The Ancient Art of Eyebrow Threading

The ancient method of hair removal through eyebrow threading is attributed most commonly to Indian origins, but has also been used for centuries throughout the Middle East and parts of East Asia. Threading in the United States is becoming more prevalent and readily accessible, and some people are starting to turn to eyebrow threading as their preferred method of hair removal. MODERN talked to Vas and Sonal Maniatis, owners of Seva Salon in Highland Park, who specialize in the art of brow-shaping and facial hair removal by threading and waxing.

MS: What are the benefits of eyebrow threading?

The Maniatis: Eyebrow threading allows for a finer and more polished brow line than waxing, as each row of hairs are removed one at a time with a precise motion. Threading is much less painful on sensitive areas of the skin, and many people typically experience less swelling, redness or irritation from threading than from waxing, an no chemicals are used. Threading is a much faster method than tweezing, because many hairs are pulled simultaneously.

MS: Why should a client choose eyebrow threading over waxing?

The Maniatis: Waxing typically removes the top layer of skin, resulting in a more painful experience than eyebrow threading. Women tend to prefer the precision of threading.

MS: For someone who wants to get involved in learning how to eyebrow thread, what are the steps? Do you need to be certified?

The Maniatis: Eyebrow threading is not traditionally taught in cosmetology school, so people that are interested in learning should seek out a class that teaches the art of threading. Things to be aware of are the instructor’s credentials and the mission statement of the class. Find out if the class is associated with any retail threading establishments. Ideally the instructor should be a Master level threader, and it is beneficial if they also possess an esthetician or cosmetologist license, which means they have been properly trained in general hair removal techniques, sanitation, etc. It is always a plus if the instructor or threading school can help with job placement and career advancement.

MS: Why in your opinion is eyebrow threading growing in popularity?

The Maniatis: Threading really is a superior technique in all aspects than the traditional forms of brow shaping and facial hair removal such as waxing and tweezing. I think the popularity of threading is still in its infancy and we’re only at the beginning stages of its growth curve.

MS: How can you attract customers to try the service?

The Maniatis: To attract customers to eyebrow threading, you have to get the word out and have them experience threading first hand. Most people that haven’t tried threading just aren’t aware of the method yet. Unfortunately because of the increased popularity of threading, there is a wide disparity in the quality of threading practitioners as well as those who are teaching it. The biggest inhibitor to the growth of threading is lack of qualified practitioners, and there is a greater demand for threading services than there are threaders! Threading will continue to gradually grow in popularity as more schools like ours (Seva Academy) are established!

Getty ImagesLONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 10: A woman has her eyebrows threaded at the Designer Couture Trunk Show hosted by Noelle Reno at The Collection on June 10, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)