How to do eyebrows

The way we groom our eyebrows can have quite an impact on our overall looks. Defined eyebrows look flattering and make one look much better. The most common way of shaping the eyebrows is by threading. It is also known as epilation. This practise is believed to be originated in India, several years ago. Today, this method of defining eyebrows is popular all over the world. It gives the most precise looks and edge according to one’s preference.

What is threading?

Being the most common technique, it is widely used in parlours to remove hair from various parts of the body. Threading is most commonly used to get rid of the fine hair present on the upper lips, and on the sides of the cheeks. It is also used to give shape to eyebrows by first removing the excess hair and then creating a defined line.

Epilating makes use of a long piece of thread which is twisted several times from the middle and used in scissoring motion to pull out the hair.

You too can do your own eyebrows at home. To begin with this, you need to determine what kind of shape you want for your eyebrows. You can find this out by assessing your face shape.

Different face shapes

Square shape face

A square-shaped face is quite angular with evident facial boundaries. The jaw bone is much defined and just like the chin, the dimensions of the face resemble a square. 

Oval face shape

The forehead is wider than the chin and the face is symmetrically round but slightly longer.

Round face shape

A round face will have rounded cheekbones and the forehead, as well as the chin area, is of the same width. A round face usually appears small.

Heart-shaped face

A typical heart-shaped face is one with a wide forehead but narrow cheeks. The lower face appears triangular with a slightly pointed chin.

Long/rectangular face shape

A long or rectangular face is vertically extended. The sides of the face are longer than the width.

How to determine the face shape?

It is fairly easy to determine your own face shape. To do this, pull back your hair tightly and wrap then at the back of your head so that your entire face is visible. Now look into the mirror and focus on your cheekbones as well as the forehead. You will be able to clearly see the dimensions of your face and determine your face shape.

Eyebrow shapes for different face type

The correct eyebrow shape needs to be chosen in order to suit the face cut. This helps to balance out the features and bring out the best looks which appear groomed yet in an effortless manner.

1. For a round face, the eyebrows must be done in a way that they appear arched. The brows should look higher and slightly pointed. This makes the face appear slightly longer. But do not make the eyebrows too pointed as that would not look natural.
2. If you have a square shaped face then your eyebrows need not be angular. Since your face is quite prominently defined, your eyebrows should appear softer and natural. Create a soft rounded upper edge. Make sure you do not thread them out too flat.
3. If you have an oval shaped face, then the lightly arched eyebrows will look perfect.
4. For a heart shaped face, utterly defined eyebrows look great. The eyebrows must not be too thin but have a very precise shape. Thick and bushy eyebrows will not look nice. For this face shape, focus on the edges of your brow and make them slightly arched.
5. If you have a long/ rectangular face then you need to focus upon the length of your brows. Since your face is vertically longer, to balance it out, make your eyebrows look stretched out horizontally with round boundaries. Avoid making any arch as that would only look pointed and odd.

How to thread the eyebrows?

You will need the following: 

• A thread roll especially meant for plucking hair (the white coloured thread).
• Baby powder. You can also use any other powder which is not very fragrant.
• A white eye lining pencil.
• A pair of clipping scissors.
• A small comb or an eyebrow comb.
• A cotton ball.
• Some aloe vera gel.

STEP 1

1. To begin threading your eyebrows, remove any dirt or makeup from them.
2. Make sure the skin around the eyebrows is clean as well.
3. Dry the area if you have washed your face.
4. Now apply some baby powder over your brows with the help of a cotton ball.
5. Apply quite a lot of it. The powder ensures that the skin underneath is completely dry. This helps to thread the hair more easily as it won’t slip.

STEP 2

1. Now measure the thread up to the length of your elbow and cut.
2. Double the thread and tie the two ends together by making a simple knot.
3. You should have a loop of thread. Keep this loop aside.

STEP 3

1. Now take a white eye lining pencil and lightly outline the edges of your eyebrows. Draw the shape you desire. You will be easily able to locate the excessive hair and this will prevent you from over threading your eyebrows.
2. While outlining your eyebrows, you have to keep in mind, the following points:
3. The beginning of each eyebrow must be from the bridge of your nose. Take a pencil and hold it vertically on one side of your nose. The pencil should be in a straight position. The point where it touches your forehead is where your eyebrows must begin.
4. To determine the right level of the arch for your eyebrows, mark a point first. Make sure your arch is not right above your pupil. The arch must always be slightly away from the centre of your eye.
5. The tail of your brows must not be too short or too long. It should end slightly away from your eye. Take your pencil and hold it in a slanting position at the end to join your eye and the brow. This point is where your eyebrow must end.

