Perfectly shaped eyebrows frame your entire face, and the method you choose to maintain them matters. Threading and waxing are the two most popular options in Calgary, but which one actually lasts longer, hurts less, and gives you better results? We break down everything so you can choose with confidence.
How Threading Works
Threading is an ancient hair removal technique originating from South Asia and the Middle East. Your technician twists a thin cotton thread into a loop, then rolls it across the skin to catch and pull individual hairs directly from the follicle. There are no chemicals, no heat, and no strips involved — just precise hand movements and a simple thread.
How Waxing Works
Waxing involves applying warm wax (either soft wax with strips or hard wax that peels off on its own) to the skin in the direction of hair growth. Once the wax adheres to the hair, it is pulled off quickly in the opposite direction, removing multiple hairs at once from the root. This makes waxing efficient for covering larger areas in a single pull.
Pain Comparison: Threading vs Waxing
Threading produces a sharper, more pinpointed sensation. Because hairs are pulled individually or in small groups, you feel quick, precise tugs. The discomfort is brief — each pull lasts a fraction of a second — and many clients describe it as a snapping feeling along the skin.
Waxing creates a broader pulling sensation across a larger area all at once. While the initial pull can feel more intense, it is over quickly and covers more ground per strip. Most clients find both methods very tolerable, especially with an experienced aesthetician who works efficiently.
How Long Do Results Last?
Threading results last 3 to 4 weeks. Because threading removes hair from the root, regrowth is slower than shaving. However, since threading targets individual hairs, some finer hairs may reappear sooner than others.
Waxing results last 3 to 6 weeks. Waxing also pulls from the root, but because it removes larger patches of hair in one motion — including the very fine vellus hairs — the area tends to stay smoother for a longer period. Over time, regular waxing can even weaken the hair follicle, leading to finer and sparser regrowth.
Verdict: Waxing edges out threading slightly for longevity. If maximum time between appointments is your priority, waxing may be the better choice.
Which Is Better for Sensitive Skin?
Threading wins for sensitive skin. Because threading uses only a cotton thread, there are no chemicals, resins, fragrances, or heated substances touching your skin. This makes it ideal for clients who experience reactions to wax, have rosacea, use retinoids, or are on acne medication.
Waxing requires adhesion to the skin, which can cause temporary redness, irritation, or even minor lifting of the top skin layer in sensitive individuals. If your skin reacts easily, threading is the gentler option.
Which Gives More Precise Shaping?
Threading offers superior precision. Because a skilled technician can target one hair at a time, threading allows for incredibly detailed shaping. Arches, tails, and clean lines are easier to sculpt when you have that level of individual hair control.
Waxing is excellent for clean, defined shapes but works by removing groups of hairs at once. For fine-tuning the perfect arch or correcting minor asymmetry, threading gives your aesthetician more control.
Threading: Pros and Cons
Pros
- + No chemicals or heat — safe for sensitive and reactive skin
- + Individual hair targeting for ultra-precise shaping
- + Fast for small facial areas (eyebrows in under 10 minutes)
- + Less redness and irritation post-treatment
- + More affordable per session
Cons
- - Best suited for facial areas only
- - Can feel sharper for first-timers
- - Results may not last quite as long as waxing
Waxing: Pros and Cons
Pros
- + Longer-lasting smoothness (up to 6 weeks)
- + Works on face and body — underarms, legs, bikini, Brazilian
- + Removes fine vellus hairs for an extra-smooth finish
- + Regular sessions lead to finer, sparser regrowth over time
- + Fast and efficient for larger areas
Cons
- - May irritate sensitive or reactive skin
- - Not recommended while using retinoids or certain medications
- - Slightly higher cost per session
Cost Comparison at Lavish Beauty Calgary
Service
Threading
Waxing
Eyebrows
$10
$15
Full Face
$35
$45
Both options are incredibly affordable at Lavish Beauty. Threading is the more budget-friendly choice, saving you $5 per eyebrow session. Full face threading is $35 and full face waxing is $45.
Body Areas: Where Each Method Works Best
Threading is designed for the face. It works beautifully on eyebrows, upper lip, chin, forehead, and sideburns. The precision and gentleness make it ideal for delicate facial skin.
Waxing covers both face and body. Beyond eyebrows and facial hair, waxing is the go-to method for underarms, arms, legs, bikini line, and Brazilian. If you want full-body hair removal in one appointment, waxing is the versatile choice.
When to Choose Threading vs Waxing
Choose threading when: you have sensitive or reactive skin, you want ultra-precise brow shaping, you prefer a chemical-free method, you are on retinoids or acne medication, or you want the most affordable option for eyebrow grooming.
Choose waxing when: you want the longest-lasting results, you need hair removal on body areas beyond the face, you prefer removing larger patches of hair quickly, or you want to weaken hair follicles over time for sparser regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does threading or waxing last longer?
Waxing typically lasts slightly longer at 3 to 6 weeks compared to threading at 3 to 4 weeks. However, results vary depending on your individual hair growth cycle, hair thickness, and how consistently you maintain your appointments.
Is threading or waxing more painful?
Threading produces a sharper, quicker sensation as individual hairs are pulled. Waxing creates a broader pulling feeling across a larger area at once. Most clients find both very tolerable, especially with an experienced technician at Lavish Beauty who works quickly and efficiently.
Can I get threading on my body?
Threading is best suited for facial hair removal — eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and full face. For body areas like underarms, legs, bikini, and Brazilian, waxing is the recommended and more practical method.
How much does eyebrow threading cost in Calgary?
At Lavish Beauty Laser Med Spa, eyebrow threading starts at just $10 and full face threading is $35. Eyebrow waxing starts at $15 and full face waxing is $45. We offer some of the most competitive prices in Calgary for both services.
Threading or Waxing — We Offer Both
Not sure which method is right for you? Visit Lavish Beauty Laser Med Spa in Calgary and our experienced aestheticians will recommend the perfect option for your skin type and brow goals. Call us at (403) 815-0150 or book online.
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