How To Thread Your Eyebrows At Home, With A Step-By-Step Video Tutorial

Threading became my at-home endeavour earlier this year when our beloved beauty salons (including brow bars) had to close their doors for four long months during Lockdown 1.0. Of course, it’s not the same as having the pros slice and glide the string across those stray hairs to create that perfectly groomed, precise arch. But, after watching myriad tutorials and practising for a good hour, I’ve learnt a good technique that easily removes facial hair (just leave the actual brow shaping to the pros). Want to lock down the threading technique for yourself? Here's how it's done.

Watch: How To Thread Your Own Eyebrows And Upper Lip At Home

The Step-By-Step

1. Prepare: ‘Remove make-up and natural oils with a cleanser - you want to ensure the skin is clean so the pores aren’t clogged with any bacteria that can cause irritation,’ says Vanita Parti, CEO and Founder of Blink Brow Bar. ‘For the thread, cotton is ideal but if you don’t have this any sewing thread will work.’

2. Cut thread to size: Cut your piece of thread, roughly the length of your forearm and tie the ends in a knot to create a loop.

3. Twist hands five times: Twist one hand five times to create an ‘X’ shape. This X will then become the scissors. Next, insert your index fingers, middle fingers and thumbs into the two loops.

4. Practise the technique: ‘Keep the fingers of one hand pinched together, controlling the hold, while you open the fingers of the other hand. This will glide the twisted part of the thread over the skin and it’s this movement that grips the hair and pulls it out,’ explains Vanita. Practise the movement in the air first and then your legs before moving on to your face.

5. Thread: Place the V shape of the thread on the area where you want to remove the hair and then open the fingers of your hand to remove the hairs. The upper lip and chin are definitely easier to grasp than the eyebrows – where you should stay away from the shape and just tackle the strays.

6. After care: ‘Always use a calming and soothing cream to help close the pores, calm the skin down and reduce redness,’ advises Vanita. ‘Take care in the first 24 hours - avoid touching the skin, any treatments, make-up, perfumed cosmetics, chlorine and sun beds after threading to prevent any adverse reaction.’

How To Wax Your Own Bikini Line

The Pro: Wax specialist at Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, Vanya Volovsek

‘If you’re a regular waxer, it might be time to take matters into your own hands with a professional plant-based system that can be bought online, as waxing kits on the high-street aren’t as effective. Hot wax is definitely better than waxing strips, although trickier and fiddly to work, you’re more likely to get salon-worthy results with practise.’

1. Prepare: ‘First of all, ensure the skin is completely clean and dry. It's important the skin is dry so the wax adheres.’

2. Wax: ‘Hold the skin taut with one hand and apply the wax with the other. Start from the edge, near the thigh, working inwards and make sure you only do small sections at a time. If your hand gets sticky, or there’s wax left on the skin – use a little oil to remove it. And remember to breathe throughout the process to deal with any pain. I’d also recommend avoiding doing a Brazilian or Hollywood wax on yourself.’

3. Aftercare: ‘Post-wax always avoid baths and stick to showering. Apply a chemical free moisturiser like soothing Aloe Vera gel if the skin feels itchy. And gentle exfoliation a few days after waxing and moisturising regularly can kelp kick ingrown hairs to the curb.’

How To Do Sugaring At Home

The Pro: CEO and Founder of Sugaring London, Tanja Westendorff

‘Originating in ancient Egyptian times, sugaring is the oldest method of hair removal that uses a natural paste of ingredients that may already by sat in your kitchen - sugar, water and lemon. The paste removes unwanted hairs whilst also exfoliating the skin. And unlike waxing, you pull it off in the direction of the hair growth so there’s less pain, trauma and breakage.’

1. Prepare: ‘Make sure the area you want to sugar is clean, dry, and free of any oils. Sugar paste does not stick to body lotions.'

'You can either buy the paste online or make it in your kitchen. If you do make the sugar paste at home, be very careful, as there is a risk of burning yourself since the warm sugar paste needs to be manipulated between the hands for the best results. We would always advise to go to a sugaring professional or if you want to do it at home-buy sugar paste online.'

To make the paste a home combine half a cup of sugar with two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of water. Heat the mixture in a saucepan on a medium to high heat, continuously stirring the liquid. Once the syrup bubbles and turns golden, take it off the heat and continue to stir until it thickens into a paste. As soon as it’s cooled down and looks opaque – it’s ready to use.

2. Hair Removal: ‘Spread the sugar paste against your hair growth (the opposite of waxing) and make sure to keep the skin stretched and tight with your free hand so you don’t bruise. Remove the paste in the direction of the hair growth using a flicking motion. Treat it as though you’re removing a piece of Sellotape – flicking the edge up. If there are any hairs left behind, you can re-apply the paste and let it sit for one minute before removing it.’

3. Aftercare: ‘Steer clear from any strenuous form of exercise, saunas and hot baths for up to 48 hours post sugaring. You can take a shower but make sure it is not a hot one and don’t use soap as the can cause irritation. Sugaring is like learning to ride a bike – it requires practice and patience but then it will be a skill for life.’

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