Hanging by a Thread
Ancient Middle Eastern Technique
Threading is a hair removal technique that has been practiced for centuries. The practice of threading as an effective method for hair removal originated in the Middle East. Today, only a very select few salons and spas offer threading, but with some practice, anyone can learn to do threading at home.
Least Invasive Method
The advantage of threading is the swift and careful removal of hair from even the most delicate areas of the face. This method provides an alternative for sensitive skin which does not always respond well to waxing and tweezing. Waxing can remove the skin along with the hair, which can cause sun damage. Threading is the least invasive method of hair removal and leaves the skin smooth.
Threading creates a trap through the use of knots. Hair is caught in these traps and forced out by the roots. The technique is called threading because it employs the use of common cotton sewing thread.
To try threading at home, start with approximately two feet of strong cotton sewing thread. Holding one end of the thread in each hand, knot the ends so that you end up with a complete circle of thread. Holding the thread with both hands, wind the thread ten times. After winding, the thread will resemble a bow tie with the wound portion at center.
Slide the wound portion of the thread towards one of your hands, by spreading the fingers of the one hand, as you close the fingers of the other. Practice this motion several times, alternating hands as you spread and close. When you find a rhythm can maneuver the wound area back and forth with ease, you're ready to begin removing hair.
How To Thread
It's best for beginning threaders to start on the legs, since this provides a larger area to work with, making the process somewhat easier to learn. Sit on a chair and prop your leg up on a table or chair to a comfortable height. Choose a hair and place the wound side of the thread on one side of the hair. Next, lay the thread from the opposite end so that it surrounds both sides of the hair. Now is the time to use the finger spreading and closing that you practiced as in the previous paragraph. Use the spreading and closing to move the wound area to the other side of the thread. This captures the hair and pulls it from its root. Repeat until you've treated the desired area.
The benefits of threading versus waxing are:
* Doesn't peel off skin as it removes hairs
* Hair takes longer to grow back
* Skin doesn't redden or become irritated
* Can be used to pull out individual hairs
* Hair doesn't have to grow long for threading
* Doesn't stimulate hair growth or strengthen hair
* Can remove even baby-fine hair
* Leaves skin smooth
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