Wax, Thread, Tweezers — Everything You Need to Know About Eyebrow Shaping
Eyebrow shaping in a beauty salon is the perfect complement to treatments such as brow lamination or permanent makeup, but it also works brilliantly as a standalone service. Discover which method to choose for your clients and how to shape brows to perfection!
From this article you will learn:
➤ Proven ways to shape your eyebrows
Eyebrow Shaping Methods
DIY brow shaping often results in an imprecise shape, pinching, or gaps in the brow arch. That’s why so many women opt for professional eyebrow shaping in a salon. The most popular methods include waxing, tweezing, and threading.
Step-by-Step Brow Shaping
No matter which method you choose, follow these essential steps to achieve perfect brows.
- Analysis and consultation – Assess your client’s facial features and natural brow shape. Discuss their desired outcome and select a suitable brow shape accordingly.
- Mapping – Use a tinting thread to mark out the brow arches.
- Hair removal – Depending on your chosen method, melt the wax in a wax heater, disinfect your tweezers, or cut a piece of thread for threading.
Which Brow Shaping Method Should You Choose?
Each method varies in speed, precision, and skin sensitivity. The one you select depends on your personal preference, but always consider the condition of your client’s brows and choose a technique that suits their individual needs.
Waxing Brows
The fastest brow shaping method.
Simply melt the appropriate amount of wax beads in a heater, then use a wooden spatula to apply the wax to the desired area. Once the wax hardens, remove it swiftly in the direction opposite to hair growth.
Don’t forget to prep your client’s skin with a pre-wax lotion. After waxing, soothe any irritation with a post-wax oil.
Contraindications for Waxing
This is the quickest method, but not suitable for everyone. Always check with your client before waxing to rule out any of the following contraindications:
- Recent tan
- Certain medications (e.g. Retinoids)
- Cuts or injuries
- Wax allergy
Eyebrow Tweezing
This method is best when only a few stray hairs need removal. It may not be the quickest, but it’s certainly the most precise. It involves plucking individual hairs with a pair of brow tweezers.
Although there’s less risk of irritation compared to waxing, it's important to remember that the skin barrier is still disrupted. Always use freshly disinfected and sterilised tweezers before beginning.
FINAL RESULT: The most precise finish — tweezers allow for the removal of even the most hard-to-reach hairs.
Threading Brows
The least common, yet oldest hair removal method used for brows. Originating in ancient Asia, threading has been largely replaced by modern techniques like waxing and tweezing, though some stylists still prefer the traditional thread.
Threading Step by Step
- Tie a piece of cotton thread at the ends to form a loop
- Twist the loop several times to create a spiral in the centre
- Place the thread against the skin and move the spiral side to side using your fingers
- The moving spiral pulls hairs out from the root
FINAL RESULT: A more natural finish than waxing, yet it still removes fine hairs that tweezers can’t grab.
Whichever method is your go-to, it’s worth being familiar with all of them to tailor your brow shaping technique to each client’s skin and brow condition.