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Threading, Waxing and 9 Other Eyebrow Treatments You Should Know About
Perfecting your eyebrows significantly alters your facial appearance. When sculpted well, they enhance your features and frame your face. But achieving a flawless brow shape isn't always easy. If you wonder whether microblading, waxing or something entirely different is the key to achieving your dream brows, read on! We've enlisted a top industry expert to explore the best eyebrow treatments available today.
Meet the Expert
Joey Healy is a renowned brow expert and the founder of the esteemed Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio in New York. With over ten years of experience, Healy launched his popular brand in 2010. Specializing in creating the perfect brow shape through expert arch definition, his work regularly features in Allure, CNN Underscored and Bravo.
Threading
What Does It Entail? This technique involves using a cotton thread to twist and trap hairs at the root, expertly removing them. Additionally, the brow professional may trim any unruly hairs for a polished finish.
Cost: Prices range from $7 to $20, influenced by location and salon.
How Long Does it Take? The process is surprisingly quick, generally taking five to ten minutes depending on brow thickness and the desired shape.
How Long Does it Last? Results typically last between two to six weeks.
The Pros: Threading enjoys widespread popularity for good reason. Firstly, it allows for a highly precise brow shape. Moreover, it doesn't require hairs to reach a certain length, meaning even short, stubborn growth can be tackled. For many, threading also causes significantly less pain than waxing and avoids the messy cleanup.
The Cons: Some find threading more painful than waxing, due to the repetitive nature of the hair removal process. Healy also stresses that mistakes are harder to rectify with threading compared to some other methods. He states, "I always say that waxing can make the brows too thin, but threading can get them into a weird place where they're harder to fix."
Who is it Best For? Healy believes threading is ideal for those seeking a sharper, more defined brow shape.
Waxing
What Does It Entail? Soft wax spread on a cotton strip is applied to the targeted area, then swiftly removed against the direction of hair growth. This takes all targeted hair with it in a single motion. Some salons, like the European Wax Center, use hard wax, applied directly to the skin without a strip.
Cost: Waxing treatments generally range from $10 to $50, depending on the salon and location.
How Long Does it Take? Expect your appointment to take 10 to 20 minutes, factoring in time for the wax to cool if required.
How Long Does it Last? Results tend to last between three to six weeks.
The Pros: With regular waxing, hair regrowth often becomes sparser and finer, reducing maintenance needs over time. Furthermore, waxing efficiently removes a large area of hair in one go.
The Cons: Waxing may prove too harsh for sensitive skin. Also, wax strips can lack precision, hindering precise shaping. Healy notes that there are restrictions on retinol, accutane and tanning products for some days prior to treatment.
Who Is it Best For? Healy explains, "It's not best for everybody, but it's good for areas when you are trying to remove large areas of hair."
Tweezing
What Does It Entail? This classic method involves removing individual hairs at the root using metal or stainless-steel tweezers.
Cost: Tweezing is budget-friendly. Expect to pay $10 to $25 for tweezers or a salon service.
How Long Does it Take? Allocate 15 to 30 minutes initially, depending on the thickness and shape of your brows. Whether at home or professionally done, tweezing requires time.
How Long Does it Last? Results typically last two to six weeks.
The Pros: Tweezing delivers precise results, allowing targeted removal of single hairs. As Healy explains, "Each hair is removed one at a time, so it's more artistic and it's better for sensitive skin." Best of all, you can DIY this method at a minimal cost.
The Cons: Since each hair is individually plucked, tweezing is time-consuming. Therefore, it works best for removing smaller amounts of hair. Plus, this method requires a steady hand and focus to avoid pinching your skin or accidentally removing a hair you wanted to keep.
Who Is it Best For? Tweezing proves ideal for those with sensitive skin or those looking for a budget-conscious approach.
Laser Hair Removal
What Does It Entail? Prior to treatment, your eyes will be shielded. A specialist will then use a heated laser to target individual hairs. The laser damages the hair follicles, hindering their ability to produce hair over time.
Cost: Anticipate $50 to $80 or more per treatment.
How Long Does it Take? Sessions range from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
How Long Does it Last? Laser hair removal is considered permanent. While some regrowth is possible, any new hair tends to be finer and lighter.
The Pros: Multiple treatments can lead to near-permanent cessation of hair growth in the treated area, simplifying your brow routine.
