If you're a beauty enthusiast, you'll probably be aware of all the eyebrow trends that have reigned and evolved through the decades. From the angled arches to the natural brows to the very recent ones, including pencil-thin looks and 'on fleek' brows, we've seen it all. However, some things never change. This includes shaping our brows and removing the extra hair that spoils the entire look.
While threading has remained a popular technique to get rid of those bushy brows, some people swear by tweezing the eyebrows, as it is not only sparing but also easy to perform. But is this economical method good for your skin? Given all the pulling and plucking, some people even wonder whether or not it leads to premature ageing. To understand better, we spoke to Ritu Khariyan, a renowned cosmetologist at Skinlogics.
Also Read: Want To Grow Thicker Eyebrows? Here Are Easy And Affordable Home Remedies You Must Try
Should You Pluck Or Tweeze Eyebrows?
According to Khariyan, the hair follicles on the brow contribute to thicker and denser-quality skin, which adds to the appearance of a prominent and defined brow. This is why constant plucking and loss of hair can lead to thinner skin, which may appear more aged over time.
This suggests that plucking eyebrows not only damages hair follicles but also leads to pencil-thin brows that are hard to fill in or shape.
Therefore, to minimise the risk of premature wrinkles while tweezing eyebrows, the expert recommends handling the skin delicately.
“Use your non-tweezing hand to support the skin surrounding the area by gently pulling it tight,” she says, warning against pulling the skin downward but instead lifting it up and out towards the temple.
According to her, this technique helps reduce the strain on the skin and minimises the potential for developing premature wrinkles.
Waxing Vs. Threading
While waxing is a popular and effective hair removal technique, threading is the most preferred way to shape eyebrows.
However, the choice between waxing and threading for eyebrow grooming depends on individual preferences and skin sensitivity, says Khariyan.
While waxing involves applying warm wax to the hairs to be removed and then swiftly pulling them out from the root using a paper strip, threading uses a twisted cotton thread to remove unwanted hairs.
As per the expert, waxing provides instant results and is suitable for those who find threading or tweezing painful.
On the other hand, threading is known for its precision and is suitable for allergy sufferers or those prone to post-waxing pimples.
However, it is important to note that individuals with extremely sensitive skin should be cautious of waxing, as it can be aggressive on the skin. Threading can therefore be a more beneficial technique, which provides a smoother finish and is less likely to cause irritation for sensitive skin types.
As far as the duration is concerned, both waxing and threading can leave an impact for 4-6 weeks, if done effectively, as they remove hairs from the follicles, Khariyan adds.
Also Read: Wrinkles And Other Signs Of Ageing: How To Delay Them
How To Grow Thicker Eyebrows
Sharing some tips for people who want to grow thicker and fuller eyebrows, Khariyan lists a number of natural ingredients and home remedies. These include:
Castor oil: Rich in ricinoleic acid and vitamin E, castor oil strengthens hair follicles and promotes thicker eyebrows and eyelashes.
Coconut oil: Contains essential micronutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids that stimulate hair follicles and accelerate growth.
Tea tree oil: Antifungal in nature, tea tree oil cleanses pores, prevents eyebrow dandruff, and encourages hair growth.
Fenugreek seeds: Loaded with protein and nicotinic acid, fenugreek boosts hair growth and thickens strands.
Curry leaves: rich in beta-carotene, proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants, curry leaves strengthen hair health and stimulate inactive follicles.
Conclusion
Eyebrows have remained a vital part of our appearance and are often known to enhance our facial features and expressions. This is why taking care of them, shaping them from time to time, and using proper methods to remove excess hair play a crucial role. While threading and waxing are some of the most effective ways to remove and shape the eyebrows, tweezing them is also a widely used technique. However, chronic plucking or tweezing of the eyebrows can contribute to premature wrinkles and an aged appearance in the eye area. And therefore, it is important to exercise caution and handle the skin delicately. If you still have doubts, it is best to consult a skin-care professional and receive the most suitable advice as per your skin quality.