I'll be completely honest with you—almost every first-time threading client who walks into our Gosforth salon asks the same question: "Does it hurt?"

It's usually followed by a nervous laugh and a story about a friend who either loved it or swore they'd never do it again. The truth? Threading pain is real, but it's probably not what you're imagining.

After thousands of threading appointments at our salon, I've learned that most people's fears come from not knowing what to expect. So let me give you the honest, expert answer you're looking for—no sugar-coating, just facts.

The Short Answer: Yes, But It's Manageable

Threading does involve some discomfort. On a scale of 1-10, most clients rate it around 4-5 out of 10. It's not painless, but it's far from unbearable.

Here's what makes threading different from other hair removal methods: instead of one big pull (like waxing), you feel quick, repetitive pinching sensations as the thread catches and removes multiple hairs at once. Think of it like tiny, rapid plucks that move in a line across your brow.

The good news? It's over quickly—usually 10-15 minutes for both eyebrows.

Yogita's Professional Insight

"In my years of experience at Mesmerising Beauty, I've found that technique makes all the difference in pain levels," explains Yogita, our senior threading specialist. "Many of my clients tell me they've tried threading elsewhere and found it quite painful, but when they experience my technique, they're genuinely surprised by how much gentler it feels."

What makes the difference?

Yogita's approach focuses on precision and controlled tension. "I've perfected a method where the thread captures hair at the optimal angle with just the right amount of tension—enough to remove hair cleanly from the root, but not so much that it tugs on the skin. It's about understanding how each person's hair grows and adjusting my hand position accordingly."

"This isn't just my opinion—it's what clients consistently tell me. They'll often say, 'I had a bad experience before, but I barely felt this!' Of course, everyone's pain threshold is different, but I believe that with the right technique and a gentle touch, threading doesn't have to be the ordeal some people fear."

The lesson? If you've had a painful threading experience before, it might have been the technique, not threading itself. A skilled, experienced threading specialist can make a significant difference to your comfort level.

What Does Threading Actually Feel Like?

Most clients describe threading as:

• "Like quick pinches" – The most common description
• "A strange pulling sensation" – Uncomfortable but not sharp pain
• "Tingling that builds up" – Especially around the arch area
• "More annoying than painful" – The repetitive nature can feel intense

One client recently told me: "I was expecting agony based on what my friend said, but honestly? It felt like someone was plucking multiple hairs really fast. The arch area stung a bit, but it was totally doable."

The Pain Map: Where It Hurts Most

Not all areas of your eyebrows hurt equally during threading. Here's the breakdown:

Most Sensitive: The Arch (7/10)

The curved part of your brow—where the arch is—tends to be the most tender. This area has more nerve endings and thinner skin, so you'll feel the thread more here.

Moderate Sensitivity: Inner Brow (5/10)

The area between your eyebrows (the unibrow zone, if you have one) is moderately sensitive. There's some discomfort, but it's brief.

Least Sensitive: Outer Brow & Under Brow (3/10)

The tail end of your eyebrows and the area underneath are usually the easiest to tolerate. Most clients barely feel these sections.

The Pattern

Your therapist will typically start with the easier areas and work towards the arch, which helps you build tolerance as the appointment progresses.

Why Some People Find It More Painful Than Others

Threading pain isn't universal—what's a 3/10 for one person might be a 7/10 for someone else. Here's why:

1. Pain Tolerance

Some people are naturally more sensitive to hair removal. If you've always found waxing or tweezing uncomfortable, threading will likely feel more intense for you too.

2. Skin Sensitivity

Fair skin, thin skin, and naturally sensitive skin types tend to experience more discomfort. If you sunburn easily or react to skincare products, you might find threading a bit more intense.

3. Hair Thickness and Density

Thick, coarse brow hair requires more force to remove, which can increase discomfort. If you have fine, sparse brows, threading will likely feel gentler.

4. Time of Month

Many women report increased sensitivity during their menstrual cycle, particularly the week before their period. Hormonal fluctuations can make your skin more reactive and tender.

