Full face threading specifically targets hair follicles that grow deep within the skin, as the cotton thread glides along the surface of the skin to remove hair and any dead skin cells. The cotton thread twists the hair out of the root, and while doing so, exfoliates the layer of skin to reveal soft and glowing skin.
But while threading is most commonly used for brows, it's worth noting that it's also a highly effective way of removing unwanted hair on the entire face and upper lip area.
However, complications of facial threading, including irritant dermatitis, folliculitis, koebnerization, verrucae, and impetigo, have also been reported. Although facial threading carries some potential risk, many women are still interested in this natural, traditional beauty technique.
How long does threading last? Depending on your hair type and area of the face, full re-growth can be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Complications: Although thread lift is considered minimally invasive, some sutures and cuts are required. There is still a risk of complications such as bruising, thread breakage, thread extrusion, fever, and infection.
Crooks adds that: “You should only thread hair you never want to see again. This is because when the thread wraps around the hair follicle, it breaks it off, causing damage to the follicle, meaning the hair may grow back curly, out of place, or not at all.”
Wash and dry your face gently, without rubbing or massaging (2 weeks). Avoid direct sunlight and do not use tanning beds (3 weeks). Avoid facial massages and all other facial aesthetic treatments (3 weeks). Avoid sports, in particular high impact sports (e.g. running) and contact sports (e.g. boxing, rugby) (3 weeks).
Threading lifts the hair from the follicle, therefore if it is done on a regular basis, it weakens the hair follicle so hair growth becomes less dense over time, and new hair will grow finer and sparser. Re-growth is between 2-4 weeks, depending on hair growth.
Average Cost of a Thread Lift
According to RealSelf.com, the price range can go between $50 and $5900, but the average cost is $2,075.
The choice is really up to you. Threading offers more precision and is safer for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, but many say waxing hurts less than threading and it is considered to be a more gentle approach to hair removal.
On average, patients require between 2 – 4 threads on each side of the face for a mid-face thread lift. An additional 2 – 4 threads may be needed for the lower face and/or neck.
No, your hair will never grow thicker or darker after threading. Since threading removes the hair from the root, your hair will become finer over time.
Since the process removes hairs from their roots, the time for the hairs to grow back will be dependent on many factors, but we recommend coming in for eyebrow threading treatment every 2-3 weeks.
That said, over time, frequent threading can cause the hair follicle to stop growing hair (although, some might consider that an upside). If done incorrectly, the hairs could also break, which can lead to unevenness and ingrown hairs. It's important to find a good tech and avoid any DIY attempts at home.
Threading is also hygienic because nothing but clean strands of the cotton come in contact with the face. Those with sensitive or aging skin find threading is less likely than waxing to cause wrinkles or skin pulling.
You can expect a complete recovery from your thread lift in no more than two weeks. It's important to get advice from your doctor on what activities to avoid as the tissue heals; for example, we recommend you avoid vigorous exercise and facial massage.
When the sutures begin to dissolve, it is likely you will notice the gradual return of sagging features. However, there is evidence to support that collagen is produced in the tissues surrounding the threads, which can lead to a longer lasting effect.
Threading offers amazing precision and shape for your eyebrows. Unlike waxing or plucking, threading creates the perfect shape in order to make your eyebrows look new and fresh. The threading gets rid of the hair strand by strand to create an even and structured look to your eyebrows.
This isn't painful per se, but if it's your first time, it may be uncomfortable enough that you need to ask for a short break between brows. Don't be afraid to speak up. After several sessions, many people no longer feel the pain. It's still less painful than waxing and less permanent than microblading.
Can Waxing or Threading Damage Your Brows? According to Crooks, "Threading is extremely damaging to the hair follicle. It tears the follicle if hair is removed—that is why it is so painful." To make matters worse, there is a chance that the hair won't actually be removed at all—just broken off at the skin's surface.
PDO threads do not have the most dangerous complications compared to fillers. Filler complications such as skin necrosis and blindness from injection inside blood vessels and arteries. But, thread lifts also have complications. It is less safe to get this procedure done if you are still smoking.
There may be visible protrusion of small mono or spiral threads from the skin and this can be resolved by cutting the thread back. This can be seen sometimes up to a few days after insertion. Serious complications include damage to blood vessels and facial nerve damage, resulting in facial paralysis.
No doubt, threading leaves your skin completely smooth, but it also is extremely irritating! Often touted as “exfoliation”, the threads can damage the very top layer of skin, the epidermis, as they pull out the hair.
Threading. You may have heard of eyebrow threading, but you may also be able to obtain this same treatment for peach fuzz. The process works by using two cotton threads that are twisted and rolled over your skin, quickly plucking out unwanted hairs. Results may last up to 5 weeks.