Threading vs Waxing vs Epilating: An Honest Comparison

Threading: precision over speed

Threading uses twisted cotton thread to lift and remove hair at the follicle, one strand or small section at a time. It's the standard for eyebrows and upper lip because of the control it gives — you can shape precisely, which wax simply can't match on small areas.

• Pain level: moderate, brief, localised
• Regrowth: 2 to 4 weeks
• Best for: eyebrows, upper lip, small facial areas
• Downside: too slow and imprecise a tool for larger areas like legs or arms

Waxing: coverage over control

Waxing removes hair in larger sections using warm wax and strips, making it efficient for bigger areas. At the salon we use single-use strips and fresh wax per client, which matters for hygiene as much as results.

• Pain level: moderate to higher, brief
• Regrowth: 3 to 4 weeks, and hair often grows back finer over time with repeated waxing
• Best for: arms, legs, underarms, full body
• Downside: not ideal on very sensitive or reactive skin, where it can trigger redness or bumps

Epilating: convenience over comfort

An epilator is a handheld device that mechanically plucks multiple hairs at once, usually used at home for quick touch-ups between salon visits.

• Pain level: higher than threading or waxing, since multiple follicles are pulled simultaneously
• Regrowth: 2 to 3 weeks
• Best for: quick home maintenance between professional appointments
• Downside: not as clean or even a finish as a salon wax or thread job, and can cause more ingrown hairs with frequent use

Which one for which area and skin type

The right method usually depends on the area more than a personal favourite.

• Sensitive or acne-prone facial skin — threading is gentler than waxing near breakout-prone areas
• Larger areas, less frequent upkeep — waxing wins on time and finish
• Between-appointment touch-ups — epilating is fine for convenience, just not a full replacement for salon treatment
• First-time hair removal for younger skin — threading or waxing, done by a professional; avoid starting with an epilator, which is harsher on skin that hasn't built any tolerance yet

A note on switching between methods

You don't have to commit to just one. Many clients thread their brows and upper lip but wax arms and legs — mixing methods by area is completely normal and usually gives the best overall result.