$15 for an Eyebrow and Lip Threading at The Waxing Room ($28 Value)

The Waxing Room

We spoke with Waxing Room owner CherylAnn Gutierrez about how it feels to have your hair removed with thread and what you can do to make the process quicker and easier.

What does threading feel like?

CherylAnn compares the sensation to tweezing, "but many hairs at a time." As the aesthetician works strands of cotton thread around the brows and lips, a quick twist uproots an entire line of hair at the follicle. CherylAnn says her staff can help soothe away any sting afterwards by applying ice, cortisone, a gentle massage, or even cucumber slices to the treated areas.

How quickly can your aestheticians thread a line of hair?

"We've never timed it," she says while laughing, "but very quickly."

Which is better: threading or waxing?

CherylAnn refuses to take sides: each one has a place. Threading may be especially useful for people who are allergic to certain waxes or who have sensitive skin due to, for example, a recent chemical peel. But her general advice is "try each one." She says fans of threading tend to believe the process gives aestheticians greater control, allowing them to create better definition, straighter lines, and more dramatic angles than are possible with waxing. But the main reason CherylAnn offers threading is that she knows it's ultimately a personal preference, and she "wants to be able to serve everyone."

What can clients do to get the best results?

During appointments, clients will be asked to slightly stretch the skin around their eyebrows so that it's flat and level. According to CherylAnn, the most important thing you can do at this time is to hold your skin so that it's as taut as possible. She says this allows the aesthetician to go line by line with greater speed and accuracy, which minimizes any potential discomfort.