5. First-Time Nerves

Anxiety amplifies pain perception. If you're tense and anticipating pain, you'll likely feel it more. This is why breathing techniques help so much (more on that below).

6. Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can increase skin sensitivity. If you've had coffee or wine before your appointment, you might find threading more uncomfortable.

The Good News: It Gets Easier Every Time

Here's something most people don't realize: threading pain decreases significantly with regular appointments.

After tracking client feedback over years, we've found that:

• First appointment: Average pain rating 5-6/10
• Third appointment: Average pain rating 3-4/10
• Regular clients (5+ appointments): Average pain rating 2-3/10

Why does this happen?

1. Your skin adapts – Regular hair removal from the root makes your skin less reactive over time
2. You know what to expect – Anxiety decreases when there's no fear of the unknown
3. Hair grows back finer – With consistent threading, hair often returns thinner and sparser, making removal gentler

One of our regular clients, Sarah, put it perfectly: "My first threading appointment? I won't lie, I gripped the chair. But now, three years later, I literally schedule my threading on my lunch break. It's so quick and easy that it barely registers."

Threading vs Other Methods: The Pain Comparison

If you've tried other hair removal methods, here's how threading compares:

Threading vs Waxing

• Threading: 4-5/10 pain, lasts 10-15 minutes
• Waxing: 6-7/10 pain, lasts 5-7 minutes

Most people find waxing more painful overall because it pulls on your skin and can lift the top layer of skin cells. Threading only touches the hair, not the skin. However, waxing is faster, so you endure the discomfort for less time.

Threading vs Tweezing

• Threading: 4-5/10 pain, 10-15 minutes for both brows
• Tweezing: 3-4/10 pain, 15-30 minutes

Tweezing is gentler because it's slower and more controlled. However, most people find threading less painful overall despite the higher pain rating because it's faster—your pain receptors don't have time to fully register each pluck.

Threading vs Laser Hair Removal

• Threading: 4-5/10 pain per session
• Laser: 3-4/10 pain per session, but requires multiple sessions

Laser feels like a hot rubber band snap and requires several sessions for results. Threading provides instant shape and is more affordable.

7 Expert Tips to Reduce Threading Pain

As someone who's threaded thousands of eyebrows, here are my proven strategies to minimize discomfort:

1. Take Ibuprofen 30 Minutes Before

An over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and dull pain receptors. Take it about 30 minutes before your appointment for maximum effect.

Note: Always check with a healthcare provider if you're on other medications.

2. Ice the Area Beforehand

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to your brow area for 5-10 minutes before threading. This numbs the skin slightly and constricts blood vessels, reducing both pain and redness.

3. Avoid Caffeine 2-3 Hours Before

Caffeine increases skin sensitivity and can make you feel more jittery, which amplifies pain perception. Skip the coffee and opt for water instead.

4. Schedule Around Your Cycle

If possible, avoid threading the week before your period, when your pain threshold is naturally lower. The best time is the week after your period ends.

5. Practice Deep Breathing

Controlled breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces pain perception. Try this: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 6. Repeat throughout your appointment.

6. Ask for Breaks

Don't be afraid to ask your therapist to pause if you need a moment. A 10-second break can reset your nervous system and make the rest of the appointment more bearable.

7. Communicate with Your Therapist

Tell your threading specialist if you're particularly sensitive or nervous. We can adjust our technique—working more slowly, checking in frequently, or applying pressure to the skin to reduce sensation.

What to Expect During Your First Threading Appointment

Knowing exactly what happens can dramatically reduce anxiety (which, remember, amplifies pain). Here's the step-by-step:

1. Consultation (2 minutes) Your therapist will ask about your desired brow shape and check for any skin sensitivities.

2. Preparation (1 minute) They'll cleanse your brow area and might apply a light powder to help the thread grip hair better.

