Is it healthier to wax or thread eyebrows?

### Skin Contact and Trauma Comparison Threading's primary health advantage is its selective targeting. The twisted thread touches only the hair being removed, leaving the surrounding skin entirely untouched. This minimal-contact approach means less disruption to your skin barrier, reduced inflammation, and lower risk of irritation around the sensitive eye area where skin is thinner and more delicate than other facial zones. Wax, by necessity, adheres directly to both hair and skin. When removed, wax pulls not only hair but also the outermost layer of dead skin cells—essentially providing exfoliation whether you want it or not. For healthy, resilient skin, this exfoliation can be beneficial, creating smoother texture and better product absorption. However, for compromised, sensitive, or reactive skin, wax's skin adherence becomes problematic. The pulling action can strip away protective skin barrier elements, potentially causing micro-tears, increased sensitivity, or prolonged redness. The thinner, more delicate skin around eyebrows makes this area particularly vulnerable to wax-induced irritation. Threading wins the skin health comparison for anyone using prescription retinoids, over-the-counter retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, or other exfoliating actives. These products already thin and sensitize your skin, making the additional exfoliation from waxing too aggressive. Threading allows you to maintain brow grooming without compromising your skincare routine's effectiveness. ### Chemical Exposure and Allergic Reactions Threading uses only cotton or polyester thread—no chemicals, fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. This single-ingredient simplicity eliminates the allergy and sensitivity risks that wax ingredients can trigger. For people with skin allergies, eczema, or contact dermatitis, threading's chemical-free approach is significantly healthier. Wax formulations contain multiple ingredients beyond the base wax itself. Hard wax might include resins, beeswax, or synthetic polymers. Soft wax strips contain adhesives, preservatives, and sometimes fragrances. Each additional ingredient represents a potential allergen or irritant, particularly concerning for the sensitive eye area where products can cause not just skin reactions but also eye irritation if ingredients migrate. Certain wax types marketed as "natural" or "gentle" still pose allergy risks. Beeswax, while natural, is a common allergen. Essential oils added for fragrance can cause photosensitivity or contact dermatitis. Rosin (colophony), used in many wax formulations, appears on top allergen lists. Threading avoids all these potential triggers entirely. The eye area's unique sensitivity compounds chemical exposure risks. Skin here has fewer sebaceous glands and less protective oil, making it more permeable to potentially irritating substances. Products safe for leg waxing might still irritate eyebrow skin due to this increased permeability and proximity to eyes. ### Temperature and Heat Considerations Threading occurs at room temperature with no heat application required. This eliminates burn risks and thermal damage concerns, particularly important for the eye area where accidental hot wax contact could cause serious injury. Professional eyebrow waxing should also be safe when proper temperature control is maintained, but the potential for error exists. Wax that's too hot can burn delicate eyebrow and eyelid skin, causing pain, inflammation, and potentially scarring. While rare with trained professionals using quality equipment, the possibility exists—especially with home waxing where people often overheat wax. Heat can also exacerbate certain skin conditions. Rosacea-prone skin often reacts poorly to temperature extremes, making threading a healthier choice for people managing this condition. Similarly, anyone with broken capillaries near their brows might find wax's heat worsens their appearance while threading causes no thermal impact. ### Long-Term Follicle and Hair Health Both threading and waxing remove hair from the follicle root, which can weaken follicles over time with repeated treatments. This weakening effect is actually desirable for brow maintenance—causing progressively finer, sparser regrowth that requires less frequent upkeep. Threading's pulling mechanism might be slightly gentler on follicles than wax's approach. The thread grips and pulls in the direction of hair growth, potentially causing less follicle distortion than wax's multi-directional pulling when strips are removed. Over decades of regular use, this might translate to healthier, less damaged hair follicles. However, this difference is subtle and not definitively proven through research. Both methods, when performed correctly, produce similar long-term effects on hair growth and follicle health. The practitioner's skill likely matters more than the method itself—aggressive, improper waxing or threading both risk follicle damage. Neither threading nor waxing causes permanent hair loss under normal circumstances, despite myths suggesting otherwise. The follicle remains intact and continues producing hair unless damaged through extreme trauma or repeated infection—neither of which should occur with proper technique and hygiene. ### Hygiene and Infection Risk Threading offers superior hygiene in theory and practice. Each client receives fresh, disposable thread used once and discarded. There's literally zero opportunity for cross-contamination between clients or contamination from environmental surfaces. Waxing, while safe when proper protocols are followed, requires more vigilance to maintain hygiene standards. Single-use applicators prevent double-dipping contamination, but this relies on salon practices being consistently followed. The wax pot itself can become contaminated if not properly maintained or if hygiene protocols slip. For immunocompromised individuals or those particularly concerned about infection risk, threading's inherent hygiene advantage makes it the healthier choice. The impossibility of cross-contamination provides peace of mind that even the most careful waxing protocols can't quite match. ### Medication and Treatment Interactions Threading's compatibility with various medications and skincare treatments makes it healthier for people managing specific conditions. Threading works safely alongside: - Prescription retinoids (Retin-A, Differin, tretinoin) - Blood thinners that make skin more prone to bruising - Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) which thins skin significantly - Topical chemotherapy or other cancer treatments affecting skin Waxing is contraindicated or requires extreme caution with all these medications because of the skin-pulling action and chemical exposure. For anyone on these treatments, threading isn't just "healthier"—it's often the only safe professional hair removal option.

**Available at both locations**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: Professional threading with skin health assessments and personalized method recommendations. - **Gosforth**: Expert threading services suitable for sensitive skin and compatible with all skincare routines. **Our Services**: - Eyebrow Threading: £10 | 15 minutes - Eyebrow Waxing: £8 | 10 minutes - Consultation included to determine healthiest method for your skin [Book Your Healthy Brow Treatment](#) - Available on Treatwell, Fresha, and Booksy