Do dermatologists recommend threading?

Why Dermatologists Support Threading

Dermatologists favor threading for several evidence-based reasons. The technique doesn't introduce chemicals, heat, or foreign substances to your skin—it's simply cotton or polyester thread against your face. This mechanical-only approach eliminates concerns about allergic reactions to wax resins, chemical depilatories, or fragranced products that commonly trigger skin sensitivities.

The minimal skin contact threading requires makes it safer for people with certain skin conditions. Unlike wax that adheres directly to skin and pulls when removed, thread only touches the hair itself. This selective contact reduces trauma to the skin surface, making threading appropriate for clients taking retinoids, using anti-aging actives, or managing conditions like rosacea or eczema (during non-flare periods).

Threading's precision also earns dermatological approval. The ability to remove individual hairs or specific sections without affecting surrounding skin means less overall disruption to the skin barrier. This targeted approach prevents the collateral damage that can occur when wax pulls not just hair but also surface skin cells.

Professional Recommendations and Caveats

While generally supportive, dermatologists do offer important caveats. They stress that threading quality depends entirely on practitioner skill. A poorly trained threader can cause the same problems as any substandard beauty treatment—skin irritation, follicle damage, or infection if hygiene standards aren't maintained.

Dermatologists particularly warn about threading over active acne or inflamed skin. Even though threading doesn't use chemicals, the physical action can spread bacteria across the treatment area or irritate existing blemishes. They recommend waiting until breakouts clear before scheduling threading appointments.

For patients on certain medications—particularly blood thinners, isotretinoin (Accutane), or high-dose vitamin A—dermatologists may suggest extra caution or alternative hair removal methods. These medications can thin skin or affect healing, potentially increasing threading's risk of causing minor abrasions or prolonged redness.

When Dermatologists Prefer Threading Over Alternatives

Dermatologists actively recommend threading over other methods in specific scenarios. For patients undergoing professional skin treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling, threading becomes the preferred hair removal method during healing periods when waxing would be too aggressive.

Sensitive skin patients receive strong threading recommendations. The absence of adhesives, heat, and chemicals makes threading the gentlest professional hair removal option for reactive skin types. Dermatologists note that clients who've had bad reactions to wax or depilatory creams rarely experience similar issues with threading.

Threading also gets dermatological approval for maintaining eyebrow shape after treatments like microblading or tattooing. The precise control threading offers means you can remove stray hairs without disturbing the tattooed area—something that's riskier with wax's less controlled application.

Visit Our Gosforth Salon:

• Gosforth: Professional threading services with dermatologically-informed practices and attention to skin health.
• Gosforth: Experienced threading specialists who understand skin sensitivities and work safely with all skin types.

Our Threading Services:

• Eyebrow Threading: £10 | 15 minutes
• Upper Lip Threading: £5 | 5 minutes
• Full Face Threading: £25 | 30 minutes

Book Your Safe Threading Appointment - Available on Treatwell, Fresha, and Booksy