3. Threading (10-12 minutes)

• Starts with less sensitive areas (outer brow, under brow)
• Progresses to more sensitive areas (arch, between brows)
• You'll feel quick, repetitive pinching sensations
• The arch area will feel more intense—this is normal

4. Finishing Touches (2-3 minutes) Your therapist will tweeze any stubborn hairs and check symmetry.

5. Soothing (1 minute) They'll apply aloe vera or rose water to calm any redness.

Total time: About 15-20 minutes for a first-time client.

After Threading: What's Normal and What's Not

Normal Reactions (Not Painful):

• Redness – Lasts 1-4 hours
• Slight puffiness – Usually gone within 2 hours
• Tiny red bumps – Should disappear within 24 hours
• Mild tenderness – Like a very light sunburn feeling

When to Be Concerned:

• Increasing redness after 24 hours – Could indicate infection
• Bumps that get bigger – May be an allergic reaction
• Warmth or pus – Signs of infection requiring medical attention

If you experience any concerning symptoms, contact your therapist or consult a dermatologist.

The Honest Truth: Is Threading Worth the Discomfort?

I get it—nobody wants to feel pain, even if it's temporary and manageable. So is threading worth it?

For most clients, the answer is yes. Here's why:

Precision: Threading creates incredibly clean, defined brows that last 3-4 weeks. The results speak for themselves.

Sensitivity-friendly: If you have sensitive skin or allergies to wax, threading is often your best (or only) option for professional brow shaping.

Gets easier: That initial 5/10 discomfort drops to 2-3/10 after just a few appointments.

Speed: 10-15 minutes every 3-4 weeks is a small time investment for perfectly shaped brows.

One client summed it up beautifully: "The first time stung a bit, I won't lie. But when I saw my brows in the mirror? Absolutely worth it. Now I don't even think about it—it's just part of my routine."

Ready to Try Threading in Gosforth?

If you're in Newcastle or Gosforth and ready to experience professional threading for yourself, we'd love to welcome you. Our threading specialists are trained in traditional techniques and understand exactly how to minimize discomfort while creating beautiful, precise brows.

What makes us different:

• Gentle technique perfected over years of practice
• Clean, fresh thread for every client
• Experienced therapists who listen to your concerns
• Comfortable, relaxing salon environment

Book your appointment:

• Call: 0191 285 5055
• Visit: 77 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 4AA
• Online: Book threading appointment

We also offer eyebrow tinting and brow lamination if you want to complete your brow transformation with added definition and lift.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is threading more painful than waxing? No, most people find threading less painful than waxing (4-5/10 vs 6-7/10). Threading doesn't pull on your skin, only the hair, making it gentler. However, threading takes longer, so you feel discomfort for more time.

Why does the arch hurt more during threading? The arch has more nerve endings and thinner skin than other parts of your eyebrow, making it naturally more sensitive. Most therapists save this area for last.

Does threading get less painful over time? Yes! Regular clients report pain decreasing from 5-6/10 on their first appointment to 2-3/10 after regular treatments. Your skin adapts and hair grows back finer.

What can I do to make threading hurt less? Take ibuprofen 30 minutes before, ice the area for 5-10 minutes beforehand, avoid caffeine, schedule around your menstrual cycle, and practice deep breathing during the appointment.

How long does threading pain last? The pinching sensation stops immediately when the threading stops. Any tenderness or sensitivity typically resolves within 2-4 hours. Redness fades within 1-4 hours.

Is threading safe for sensitive skin? Yes, threading is excellent for sensitive skin because it's chemical-free and doesn't pull on the skin. 90% of people with sensitive skin tolerate threading well.

Can I numb my skin before threading? Over-the-counter numbing creams (like those containing lidocaine) can be applied 30-45 minutes before threading. However, most clients find ice and ibuprofen sufficient.

Does threading hurt more on your period? Yes, hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can increase pain sensitivity. The week before your period tends to be the most sensitive time.

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This guide was created by the beauty specialists at Mesmerising Beauty, your trusted Gosforth salon for gentle, expert eyebrow threading. All pain management advice is based on years of client experience and dermatological best practices.