STEP 4

Sit in front of your mirror at a comfortable distance, you should be sitting close enough to see the eyebrows but not too close as well. 

STEP 5

1. Once you are seated in a comfortable position, take the loop you previously made.
2. Slide it between your hands to stretch it.
3. Now using the left hand, rotate the thread several times to create a scissor-like knot.
4. This twisted portion will catch the fine hair and help to pull them out. Make sure the other hand is firm.
5. Once you are done twisting the thread from the middle, you should be able to move it in a scissoring fashion very easily.

STEP 6

Using the small comb, tame your eyebrow hair so that they lie in the same line. This will enable you to see the boundary clearly.

STEP 7

1. To start working on your eyebrows, begin with the portion above the brow.
2. Since you have already outlined the shape, it should be easy for you to know where to place the thread.
3. Keep the twisted portion slightly away from the area with the excess hair.

STEP 8

1. Place the triangular portion, firmly onto the skin and using the other hand, enlarge the space so that the twist moves forward and grabs the hair.
2. You will be able to feel the hair being pulled out.
3. Remember, when threading, one hand should be stable, while the other one must move.

STEP 9

1. You have to thread in the opposite direction of hair growth.
2. So for the left eyebrow, the right hand should be firm while the left hand should move.
3. The same goes for the right eyebrow.

STEP 10

1. Repeat the similar steps for threading the excess hair underneath your eyebrow.
2. Move onto the area between your eyebrows.
3. For this portion, you need to hold the thread vertically.
4. You will have to thread from the bottom towards the top as this way it will be much easier.

Precautions

• While threading the area between the brows, do not place the thread horizontally. This could cause you to accidentally trap the eyebrow hair and remove them unnecessarily.
• When buying the thread, make sure you specify that you need it for the purpose of epilating. You cannot work with the normal thread as it will break very often and cause more pain.
• If you are threading your eyebrows for the first time, and you have quite a thick hair growth then use a clipping scissor to trim the longer hair. This will help to avoid pain.
• Before threading removes any makeup, dirt or moisture you may have on your forehead. If the eyebrows are not clean and dry, it will be much harder to grasp the hair and you will not get precise and defined eyebrows.
• Take extra care while removing the hair from underneath the eyebrow. The skin right over the eyes is extremely thin. The placement of the thread should be right. Do not press it too tightly over the skin as you may give yourself cuts.
• Threading can be a little painful. Place a steel spoon in the refrigerator before you begin the process. After you are done, to ease the pain, place the cold spoon over the area. This will provide a cooling sensation and reduce the chances of getting bumps.

Myths and facts

MYTHS	FACTS
Threading can cause ingrown hair.	The eyebrow hair is quite fine. Since you are not using a razor to define them, there are no chances of having ingrown hair. The thread pulls out the hair very firmly and eliminates any chances of reverse hair growth.
Threading is much more painful than waxing.	Both threading and waxing are highly effective because they tug at the roots of the hair. However, the pain factor depends upon the individual threshold. It is important to be regular with the process. You can thread your eyebrows as soon as you see fine hair growing back. This will reduce the pain to a great extent and speed up the process.
Threading is only meant for the eyebrows.	Threading can be done in various areas of the body. It can be used to remove facial hair as well. The only reason, it is not used do remove hair over legs and arms is because it is a more time-consuming process. Waxing is swift and covers more area.
If you get a thread cut, the hair might never grow back on that spot.	This is completely false. Cuts during threading can occur if you are pressing the thread too closely against your skin. However, if you get a cut, it will heal soon enough and the hair will grow back on that spot. The minor cut caused by threading is cannot damage the hair follicle and stop hair growth from occurring.

 

Frequently asked questions

Why do I get tiny bumps on the area after threading?

This is a common problem for people with sensitive skin. However, the tiny bumps may not be caused due to threading but due to the astringent of cleaning liquid used to wipe the eyebrows clean.

How can these bumps be prevented?

Do not use any antiseptic or astringent to remove the excess powder. After you are done, place an ice cube over your eyebrows to soothe the area. This will help to avoid those bumps altogether.

Is there any way to lessen the pain of threading?

Before doing your eyebrows, place an ice cube or a cold spoon over your eyebrows. Make sure you wrap the ice cube in a zip lock bag in order to keep the area dry. Ice will numb the area and reduce the pain.

Is waxing a better method for defining the eyebrows?

Some people prefer waxing over threading. While waxing works equally well, it cannot be done at home. You must never attempt putting wax over your eyebrows and pulling. This can go wrong. If you wish to opt for waxing, then do consult a professional.

How often does threading need to be done?

This depends upon your hair growth. If your hair grows back faster, then you will have to do your eyebrows often. Usually, this needs to be done once every 3 weeks.