Does threading cause dark upper lip?

### Why Threading Doesn't Cause Darkening Threading is a mechanical hair removal method that physically plucks hair from the follicle without chemicals, heat, or abrasive action that would trigger melanin production. The process involves zero ingredients or mechanisms that cause hyperpigmentation when performed properly by trained professionals. The temporary redness threading causes is inflammation—increased blood flow to the treatment area—not melanin deposits. This redness fades completely within 30 minutes to 2 hours as blood flow returns to normal, leaving no trace or permanent color change. Redness and darkening are entirely different physiological processes, despite sometimes being confused with each other. Threading actually reduces one risk factor for upper lip darkening by eliminating the hair that can cast a shadow making the area appear darker. Many people who thought they had hyperpigmentation discover their "dark upper lip" was actually just the shadow effect from dark hair, which threading removes entirely. ### Actual Causes of Dark Upper Lip Sun exposure is the primary cause of upper lip hyperpigmentation, particularly when your skin is vulnerable after threading. The upper lip area receives direct sun exposure whenever you're outside, and the post-threading skin—with temporarily open follicles and mild inflammation—is more susceptible to UV damage for 24 hours after treatment. Threading doesn't cause this darkening, but threading without proper sun protection afterward can contribute to pigmentation issues. The solution isn't avoiding threading—it's using SPF 30+ sunscreen on your upper lip daily, especially during the 48 hours following threading appointments. Hormonal changes create melasma, a brown or grey-brown patches that commonly affect the upper lip area. Pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid conditions can all trigger melasma that has nothing to do with hair removal methods. Many women incorrectly attribute new melasma to threading simply because the melasma appeared around the time they started threading, when in fact hormonal changes were the true cause. Friction from constant touching, rubbing, or aggressive skin care products can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the sensitive upper lip area. If you have a habit of touching your upper lip frequently or use harsh scrubs on this delicate zone, the chronic low-level irritation might create darkening over time—but again, this is friction and product-related, not threading-related. Certain medications increase photosensitivity, making sun-induced hyperpigmentation more likely. Tetracycline antibiotics, retinoids, and some anti-inflammatory drugs all heighten your skin's UV sensitivity. If you're on these medications and notice upper lip darkening, the medication-sun interaction is the culprit, not your threading appointments. ### Post-Threading Care to Prevent Darkening Immediately after threading, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to calm your skin and support barrier repair. Avoid any active ingredients (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) for 24 hours to prevent unnecessary irritation that could theoretically contribute to post-inflammatory pigmentation. Sun protection becomes critically important in the 48 hours following upper lip threading. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to your upper lip area 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours if you're spending extended time outdoors. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal for post-threading skin as they're less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreens. Avoid touching or rubbing your upper lip for at least 24 hours after threading. Hands carry bacteria that could cause infection in the temporarily open follicles, and friction can trigger inflammation that might lead to pigmentation in very susceptible individuals. Keep your hands away and let the area heal undisturbed. If you're prone to hyperpigmentation or have dark skin that's more susceptible to post-inflammatory pigmentation, consider having upper lip threading performed in the evening so your skin has overnight to begin healing before facing sun exposure the next day. This timing minimizes the window when your skin is both vulnerable and sun-exposed. ### Addressing Existing Upper Lip Darkening If you already have upper lip darkening, threading doesn't worsen it and may actually help by removing the hair that contributes to the shadowed appearance. However, threading alone won't lighten existing hyperpigmentation—that requires specific treatments: Vitamin C serums help fade existing dark spots over 8-12 weeks with consistent use. Apply vitamin C to your upper lip in the morning before sunscreen (wait 24 hours after threading before introducing actives). Prescription hydroquinone provides stronger lightening effects for stubborn hyperpigmentation. Your doctor can prescribe 4% hydroquinone cream that typically shows results within 6-8 weeks when combined with diligent sun protection. Professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy can address severe hyperpigmentation that over-the-counter products don't improve. These treatments work well alongside regular threading—just time your appointments so threading happens between laser sessions, not immediately before or after. Regular exfoliation with gentle products helps fade hyperpigmentation by removing pigmented surface cells and promoting cell turnover that brings fresh, unpigmented cells to the surface. Wait 48 hours after threading before using exfoliating products to avoid irritating freshly threaded skin.

**Available at both locations**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: Professional upper lip threading with comprehensive aftercare advice to prevent any pigmentation concerns. - **Gosforth**: Expert threading services safe for all skin tones with proper post-treatment sun protection guidance. **Our Upper Lip Threading Service**: - Upper Lip Threading: £5 | 5 minutes - Includes aftercare instructions and sun protection recommendations [Book Your Upper Lip Threading](#) - Available on Treatwell, Fresha, and Booksy