Threading is a popular method for shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted facial hair, providing precise and clean results. However, the process can leave your skin sensitive and prone to irritation. To ensure a smooth recovery and maintain your skin’s health, it’s crucial to follow the right aftercare routine.
In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps you should take after threading, including what to do and what to avoid. Whether you’ve had threading on your eyebrows, neck, forehead, upper lip, cheeks, or chin, these aftercare tips will ensure you achieve the best results and minimize discomfort.
Side Effects of Threading
Like any hair removal method, threading also has some side effects. It involves using a cotton thread to remove hair from the root of the skin—especially from areas like the face and eyebrows.
During the process, the thread pulls the hair out from the root, which can lead to redness on the skin. In some cases, you may also feel a burning sensation, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive. Additionally, moderate swelling can occur.
These are some common side effects that you may experience during or after threading.
Why Post-Threading Care Is Important
Threading is an effective and natural method for removing unwanted hair. Unlike waxing, it doesn’t involve the use of any chemicals or harsh products. It simply uses a regular cotton thread to remove hair from the root.
However, it’s normal to experience some redness and irritation on the skin immediately after threading. These are common side effects and usually go away within a short time. But if proper aftercare isn’t followed, the irritation can last longer and may even lead to further complications.
That’s why it’s important to take care of your skin after threading. I’m going to share some steps with you that you can follow for proper post-threading care. By following these tips, you can avoid issues and keep your skin healthy and irritation-free.
Threading Aftercare | Do’s & Don’ts You Need to Know
Threading leaves your skin fresh, but also sensitive. To make sure your skin heals well and stays irritation-free, following a proper aftercare routine is key.
Here are the most important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind after threading, including face threading, forehead threading, neck threading, eyebrow threading, upper lip threading, cheek threading, and chin threading, to ensure proper threading post aftercare:
✅ Do’s
- Moisturize your skin.
- Apply aloe vera gel.
- Clean your face gently.
- Use ice.
- Spritz rose water.
- Protect with sunscreen.
- Keep the area clean.
- Exfoliate your skin a day before your appointment.
❌ Don’ts
- Scrub or exfoliate your skin right after threading.
- Apply makeup.
- Touch your face.
- Step into direct sunlight.
- Use harsh chemicals.
Use Moisturizer
To reduce the side effects of threading, it’s important to keep your skin as moisturized as possible. Moisturizing helps speed up the healing process and also minimizes the irritation and redness that can occur after threading.
There are many types of moisturizers available, but it’s best to choose one that is fragrance-free or perfume-free. Fragrance-free moisturizers are gentler on the skin and support the healing process. In contrast, scented moisturizers can sometimes irritate sensitive skin and slow down recovery.
Applying moisturizer will not only keep your skin hydrated, but it will also help soothe redness and irritation caused by threading.
Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant from the genus Aloe. Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, it now grows widely in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid regions around the world. It’s known for its thick, gel-like substance inside the leaves, which provides a cooling effect and helps soothe the skin.
This natural gel is great for calming redness and burning sensations that can occur after threading. That’s why Aloe Vera can be a helpful part of your post-threading skincare routine.
To use it:
Take a fresh aloe vera leaf.
Cut it open and scoop out the clear gel from inside.
Apply the gel gently to the threaded areas—such as your eyebrows or any other part of the face.
Leave it on for a few minutes.
Then rinse it off with cool water.
This simple remedy helps reduce the side effects of threading and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and soothed.
Cleanse Gently
A cleanser is a product used to clean or remove dirt and impurities from the skin. There are many types of cleansers, each designed with a specific purpose. After threading, it’s recommended to use a mild cleanser, as it helps remove any remaining dirt or residue from the face without irritating the skin.
Mild cleansers are gentle and less likely to cause irritation, which is especially important after threading when the skin is sensitive. When cleansing, be very gentle around the areas where threading was done—avoid scrubbing or applying too much pressure.
After cleansing, do not rub your face dry. Instead, pat it dry using a soft towel or tissue. This helps prevent further irritation or burning sensations on the freshly threaded skin.
Apply Ice
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to calm your skin after threading is by using ice therapy. It helps relieve redness, soothes irritation, and reduces that post-threading burning sensation.
You don’t need anything fancy—just wrap a few ice cubes in a soft, clean cloth and gently press them against the threaded areas. This not only brings down the heat but also helps constrict open pores, which were exposed during hair removal.
Make sure to avoid rubbing or dragging the ice across the skin. Instead, use light patting or circular motions to cool the area down without causing further irritation. If you prefer, splashing your face with cold water can also provide similar relief and help reduce discomfort, especially if you’re in a rush or don’t want to use direct ice.
