The Dos and Don'ts of Eyebrow Threading

by Baze Mpinja, Glamour


Sparkly eyebrows might look fantastic on the runway, but in real life, a neatly groomed, flattering shape is all you need to frame your face. If you don't feel skilled enough to perfect your own arches (even with this genius tool), consider threading--it's a less painful alternative to waxing. But before you go, read these key Dos and Don'ts from Sonal Maniatis, co-founder of Seva Beauty, a facial hair removal salon located in Walmart stores (yes, Walmart!) across the country.

Here's what Maniatis wants you to know:

DO make sure you go to a trained brow pro. "Ask where they were trained, how long have they have been practicing and what licenses they have."

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DON'T stay silent in the chair. "Communicate with your esthetician. Describe the shape you would like-low, medium, high or sharp arch; thick, medium or thin brows.You can bring photos, but a good shaper should be able to determine the most complimentary look for your facial structure. You may not have enough to work with to match a celebrity's brows."

DO know that a little post-threading redness is normal. "It's a natural reaction, and it should subside on its own within a few hours. If necessary, apply a cool compress to the area."

DON'T put anything on your brows right after hair removal. "Wait at least two hours before you apply moisturizers, cleansers or makeup directly to the threaded area to keep bacteria away from open pores."

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DO stay on top of your touch-ups. "Estheticians will recommend clients come back every two weeks to keep their shape looking sharp and clean. You can get re-threaded as soon as the hair grows just above the skin."

DON'T use a brow razor in between appointments! "They cut the hair at the surface similar to shaving. It does not remove the hair completely and it makes the hair that is left over very coarse and thick. Using a brow razor can lead to ingrown hairs and stubble and you run the risk of taking off too much hair."

And there you have it! Have you ever gotten your eyebrows threaded? If not, any interest in trying it? Or are you a whiz with the tweezers at home?

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