The Cons: This method is restricted to areas above the brow and the unibrow due to safety concerns around the eyes. Laser hair removal can be painful, with some describing it as a snapping sensation. Redness and mild swelling are temporary side effects. Notably, laser treatments are costly, requiring four to six sessions for the best results.
Who Is it Best For? If minimizing brow maintenance is your goal, laser hair removal could be a worthwhile investment.
Brow Tinting
What Does It Entail? Similar to hair coloring, brows can be lightened or darkened with semi-permanent dye. This creates a fuller look and camouflages sparse areas. Salons offer professional brow tinting, but be cautious with DIY kits, especially when applying near the eyes.
Cost: Expect to pay between $20 and $75 depending on whether you opt for at-home or professional treatment.
How Long Does it Take? The process requires around ten to fifteen minutes.
How Long Does it Last? Results can last from four to six weeks.
The Pros: Brow tinting is quick and can deliver a natural or dramatic look depending on your preference.
The Cons: Using bleach carries the risk of overly light brows if not carefully applied. Strong chemicals like bleach always demand cautious handling, particularly around the eyes. Furthermore, repeat professional treatments can become expensive.
Who Is it Best For? Brow tinting is a great choice for anyone desiring fuller-looking brows, particularly when dealing with sparse patches. Note that those with white or gray hairs may find the dye more resistant.
Brow Pencils
What Does It Entail? Eyebrows are filled in, darkened, and shaped using a specialized makeup pencil.
Cost: Brow pencils fall within an affordable range of $5 to $50.
How Long Does it Take? You can achieve your desired look in roughly five to ten minutes.
How Long Does it Last? Results will last for less than 24 hours.
The Pros: Pencils create a softer, more natural finish compared to some other treatments. As Healy notes, "Pencils are more corrective if you have a hole, gap or scar. You can also work on extending a tail or working on the [perimeter of your arches]. It gives you a little bit more control, [because] you can [draw on] little hair-like strokes." Plus, brow pencils are portable, easily customizable, and available in a wide range of shades to ensure a perfect match. Many even come with a spoolie brush for blending.
The Cons: Dry pencils may scratch your delicate eye area and deliver a harsh appearance. Unfortunately, longevity is limited and waterproof or sweatproof formulas aren't always available, increasing the risk of smudging.
Who Is it Best For? Anyone can experiment with brow pencils, particularly those cautious about committing to pricier or more permanent options.
Brow Gels
What Does It Entail? A clear, lightweight gel coats the brows to tame unruly hairs. Tinted versions are also available to enhance color and fill in sparse areas.
Cost: $10 to $25 is the typical price range.
How Long Does it Take? Application only takes about five minutes.
How Long Does it Last? Expect results to last less than a full day.
The Pros: Clear gels offer a more natural look than pencils, while tinted gels can elevate the drama. This is by far the quickest and easiest treatment, involving a few simple brush strokes. Like pencils, brow gels are both affordable and accessible for at-home use.
The Cons: Tinted gels require more careful application to avoid an overly dark and blocky appearance. Regular gels can dry stiff, leaving brows feeling crusty or flaky.
Who Is it Best For? Healy explains, "It's good if you have long, unruly brow hair. [A gel] can help lay them down into place." It's also a great choice for those with curly, wiry, or unruly growth patterns.
Brow Powders
What Does It Entail? Brows are filled in with your chosen shade of powder using an angled makeup brush.
Cost: Expect to pay between $10 and $50.
How Long Does it Take? Allocate five to ten minutes for application.
How Long Does it Last? Results last less than 24 hours.
The Pros: Powders tend to be lightweight, enhancing brows with a natural look while providing more coverage than pencils. "You can really build a brow powder, working from very light and then adding more if you need it versus a pencil where sometimes you apply it on and they are very full force, so you have to blend them down until they look natural," Healy explains.
The Cons: Dry skin can impede the powder's ability to cling to your brows. Also, powders fade faster than some other brow products.
Who Is it Best For? Brow powders deliver a full, natural look. Healy recommends them for older brows or brows needing just a touch of color, adding, "They add a little bit of density and volume, while looking more natural in a way that it's harder to detect."
Microblading
What Does It Entail? Microblading is a semi-permanent technique that creates the appearance of individual hairs. A specialized tool with tiny needles is used to deposit pigment into the skin.
Cost: Microblading can be pricey, ranging from $300 to $1000 or more.
How Long Does it Take? Anticipate investing one to two hours in this treatment.
