Threading Hair Removal – Fact Sheet

by Mike Jones

Threading is a lesser known but effective method of hair removal that is kinder to the skin than many other procedures. It is a very economical and effective way of keeping the facial areas and eyebrows clean and free of unwanted body hair.

What is threading?

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal still used in many countries in the Middle East as well as India and Pakistan. It is used to give clean lines and good shape to the eyebrows and also remove hair from the upper lip and other facial areas.

How does threading work?

100% cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hair in the thread which is then lifted out from the follicle.

How long before hair returns after threading?

About the same as with tweezing, anywhere between 3 and 8 weeks.

How does threading affect the skin?

The effects of threading are less than with other hair removal methods such as tweezing, waxing or sugaring. The skin may get a little red and sore but only a slight pinch is felt as a relatively large area is covered each time.

Unlike waxing or the use of depilatories, irritation and skin rashes are avoided with threading as the top layer of dead skin is not stripped off in the process.

Where can I find cosmeticians skilled in threading?

Check your local Yellow Pages and look for beauty parlors in areas settled by people from the Indian subcontinent or Middle East as threading is still commonly used in these countries.