Threading is usually better for eyebrows, the upper lip and the face: it is precise, uses no product, and suits sensitive skin and people using retinol. Waxing is faster and better for larger areas such as arms, legs, underarms and bikini. Both remove hair from the root, and results typically last three to four weeks for brows.
How each one works
Threading uses a twisted loop of cotton thread rolled across the skin. As the twist moves, it traps short rows of hairs and lifts them out from the root. A skilled threader can take out a single hair at a time, which is why it is so good for shaping brows. Nothing is applied to the skin except, at our studio, a soothing aloe gel afterwards.
Waxing spreads warm wax over an area, lets it grip the hair, and removes it in one movement. Soft wax is removed with a strip and suits large areas like legs and arms. Hard wax sets on its own and is peeled off; it grips the hair more than the skin, which makes it kinder on sensitive areas.
Side by side
| Threading | Waxing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Brows, upper lip, chin, sides of face, forehead | Arms, legs, underarms, bikini, Brazilian, back |
| Precision | Very high, hair by hair | Good for areas, less for fine shaping |
| Hair length needed | Works on short hair | About 6 mm, two to three weeks after shaving |
| What touches your skin | Cotton thread only | Warm wax and, for soft wax, a strip |
| Retinol or acne medication | Usually fine; tell us first | Often not suitable on the face |
| Speed | Brows about 10 minutes | Faster for large areas |
| Price at our studio | Brows $10, brows and lip $15, full face $30 | Underarms $18, full arms $35, full legs $60 |
When threading wins
- Eyebrows. Threading gives a clean, symmetrical line and lets the threader leave the hairs you want to keep.
- Upper lip and face. Small areas, fine hairs, and no product on skin that is already doing a lot of work.
- If you use retinoids, prescription acne treatments or exfoliating acids. These make skin more fragile, and wax can lift the top layer of skin along with the hair.
- Sensitive or reactive skin. With nothing applied, there is less to react to.
- If you want a shape grown back in. Threading lets the threader work around sparse areas while they fill in.
Does it hurt? There is a quick pinch, which most people find lighter than waxing on the face. We hold the skin taut, which helps a lot, and redness usually fades within about 20 minutes.
When waxing wins
- Large areas such as arms, legs and back, where threading would take a very long time.
- Underarms, bikini and Brazilian, ideally with hard wax.
- When you want a longer gap between appointments on the body. Regrowth tends to come back slowly after regular waxing.
- Coarse body hair that threading would handle slowly.
Good hygiene matters with waxing. At our studio every spatula is single use with no double-dipping, body waxing is done in a private room, and the waxing team is all women.
When to wait
- Sunburn, broken skin, active breakouts, cold sores or a rash in the area. Wait for it to heal.
- Within a few days of a peel or strong exfoliation on the face.
- If you have started a new prescription skin treatment. Ask your doctor or dermatologist, and tell us before your appointment.
- Waxing a new area for the first time in your wedding week. Try it at least four weeks before.
How often to book
| Service | Typical gap |
|---|---|
| Eyebrow threading | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Upper lip or face threading | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Underarm wax | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Arms or legs wax | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Bikini or Brazilian wax | Every 4–6 weeks |
Everyone's hair grows at a different rate, so treat these as a starting point. Regular appointments are usually quicker and more comfortable, because the hairs are all at a similar stage.
Aftercare for both
- Keep the area clean and avoid touching it for a few hours.
- Skip makeup on threaded or waxed areas for a few hours if you can.
- No hot tubs, saunas, tanning or heavy exercise for about a day after body waxing.
- Gentle exfoliation a few days later helps prevent ingrown hairs on the body.
- Daily sunscreen on the face, especially after any hair removal.
For brides
Thread your brows on a regular schedule from about three months before the wedding so the shape is settled, and book the final threading two to four days before. Body waxing is best three to five days before, and always before your mehndi rather than after. If you are booking both, our pre-bridal plans put them in the right order around your facials and fittings.
If you thread every few weeks, a membership may save you money. Glow includes brows and upper lip threading every three weeks; Signature and Luxe every two weeks. Read our honest membership guide before you decide.
Questions
Is threading or waxing better for eyebrows?
Threading, for most people. It is more precise, uses no product on your skin, and lets the threader shape brows hair by hair.
Can I wax my face if I use retinol?
Usually not. Retinoids make skin fragile and wax can lift it. Threading is the safer choice; tell us what you use before your appointment.
How long does eyebrow threading last?
Most people come back every three to four weeks, depending on how fast their hair grows.
Does threading hurt more than waxing?
Most people find threading a lighter, quicker pinch on the face. Redness usually fades within about 20 minutes.
How long should hair be for waxing?
About 6 mm, roughly the length of a grain of rice. That is two to three weeks after shaving.
How much is eyebrow threading in Surrey?
At Glam & Seam in Newton, eyebrow threading is $10, brows and upper lip $15, and full face $30.