The Difference Between Threading and Waxing, According to Brow Experts

Waxing and threading are two popular hair removal methods commonly lumped together into a single category. But, in actuality, they have their fair share of differences. Waxing involves, well, wax, that solidifies on the skin, thus trapping individual hairs before ripping them away. Meanwhile, threading involves pinching the hair between two cotton strings that pull each strand of hair up and out of the follicle.

We were curious if they differ by more than technique, though. Specifically, when it comes to hair re-growth rate and gentleness on the skin, is one better than the other? To find out, we tapped celebrity brow experts, Tonya Crooks and Sebastian Latiolais. Ahead, they give us the DL on everything there is to know about threading and waxing so you can figure out which is right for you.

Waxing vs. Threading: What's the Difference?

These hair removal techniques differ in the way they expel hair. "Threading removes the hair in numerous different directions," says Latiolais. "It is very hard to get precision in the way thread moves," adds Crooks. This may negatively impact the follicle and the skin that surrounds it. On the other hand, waxing pulls the hair out in a single direction.

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.

"Threading breaks the hair, which could cause it to grow in different directions," says Latiolais. That's why he says the hair will "grow back in faster because hair is broken instead of fully removed." "I look to threading much like a laser—only do it if you never want to see the hair again. I personally would never put thread to my brow," adds Crooks.

The Benefits of Waxing

Crooks recommends waxing above threading. "Waxing, if performed correctly, such as using correct products and tools, is much more gentle on hair follicle[s] and skin," she says. But there's a catch. You should only wax if you take the proper preparations. She uses "a pre-wax treatment to lubricate [the] follicle and create a barrier between the wax and skin." This allows for easier, gentler removal that pulls the hair out by the root—which, in turn, means less chance of breaking or tearing (although it's always a possibility).

The Benefits of Threading

We would be remiss to say, though, that there aren't benefits to threading as well. It has little to no contact with the skin, so there's less chance of irritation or getting burnt. Because of this, if you use anti-aging products like retinol around your eyes, you may be more likely to suffer irritation from waxing than threading. And if you do get a little pink from threading, it usually goes away within the hour. Since threading uses a string to remove strays around your brows, you also won't suffer from any chemical or allergic reactions. If your skin is particularly sensitive, it might be your best option.

Tweezing as an Alternative

Latiolais, unlike Crooks, believes in tweezers only. "Tweezing is more brow artistry," he says. "The difference is that waxing and threading, they come from behind. But would we ever allow a makeup artist to come from behind to do your makeup? Tweezing helps with symmetry because it is face to face." He also says that tweezing works in the direction of hair growth, making it more gentle on the skin.

The Final Takeaway

In general, waxing will give you quicker (and less painful) results than threading. However, if you're looking for more control over your brow shaping and/or have sensitive skin, then threading might be for you. Alternatively, you could do as Latiolais does, and pick up a pair of tweezers.