Threading, the ancient art of hair removal, is becoming more popular in Western cultures.
Like with yoga and Ayurveda, women are looking for new ways to integrate Eastern ways into their beauty regimes.
Yet, while perhaps being exotic, much of threading's appeal has to do with its benefits.
Threading is a gentle art.
It involves precisely twisting a length of cotton thread along unwanted hairs.
The twisting action traps the hair and lifts it out of the follicle.
Like with tweezing, the results can last up to two to four weeks.
With regular treatments, hair re-growth becomes finer and sparser.
Threading is popular for shaping eyebrows and removing fine facial hair since it is such a fast, effective method for hair removal.
It can also be used to cover large areas, such as the legs and arms.
Threading dates back thousands of years, probably originating in ancient Arabia.
In the ancient world, like today, hairlessness was the ideal of fashion and beauty and a symbol of status.
Once you introduce this technique to your clients, word will spread quickly.
You will soon have a growing clientele sold on the benefits of threading.
Compared to other forms of hair removal, such as tweezing, waxing, and electrolysis, threading is definitely less painful.
Only a slight pinch should be felt with practiced technique.
The top layers of skin are not peeled or traumatized in the process.
While threading will exfoliate some dead skin cells, skin rashes and irritation should be uncommon.
Threading works on all skin types, including normal, sensitive, tanned, or damaged skin.
Threading is also an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane, and similar products which would be contraindications for other hair removal methods.
However, if a client has recently had a chemical peel, they should wait 24 hours before threading.
Like everything else, there can be side effects.
On some clients, there may be itching afterwards.
Side effects can also include folliculitis, a bacterial infection in the hair follicles, skin reddening or puffiness, and changes in skin pigment.
Threading is recommended for smooth skin, therefore it is not recommended for clients with severe acne or for the bikini area.
Also keep in mind that many states require a cosmetologist or aesthetician's license to do hair removal like threading.
As always, you'll want to inform your clients of any risks and to help set up expectations.
A release form/questionnaire is a good idea.
Let your first-time clients know that they may experience more pain than they will in later treatments.
As for you, you can't effectively thread while wearing gloves.
However, there is minimal risk of picking up infection since you are not touching the skin directly.
Only the thread should be coming into contact with the skin.
You'll need to frequently change your thread so that it won't fray.
To get started, you'll need to set up your work area and have the necessary tools on hand.
Your work area should allow you to easily move about your client and be comfortable.
A facial bed or reclining chair is ideal for this procedure.
Your client should also be comfortable.
Having soft music playing in the background also helps enhance the client's relaxation.
A blanket to keep them warm is also a nice touch.
The tool list is very simple: - 100% cotton thread Cleanser, such as witch hazel - Cotton pads - A calming solution, such as calendula - Headband - Magnifying lamp - Finger cots for working acne or infected areas Most of these items are inexpensive too.
As to the thread, 100% cotton sewing thread will work.
The key to threading is practicing your technique.
The most difficult part is learning the technique.
Practice on family and friends.
Work on different areas and experiment with different angles.
Your clients are going to love the results.
They're going to look good, plus save time on their make-up routine.
They'll come back time and again and, they'll refer their friends too.