Threading and waxing both pull the hair out from the root and last the same, three to five weeks. The difference is how they do it: thread catches hairs one by one without touching the skin, which makes it ideal for the face and sensitive skin; wax removes hair by area, in seconds, and is the choice for legs, arms or bikini line. At nails and the city we use both and recommend one or the other depending on the area and your skin.
What threading is
Threading is a technique of Eastern origin in which a twisted cotton thread catches hairs and pulls them out from the root as it glides over the skin. No heat, no product: just the thread. That is why it is so precise, lets us shape the brow hair by hair and does not irritate the skin.
Our brow threading takes 15 min and costs €12.90; a full face with thread is €32.90.
What waxing is
Waxing applies warm wax to the skin, which bonds to the hair, and pulls it out from the root when removed. It covers large areas quickly and, with quality wax and good technique, leaves the skin smooth for weeks. It is the usual choice for the body.
Our menu has waxing by area: from €4.90 for a small area to €24.90 for full legs.
Threading or waxing: the differences
| What you compare | Thread | Wax |
|---|---|---|
| What it touches | Only the hair | Hair and skin |
| Precision | Hair by hair; ideal for shaping | By area |
| Speed | Slow on large areas | Very fast |
| Sensitive skin, acne, retinoids | Suitable | Can irritate or lift skin |
| Very short hair | Catches it from 1 mm | Needs 3 to 5 mm |
| Redness afterwards | Mild, gone in minutes | Moderate, up to an hour |
| Where it shines | Brows, lip, chin, face | Legs, arms, underarms, bikini, back |
| How long it lasts | 3 to 5 weeks | 3 to 5 weeks |
Which to choose for each area
Brows
Thread. It lets us shape hair by hair, catches the fine hair wax leaves behind and does not pull the thin skin of the eyelid. If you also want shape and colour, brow design shapes and tints in the same appointment.
Upper lip and chin
Thread. Lip skin is sensitive and wax can irritate it or mark with the sun; thread leaves no trace. Brows and lip together are €19.90.
Full face
Thread, unless there is a lot of hair and little time. It removes fine hair from cheeks, sideburns and forehead without lifting the skin or leaving shine.
Underarms, arms and legs
Wax. These are large areas where thread would be very slow; wax has them done in 15 min for underarms or 40 min for full legs.
Bikini line
Wax. It is the most effective technique on coarse hair and areas with folds. We offer standard, full and Brazilian.
How long it lasts and how often to repeat
Three to five weeks with both techniques, because both remove from the root. Over time the hair grows back finer and weaker, and appointments space out. For an even result, it is best not to trim or shave between appointments.
Care before and after
- Before: clean skin with no cream; for wax, hair of 3 to 5 millimetres; if you use retinoids or acids on your face, tell your therapist and choose thread.
- After: no direct sun, sauna or make-up on the area for 24 hours; aloe gel soothes the redness.
- From the third day: gentle exfoliation twice a week to prevent ingrown hairs, especially on bikini line and legs.
You can book your appointment through Treatwell choosing the area, or write to us if you are unsure between thread and wax.
Frequently asked questions
Which hurts less, threading or waxing?
It depends on the area. On the face, thread: it removes the hair without pulling the skin. On legs or bikini line, wax: it is so fast the discomfort lasts a second per strip. With both, the pain drops a lot from the second appointment.
How long does threading last?
Three to five weeks, the same as wax, because it removes the hair from the root. Over time the hair grows back finer and appointments space out.
Can I wax if I use retinol or acids?
On the face, better not: skin treated with retinoids or acids lifts with wax. Choose thread, which does not touch the skin. On the body there is usually no problem if you do not apply the product to that area.
How much does brow shaping cost?
With thread, €12.90; with wax, €9.90. Brows and lip with thread, €19.90. If you want shape and tint, brow design is €25.90.
How long does the hair need to be?
For thread, one millimetre is enough. For wax, three to five millimetres: about ten days without shaving. If it is longer, we trim it first.