Threading Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Trying It

When you think of threading, a precise hair removal technique using twisted cotton thread to pull out hair from the follicle. Also known as thread epilation, it’s a popular choice for shaping eyebrows and removing fine facial hair without chemicals or heat. Many people choose it because it’s fast, affordable, and feels more natural than waxing—but it’s not harmless. Like any hair removal method, threading comes with side effects that aren’t talked about enough.

One of the most common issues is skin irritation, redness, swelling, or small bumps that appear right after threading. This happens especially if your skin is sensitive, you’ve recently used retinoids or exfoliants, or the technician pulls too hard. It’s not always an allergic reaction—it’s often just mechanical stress on the skin. People with rosacea, eczema, or acne-prone skin are more likely to see flare-ups. And while threading is often called "gentler than wax," that’s not true for everyone. One client in Raleigh had a breakout that lasted two weeks after her first threading session—she didn’t know her skin reacted that way until it was too late.

Another side effect you might not expect is pigment changes, dark spots or light patches left behind after healing. This is more common in people with darker skin tones and can happen if the skin gets inflamed and doesn’t heal evenly. It’s rare, but it’s real. And if the thread isn’t clean or the technician reuses it, you risk infection, bacterial or fungal growth that leads to pustules or sores. We’ve seen cases where people came in with infected brows after getting threaded at a salon that didn’t change thread between clients.

Threading also doesn’t work the same for everyone. If your hair is very fine or grows in uneven patterns, you might end up with patchy results—or worse, broken hairs that grow back inward. And if you’re doing it too often, you can damage the follicle over time. Some clients come in saying their brows look thinner now than before they started threading. That’s not normal—and it’s not just aging.

It’s not all bad news, though. When done right, threading gives you sharp, clean lines without the redness that waxing often leaves. It’s great for people who want to avoid chemicals or heat. But knowing the risks helps you ask the right questions: Is the thread new? Is the technician trained? Did they clean your skin first? Did they check if you’re on any medications that thin your skin?

The posts below cover everything you need to make an informed choice—from how threading compares to waxing, to what to do if your skin reacts, to how to care for your brows afterward. You’ll find real stories from people in North Carolina who’ve been through it, tips to avoid the worst side effects, and what to look for in a good technician. No fluff. Just what matters before you sit down for your next session.