Eyebrow Plucking, Waxing, and Threading: Pros and Cons

The toil of achieving the perfect set of eyebrows is enough to make anyone weary. Yet millions of women (and men, too!) show up at the salon every few weeks to be threaded or waxed—while others stay home to take on the challenge with tweezers. Many would agree that no method of eyebrow shaping is perfect, but what are the pros and cons of each?

Plucking

This method of eyebrow shaping is the most economical way of grooming your eyebrows. You can buy tweezers at any drug or beauty store, which are ideal for removing coarse hair or small groups of hair. However, tweezing can be time- consuming and oftentimes takes precision and skill to get the shape you want.

Additionally, your skin's reaction to this very act can be unpredictable, potentially resulting in hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, scarring, ingrown hairs, and distorted follicles.

Waxing

Like plucking, waxing removes the hair from the hair shaft proving-and it could 2-3 weeks before hair begins to grown back. Although this method is the most expensive, it's considered to be the most effective as well because unlike plucking, waxing removes larger quantities of hair from the hair shaft.  Instead of opting for a DIY home waxing kit, though, allow an experienced operator from a sanitary beauty salon to work her magic on you. She will provide quicker and more precise results.

Also, keep in mind the waxing-zones that are off-limits.  They include areas where there are moles and warts as well as skin that's irritated, sunburned, or broken. The same potential effects of eyebrow plucking (hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, scarring, ingrown hairs, and distorted follicles) can exist for waxing. However, experts say this mode of hair removal may reduce regrowth because repeated waxing helps to destroy hair follicles.

Finally, if you're using a retinoid skin treatment that is systemic or topical, refrain from waxing for at least months after you've stopped treatment.  This way, you'll avoid any possible skin tearing or scarring.

Threading

This ancient technique involves the use of a lengthy, twisted loop of thread that is rapidly rotated across the desired hair. Then, the tight coil pulls or breaks off the trapped hair. Some consider this method to be very painful while others are barely bothered. And interestingly, side effects are similar to plucking and waxing.

Conclusion

While no method is without fault, each has merit, too. A talk with your dermatologist can help you further determine which will yield the best results and be gentlest on your skin.

 


 

Sources:

Nonlaser Hair Removal Techniques
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1067139-overview