Why Threading Beats Waxing for Brows — And Why We Still Offer Both

By Ira Bale

Founder, Ira Bale Brows – South Yarra & Toorak Village, Melbourne

Threading vs waxing: it’s the eyebrow equivalent of skincare’s “retinol vs peptides.” Everyone has a preference — but most don’t understand why.

At Ira Bale Brows in South Yarra and Toorak Village, we offer both threading and waxing — but here’s the truth:Threading is the superior method for precision, sensitivity, and long-term skin health.

That’s why it’s our go-to for clients who care about clean shape without collateral damage. But we still offer waxing — and we’ll explain exactly when it makes sense, and when it absolutely doesn’t.

Let’s break down the myths, the science, and the client stories that make this more than just a preference — it’s a professional decision that can affect your skin for years.

Perfectly groomed: Before and after men's brow threading and tinting transformation by Ira Bale Brows Team at Toorak Village.

What’s the Real Difference?

Threading

→ A twisted cotton thread pulls hair from the root in a straight, clean line.

• No heat

• No chemicals

• No pulling on the skin

• Safe for sensitive or reactive skin

• High-definition shaping and control

• Better for fine detailing, especially in brow mapping

Waxing

→ A warm resin is applied and then quickly removed to pull out multiple hairs at once.

• Faster for large areas

• Can remove top layers of skin

• Less precise (especially on short or fine hair)

• Not ideal for sensitive, rosacea, or acne-prone skin

• Can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation if not done correctly

Why We Favour Threading for Brows

Threading gives us control, and in brow artistry, control is everything.

It allows us to:

• Remove single hairs without disrupting others

• Preserve natural thickness where needed

• Define crisp lines without damaging surrounding skin

• Avoid over-exfoliating — especially critical for clients using retinoids or exfoliating acids

If you’re someone who wants strong shape, minimal redness, and long-term brow health, threading is the gold standard.

Who Should Avoid Waxing?

We don’t recommend waxing for:

• Clients on retinol, Accutane, or acid-based skincare

• Those with rosacea, eczema, or broken capillaries

• Darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation

• Sensitive skin that flares after minimal trauma

• Anyone concerned about long-term skin elasticity (especially under the arch)

If your skin barrier is compromised, waxing can do more harm than good — no matter how “quick” or “convenient” it seems.

When Waxing Actually Makes Sense

There are moments where waxing is appropriate — and we’re honest about those too.

Waxing works well for:

• Body hair or facial areas like the upper lip or sideburns

• Clients with no sensitivities and minimal hair density

• Maintenance visits, when only light cleanup is needed and threading would be overkill

• Clients who’ve always waxed and tolerate it well

We always assess skin type and product use before we apply wax. And we never wax blindly.

Real Client Story: Elly, 35

Elly came to our Toorak Village salon after years of monthly waxing. She was noticing creeping pigmentation under her brows and flakiness after each visit. Her skincare included vitamin C and AHA serums — but no one had ever asked.

We switched her to threading immediately. After three sessions, she noticed smoother skin, less irritation, and the pigment under her arch began to fade.

Her words:

“I thought waxing was just what everyone did. I didn’t know it was hurting my skin.”

Now? Threading every 5 weeks, with a brow dye every second visit. And her skin hasn’t looked this clear in years.

Threading vs Waxing: The Verdict

Feature	Threading	Waxing
Skin sensitivity	✅ Excellent	🚫 Can be irritating
Precision	✅ High	⚠️ Moderate
Exfoliation risk	🚫 None	✅ Moderate to high
Chemical-free	✅ Yes	🚫 No
Speed	⚠️ Slower	✅ Fast
Hair regrowth control	✅ Accurate	⚠️ Less precise

So yes — we offer both. But we’ll always explain why one is better for you. That’s what makes Ira Bale Brows different: we don’t sell methods. We sell results.

Final Word

Threading isn’t just a trend — it’s a return to technique. A method rooted in control, skin safety, and precision.

Waxing has its place, but if you care about the health of your skin and the longevity of your brow shape, threading should be your first choice.

At Ira Bale Brows, we don’t leave these decisions to chance. We assess your skin, your history, your goals — and then we choose the method that serves you best.

Not the fastest.Not the trendiest.The smartest.

Book your Brow Shaping session today — Threading or Waxing, the choice is strategic, not random. Visit us in South Yarra or Toorak Village, Melbourne.