It's the question Sophie B gets asked most often by first-time clients: "Should I get my brows waxed or threaded?" Both are excellent hair removal methods — but they work differently, feel different, and suit different skin types and brow goals. After 13+ years shaping brows in Vancouver and Surrey, here's Sophie's complete, no-fluff breakdown.
How Threading Works
Threading uses a single twisted loop of 100% cotton thread, rolled across the skin to trap and remove hairs at the follicle. The thread catches multiple hairs simultaneously and lifts them cleanly — no chemicals, no heat, no adhesives touch your skin at any point.
The technique requires significant skill and practice. The shape of each brow is determined entirely by how the artist controls the thread — making a trained, experienced threading specialist the key ingredient in a great result.
How Waxing Works
Brow waxing applies a thin layer of warm wax to the skin and removes it quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth, pulling hairs from the follicle. There are two main types — soft wax (applied with a strip) and hard wax (sets on its own and is removed without a strip). At Shapes Glow Studio we use skin-gentle hard wax formulas for the brow area.
Important note: If you use retinoids, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs or any prescription skin treatments around the eye area, threading is almost always the safer choice. Waxing can lift and damage skin that has been sensitised by these ingredients.
Pain Level: Which Hurts More?
This is subjective, but here's what most clients tell us:
- Threading: A series of small, quick pinching sensations as the thread rolls across the skin. Many clients describe it as mildly stingy but very manageable, with zero lingering discomfort once done
- Waxing: A single sharp pull per strip, followed by a brief burning sensation. Most clients find it slightly more intense than threading in the moment, but it's over faster per section
First-timers to threading often find the continuous sensation unfamiliar, but within one or two appointments it becomes completely comfortable. Most longtime threading clients say they barely notice it.
Precision: Which Gives a Better Shape?
Threading wins on precision — and it's not particularly close. Because the thread can be controlled hair by hair, a skilled threading artist can define a clean, crisp arch and remove single stray hairs that wax simply can't target accurately. This is why threading is the gold standard for brow shaping at Shapes Glow Studio and why Sophie uses it as her primary shaping technique.
Waxing is more efficient for removing larger areas of hair quickly, which makes it the better choice for body waxing — legs, arms, bikini and back — rather than the precision work required for brows.
Skin Sensitivity: Which is Gentler?
- Sensitive skin: Threading is significantly gentler. No heat, no chemicals, no adhesive — the skin is not traumatised in any way beyond the hair removal itself
- Rosacea or eczema: Threading every time. Wax can trigger flares in reactive skin conditions
- On retinoids: Threading only — never wax on retinoid-treated skin around the brows
- Normal skin: Either works well. Some clients prefer the feel of wax; others prefer thread
How Long Do Results Last?
Both threading and waxing remove hair from the follicle, so regrowth timelines are similar — most clients need a touch-up every 3–4 weeks. Over time, with consistent hair removal, many clients notice their regrowth becomes finer and sparser, which is a benefit of both methods.
Sophie's recommendation: For brow shaping specifically, threading is almost always the better choice — more precise, gentler on skin, and no risk of chemical reactions. For body hair (legs, arms, bikini), waxing is faster and equally effective. We offer both at our Vancouver and Surrey studios.
Which Should You Book?
- Choose threading for brow shaping, sensitive skin, retinoid users, and anyone who wants maximum precision
- Choose waxing for body hair, or if you specifically prefer the wax sensation and have normal, non-reactive skin
Both services are available at our Vancouver studio on West 4th Avenue and Surrey studio at 7238 189 St #59, Surrey BC V4N 5M8. Eyebrow threading starts at $25, eyebrow wax at $25. Book online or call 604-736-6245.