How Long Does it Last? Results can last from one to two years, influenced by your skin type, lifestyle, and sun exposure.
The Pros: Microblading is relatively painless, with numbing cream used beforehand. Impressive longevity and natural-looking results are the primary draws to this technique, mimicking the appearance of fuller brows.
The Cons: The high price tag may be a deterrent for some. Post-treatment care requires antibiotic ointment for the first ten days. Expect some temporary redness and discomfort, although this usually subsides fairly quickly. Finally, it's the most time-intensive treatment on our list (next to brow lamination).
Who Is it Best For? Microblading is an excellent solution for those with thin or sparse eyebrows, filling in gaps effectively.
Brow Lamination
What Does It Entail? Consider this a semi-permanent brow "perm." A specialized solution is applied directly to the brow hairs. Cling wrap is then used to hold the hairs in place for roughly ten minutes, creating a sleek, laid-down look. After brushing and shaping, cling wrap is reapplied for another ten minutes to fully set the style. Finally, a nourishing cream gives your brows a healthy shine.
Cost: $75 to $150 is the typical cost for a salon brow lamination.
How Long Does it Take? The treatment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
How Long Does it Last? Results generally last between four and six weeks.
The Pros: Brow lamination is mostly painless and delivers results in a relatively short timeframe. It offers a fantastic alternative to microblading. If your brows struggle to lie flat, this treatment helps smooth and shape them.
The Cons: Although DIY kits exist, professionals don't recommend at-home lamination due to the harsh chemicals involved. Redness, irritation, and even shedding can occur for some individuals.
Who Is it Best For? Ideal for those desiring fuller-looking brows. It also excels at taming unruly, curly hairs and enhancing the appearance of thinner brows.
Brow Extensions
What Does It Entail? Similar to eyelash extensions, synthetic hairs are glued to existing brow hairs or directly onto the skin. The specialist carefully attaches each hair in the direction of natural growth to create a fuller, seamlessly natural effect.
Cost: Prepare to spend between $100 and $300 or more, depending on the salon.
How Long Does it Take? Treatment time averages 30 minutes to an hour.
How Long Does it Last? Brow extensions gradually fall out, lasting about two weeks.
The Pros: This service enhances the arch and delivers fuller brows. Compared to microblading, it's less painful as the application uses gel adhesive rather than needles.
The Cons: This isn't a permanent solution, so extensions will gradually fall out and require frequent touch-ups to maintain the desired fullness.
Who Is it Best For? Anyone with gaps or thin brows can benefit from the enhanced appearance extensions provide.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eyebrow treatment ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors like your desired outcome, the treatment's longevity, your maintenance commitment, and the cost. Consulting a qualified professional can help you determine the most suitable option for achieving your dream brows.
Remember, beautiful brows frame your face and enhance your features. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you!
Important Considerations:
Allergies: Before any treatment, disclose any known allergies or skin sensitivities. This is particularly important for treatments involving dyes, waxes, or chemical solutions. Patch testing may be recommended.
Skin Conditions: If you have any skin conditions affecting the eye area, such as eczema or psoriasis, consult your doctor before proceeding with brow treatments.
Post-Treatment Care: To ensure optimal results and quick healing, follow the after-care instructions provided by your brow specialist. This may include avoiding water, makeup, harsh skincare products, or excessive sun exposure for a period of time.
Finding the Right Professional: When getting semi-permanent treatments like microblading or brow lamination, proper qualifications and experience are key. Seek out reputable salons, and inquire about the certifications and expertise of individual brow technicians. Always check reviews and portfolios to ensure the style aligns with your desired look.
Additional Tips:
Start gradually: If unsure which treatment is right for you, start with temporary options like pencils, gels, or powders. These let you experiment without any long-term commitment.
Consider your brow hair: Think about your natural brow hair's thickness, texture, and growth patterns before booking a treatment. Some options better suit specific hair types.
Prioritize hygiene: Always choose salons with high hygiene standards, especially for procedures like waxing or microblading.
Be patient: Some treatments like laser hair removal require multiple sessions for best results, while temporary options will need regular upkeep.
Take before and after photos: Track your results by taking pictures to compare different brow styles and help determine future treatments.
A Final Note
Your eyebrows deserve as much attention as any other facial feature. Well-groomed brows can elevate your appearance, boost confidence, and save precious time in your beauty routine. Don't be afraid to try different techniques until you find your perfect brow!
