Threading is a procedure where a thread of cotton is used to remove short rows of hair. Tweezing is when tweezers are used to individually extract hairs.

What is Threading?

Definition:

Threading is a method used to remove rows of hairs from the eyebrows.

History:

It is thought that threading first began more than 6000 years ago in parts of the Middle East and India. The method has since gained popularity in the western world.

Procedure:

Threading is done by using a piece of cotton that is pulled across a row of hairs. 

Advantages:

This is a good method if you want a specific shape to your eyebrows. It is also good for removing fine hairs that may be missed during tweezing. Threading can be used if you have sensitive skin. The process is faster than tweezing.

Disadvantages:

The method is not precise and it can result in complications such as redness, folliculitis, depigmentation, and hyperpigmentation.

What is Tweezing?

Definition:

Tweezing is a method where individual hairs are plucked from the eyebrows.

History:

While tweezers were invented about 3000 BC, it is unknown exactly when humans started to use these to remove hair. 

Procedure:

Tweezing is a simple method where you use a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull a single hair out of the skin. The method does involve removing the entire hair root.

Advantages:

Tweezing is precise because it focuses on removing each unwanted hair individually. It is also beneficial for using on someone who has sensitive skin and who often has acne outbreaks. The hair root is removed in the process so the results remain good for up to 3 weeks.

Disadvantages:

This is the slowest way to remove hairs because they are removed individually. It can take up to 30 minutes to tweeze an eyebrow. The other disadvantage is that tweezing is not so good if you are trying to shape the eyebrows. It is possible to have complications from tweezing. For instance, you may get an infection, acne, hyperpigmentation, have an ingrown hair, or folliculitis developing from the action of tweezing. 

Difference between Threading and Tweezing?

Definition

Threading is when a thread of cotton is used to remove a row of hair. Tweezing is when individual hairs are removed using tweezers. 

Pros

A benefit of threading is if you want a specific eyebrow shape. An advantage of tweezing is it is very precise and can be used on individuals who have sensitive skin.

Cons

Threading has some drawbacks including the increased risk of infection and conditions like hyperpigmentation and folliculitis. Tweezing has the disadvantage of being a slow process and not a good way to shape the eyebrows.

How long it takes

The threading process when used on eyebrows, takes about 15 minutes. The tweezing process when used on eyebrows takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

How long the results last

The results from threading last about 2 to 3 weeks. The results from tweezing last from 1 to 3 weeks.

Table comparing Threading and Tweezing

Summary of Threading Vs. Tweezing

• Threading and tweezing are both ways to remove hair from the eyebrows.
• Threading is a way to remove hair in rows and it is a common method used on the eyebrows.
• Tweezing is how individual hairs are plucked out by the root.
• Both tweezing and threading can cause skin trauma, bacterial skin infections, irritation, and folliculitis.

FAQ

Does threading last longer than plucking?

The results from threading usually last longer than those from plucking.

Why thread instead of pluck?

Threading is a good way to shape your eyebrows and the result often last longer compared with plucking. Plucking is not a good way to shape your eyebrows and it also can take a lot longer.

What’s the difference between tweezing and threading?

Tweezing is when tweezers are used to remove hairs one at a time. Threading is when a piece of cotton thread is used to remove a row of hairs all at the same time.

Should I tweeze or thread my eyebrows?

It depends what you are looking to achieve. Threading is best for shaping of the eyebrows but tweezing is a better method if you have sensitive skin.

What is the downside of threading?

Threading can cause redness (erythema) and it can have complications including inflammation of the follicles and hyperpigmentation of areas of skin.

Why does my hair grow thicker after threading?

Threading does not actually make hair grow in thicker but it may appear darker because the finer hairs are taken out in the procedure.

What are the pros and cons of hair threading?

The pro of threading is that it is good for shaping eyebrows. The con of threading is the hair does grow back quite quickly and it is not good if you have sensitive skin.

Should I thread my chin hair?

It is considered by some people to be a good method for removing chin hair.

What are the side effects of facial hair threading?

Facial hair threading can cause skin irritation and lead to conditions like hyperpigmentation and folliculitis.

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