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. It's also a surefire way to guarantee you're completely removing the hair from the follicle.
Works Faster
Instead of pulling each individual hair out one by one, threading grabs one line of hair at once, removing it instantly. Threading eyebrows and other unwanted facial hair is faster than sugaring and even natural waxing methods because there is no wait time for anything to dry or harden.
Threading is another alternative to waxing and vice a versa. Both methods of hair removal can increase hair growth due to the nature of the treatment. Both methods of hair removal take out the hair from the hair follicle. It's a bit like plucking the hair but just quicker, more hairs are removed at once.
Is it OK to wax facial hair? Yes! It's a popular form of hair removal for men and women because it's long-lasting and removes hair from the root.
On threading the upper lip
While waxing is efficient for large sections of skin like the hands and legs, threading is better for small areas like the upper lip. “The reason why threading is ideal for all skin types is because the pressure of it can be adjusted accordingly,”Aparna tells us.
Traditional facial threading can remove facial vellus hairs and lower skin roughness levels, thereby improving the skin texture. However, pricking sensation appeared during the facial threading process, which might cause concerns about irritation.
Eyebrow threading is gaining popularity and is now a proven method for safe, natural hair removal, not only for eyebrows, but it is also very effective for facial and body hair removal.
Many people don't realize that there can be potential unwanted side effects with threading such as acne-like breakouts, infections and darkening of the skin.
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.
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.
Facial waxing can also cause mild redness and irritation temporarily after use. You may notice that freshly waxed skin is pink or red, and slightly sensitive to the touch. Your everyday facial products may also burn so you should avoid alcohol-based toners after waxing your face.
Waxing lasts somewhere around 2-6 weeks and results vary from person to person, depending on their hair growth cycles. Nevertheless, it yields better results than threading, bleaching or shaving where the hair growth is relatively faster.
For the best results, clean your face and apply a layer of soap or shaving cream. This promotes a smooth surface and reduces the likelihood of cuts. Glide the shaver over your face in the direction of hair growth. Keep in mind that while this method is relatively safe, ingrown hairs can be a side effect of shaving.
Since the skin on your face is more delicate than the rest of your body, Ismiel recommends only using facial wax strips or hair removal creams for this area, as it can become more irritated. She also cautions against using skincare products or makeup that can lead to further irritation.
Instead of solving the problem, regular waxing or plucking actually worsens the problem! This is because the follicle sustains damage whenever a hair is removed in such forceful manner. The body, in effort to repair this resulting damage, increases blood supply to the site.
While its natural to feel that the constant pulling that takes place during a wax session could add to these causes, the truth is that waxing does not make your skin saggy.
"Any rough movements on the skin can irritate the skin, but [they] won't cause wrinkles," Dr. Peredo tells SELF. "And even the pulling of the skin won't lead to wrinkles." Dr. Charles agrees that this concept is just a myth and says that he hasn't found any significant correlation between waxing and wrinkles.
'Breakouts' after eyebrow threading are usually one of two things – irritation or folliculitis. If you develop some minor redness and a few tiny little 'bumps', this may be a simple irritant reaction. For mild irritant reactions, a soothing aloe vera gel might be all you need (wash your hands before applying it!).
Waxing Vs Threading - The Verdict
Threading is good for clients with sensitive skin and good for anyone that has recently had skin peels or is on medication that would prevent them from having waxing. Choosing between the two is really about personal preference as both provide fantastic results.
A gentle face wash a few hours after your treatment is recommended but ensure you don't exfoliate for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
Your skin may darken
Post-inflammatory pigmentation may occur on your skin after your waxing session, which may lead your skin to appear darker. This means that due to the hot wax being applied on your skin and ripping action, your skin may react by producing pigment that cause dark spots.
Dark upper lips are a sign of dry skin and/or sensitivity problems. Waxing and other hair removal methods can result in a dark upper lip when the skin isn't healthy enough to withstand the treatment.