. Tell the therapist the shape you want before they start; a good threader will suggest a shape that suits your face but follow your lead on thickness.
Also known as: brow threading, threading near me, face threading.
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Usually £8 to £15 for brows, and £5 to £10 for an upper lip. Full-face threading costs around £25 to £40. Threading bars and independent threaders tend to be cheaper than full-service salons.
It is more precise and kinder to sensitive skin, and it is safe if you use retinoids or acids. Waxing is quicker over larger areas. For brows, many people prefer threading for the sharper line.
Leave them alone for six to eight weeks, then let the therapist reshape them all at once. Tweezing stray hairs in between makes it harder to rebuild a fuller shape.
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