How to Thread Hair

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Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: February 27, 2025

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An easy, inexpensive, and effective way to remove facial hair.

1

Snip 20 inches (51 cm) of white thread.

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Tie the 2 ends of the thread together. A simple knot will suffice as long as the ends don't come apart (here's a quick one- remember the first knot you make when tying your shoelaces? just make that about 2-3 times with the two ends of the thread).^{[1]
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Research source}
- You can experiment with different thread lengths as you become more comfortable with the technique.
- Do all of this in front of a well-lit mirror.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Barbie Ritzman
  Beauty & Skincare Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}

2

Wind the thread around 10 times.

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Ensure the wound bit lies in the center and wrap it around your fingers. Push the wound portion towards one hand by widening the fingers of one hand and simultaneously closing the fingers of the other hand (if you're doing this right, your hands will appear to be having a respectful, mock "conversation" with each other. When one hand "talks" the other will be quiet and vice versa).^{[3]
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- Practice the motions until you feel fairly comfortable with the movements of your hands. Usually, a smaller length of thread is easier to work with when you are still practicing your hand movements. A good idea is to practice on your leg since most people have hair on their legs that can be seen/reached easily.

3

Place the thread under the hair you want to remove.

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Grab the unwanted hair with the thread and pluck out the hair. Open up the loop and hand in the opposite direction that you want to thread (left hand to thread to the right; right hand to thread to the left). Place the twisted section of the thread under the hair that needs removing. Make sure to thread in the opposite direction from which your hair grows.
- Be patient. This will require lots of practice!
- Once you are comfortable, move onto your upper lip or other parts of your face that need to be threaded.
- Avoid doing this on your eyebrows unless you are absolutely confident in your abilities.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Pila Xian
  Esthetician and Massage Therapist
  
  Expert Interview} Remember, your eyebrows are less forgiving of errors than other body parts.
- Apply aloe vera gel or a cold compress to any areas that feel irritated.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Barbie Ritzman
  Beauty & Skincare Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}

Community Q&A

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Question

Will threading frequently cause any skin problems?

Community Answer

It shouldn't. If you happen to have skin irritation/red spots after threading, apply some aloe (found at most health stores) or moisturizer.

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Question

Will threading make the hair grow back quicker?

Karunakaran Nair

Community Answer

Not as much as shaving. if you don't want your hair to grow back, consider a permanent removal option.

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Question

Is there a way to do this painlessly?

Shivani Chilakapati

Community Answer

You can try to use a numbing spray before you begin threading. You can find them in a lot of drugstores. A good one to use is the GiGi anesthetic numbing spray.

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Tips

If you have stubborn hair, try doing this right after you take a shower so your hair is softer.

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Put some lotion on the area after threading it to prevent irritation (if any).

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Wash your face before threading it. Oil, make-up etc will make it slippery and hard to thread.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

I like to use 100% cotton thread. If you don't have any, try using thread with the least amount of synthetic fibers possible.
If you have sensitive skin, try putting ice on the area you're going to thread to help numb the area.

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Warnings

Sensitive skin may experience some reddening of the area and/or some small bumps immediately after threading. Just use some ice to soothe the area.

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Eyebrows are tricky to shape. Use this technique on them at your own risk.

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