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What are Alternatives to Waxing my Eyebrows?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Waxing is only one of a few different types of hair removal techniques used on unwanted facial and body hair. Though waxing is a popular method of shaping eyebrows, there are alternatives to waxing your eyebrows that do not include wax. No one method is necessarily better than another, but skin sensitivity along with personal comfort and preference may dictate which method you prefer.

Eyebrow waxing is generally done by applying a hot, or very warm, wax to specific areas above and below the eyebrow. The areas where it is applied is determined by the desired shape of the eyebrow. Once the wax is applied, linen strips are placed over the wax. When the wax has cooled, the strips are quickly pulled, taking the wax and unwanted hair with them. Waxing generally works very well and many people prefer it to other alternatives. However if you find this method uncomfortable then you might consider one of the alternatives to waxing eyebrows.

Hot wax.
Hot wax.

Depilatory creams are one option for removing facial hair and shaping eyebrows. Depilatory creams contain chemicals that, in a sense, dissolve the hair just below the skin’s surface, making it easy to wipe away the hair with the cream. Depilatory creams will remove hair for between one and two weeks, but because of their chemical makeup, are unsuitable for people with sensitive skin. It is best to test an area on your forearm before applying depilatory cream to your face. Also use caution when applying it around your eyes and rinse your eyes immediately with cool water if it gets in the eye. As an alternative to waxing your eyebrows, some people prefer depilatory cream, while others disdain both the strong chemical smell and the irritation in can cause.

Tweezers can be used for precise shaping of the eyebrows.
Tweezers can be used for precise shaping of the eyebrows.

So beyond chemicals, consider natural alternatives to waxing your eyebrows such as good old-fashioned tweezing. Tweezing is painful for some people, but others prefer it as the most natural alternative. When tweezing, be sure to soak the eyebrow area with warm water before you begin to soften the hair follicles. Tweeze in the direction of hair growth for less discomfort. Determining which hairs to pull and which to leave can be confusing, but there is an easy rule of thumb to follow.

Eyebrow threading is an ancient hair removal technique which uses a twisting thread to pull hair from the root.
Eyebrow threading is an ancient hair removal technique which uses a twisting thread to pull hair from the root.

Place a pencil or hair stick beneath your nose and tilt it upward toward the outer corner of your eye. When it’s lined up with the outer corner of your eye, take note of any hair that has grown beyond the pencil’s tip towards the jaw line. This is the hair that needs to be removed. Remove any hair between the eyebrows that extends beyond the area just above the inner corner of the eye. Remember to leave the shape of the eyebrow in a natural curve, not an unnatural arch.

Waxing is a popular method used to shape eyebrows.
Waxing is a popular method used to shape eyebrows.

If none of these alternatives to waxing your eyebrows appeal to you, then you might consider electrolysis, which is permanent, rather than temporary, removal of hair. Many full-service salons offer electrolysis as an alternative to waxing. Check with upscale, full-service salons in your area for pricing and information.

Discussion Comments

anon181120

when you get your eyebrows threaded, you sit in a salon like you would waxing, and it's usually an indian lady. what she does is use some sort of string and basically pulls at your eyebrows. the first few times are kind of painful. i used to get it done because my eyebrows are impossible. but the thing is, the hair removal doesn't even last as long as waxing does.

anon81494

With threading, what exactly happens?

anon77399

Yeah, I agree that threading is good alternative to waxing the eyebrows. It's fairly cheap (I get them done for $4) and the results are amazing.

anon33080

Another alternative is eyebrow threading. It's quick, fairly painless, and comparatively cheap.

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    • Hot wax.
      By: blueee
      Hot wax.
    • Tweezers can be used for precise shaping of the eyebrows.
      By: Africa Studio
      Tweezers can be used for precise shaping of the eyebrows.
    • Eyebrow threading is an ancient hair removal technique which uses a twisting thread to pull hair from the root.
      By: bertys30
      Eyebrow threading is an ancient hair removal technique which uses a twisting thread to pull hair from the root.
    • Waxing is a popular method used to shape eyebrows.
      By: Africa Studio
      Waxing is a popular method used to shape eyebrows.
    • Tweezing can be painful but is a natural alternative to eyebrow waxing.
      By: MarkFGD
      Tweezing can be painful but is a natural alternative to eyebrow waxing.