This simple step can go a long way in making your skin feel calm, fresh, and less reactive after threading.
Use Rose Water
One of the most calming and skin-friendly ways to treat your skin post-threading is by applying rose water. It’s gentle, cooling, and packed with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and irritation almost instantly.
Simply take a few drops on a cotton ball and dab it lightly over the threaded area. You can also use a rose water spritz for quick relief, especially if you’re on the go.
It not only soothes the skin but also gives it a refreshed, hydrated feel—which is exactly what your skin needs after hair removal. If rose water isn’t available, mild natural alternatives like coconut oil can be used, but only with caution. In hot weather, oils can sometimes clog pores or worsen irritation, so rose water remains the most safe and reliable choice.
Use it a few times throughout the day until your skin settles, and you’ll notice a visible difference in how calm and soft your skin feels.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen, also known as sunblock, sun lotion, or sun cream, is a photoprotective topical product for the skin that helps protect against sunburn and prevents skin cancer. It comes in many forms—lotions, sprays, gels, foams, sticks, powders, and more.
After threading, your skin becomes more vulnerable to external elements—especially UV rays. That’s why applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential, particularly around the freshly threaded areas. Choose a formula that’s designed for sensitive skin, so it protects without causing additional irritation.
Even if sunscreen isn’t part of your regular routine, it’s worth adding—especially in the days following your appointment. A good sunscreen helps shield your skin from sunburn, reduces post-threading redness, and prevents any worsening of irritation due to sun exposure.
Make sure to apply it daily and try to stay out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours after your session to give your skin the best chance to recover calmly and smoothly.
Keep Your Skin Clean
Keeping your skin clean after threading is one of the simplest yet most important steps in your aftercare routine. Right after your session, your pores are open and your skin is sensitive—so it’s important to cleanse your face gently to avoid buildup, irritation, or infection.
Use a mild, alcohol-free cleanser to wash your face. Avoid anything harsh like scrubs, exfoliants, or alcohol-based toners. These can aggravate the freshly threaded areas and increase redness or dryness.
Make sure to pat your skin dry with a clean towel—don’t rub. The goal is to keep the area clean and calm, giving your skin a chance to heal naturally and comfortably.
Exfoliate Before An Appointment Day
In cosmetology, exfoliation refers to the removal of dead skin cells and built-up dirt from the skin’s surface. That’s why it’s recommended to exfoliate your skin a day before your threading appointment.
Exfoliating helps remove dead cells and unclog pores, which makes the threading process smoother and more effective. It allows the thread to glide over the skin more easily, reducing friction and minimizing discomfort during hair removal. It can also help reduce the chances of irritation afterward.
However, it’s important to note that exfoliation should be done at least 24 hours before threading, not on the same day. This gives your skin time to recover before the hair removal process.
Don’t Exfoliate After Threading
After threading, your skin becomes sensitive and slightly inflamed. Exfoliating immediately afterward can worsen redness, irritation, and even cause micro-tears in the skin. It’s important to give your skin time to heal before using any scrubs or exfoliating products.
Wait at least 2–3 days after threading before exfoliating again. Being gentle with your skin post-threading helps prevent discomfort and keeps it healthy.
Avoid Makeup
After threading, your skin becomes slightly sensitive, especially around the freshly treated areas. That’s why it’s important to avoid applying any makeup for at least 24 hours. Giving your skin this short break helps it breathe and lowers the risk of irritation, clogged pores, or breakouts caused by heavy cosmetic products.
If you’ve already worn makeup before your appointment, make sure to cleanse your face gently beforehand using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. This makes the threading process smoother and reduces discomfort.
Also, try to skip mascara, eyeshadow, or any product around the eyebrows and eyelids right after threading. For those with aging or sensitive skin, it’s especially important to avoid anti-aging creams or exfoliating products for at least 72 hours, as they can increase redness or cause inflammation on freshly threaded skin.
Avoid Touching
After threading, many people tend to touch their skin frequently due to irritation or discomfort. However, it’s important to avoid touching the threaded areas. Your hands may carry dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can easily transfer to the freshly threaded and sensitive skin—increasing the risk of further irritation or even infection.
Additionally, constant touching or rubbing can worsen the redness and make the skin more inflamed. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your hands off the treated area as much as possible after threading.
Avoid SunLight
After getting threading done, it’s very important to avoid sunlight. Threading can leave your skin red and sensitive, and if you step out in the sun immediately afterward, you may experience sunburn. The heat from the sun can further irritate the freshly threaded skin and increase the redness.
That’s why it’s essential to stay out of direct sunlight for a few hours after threading. If you’re getting threading done in the evening or at night, that’s even better—because by morning, your skin will have had time to calm down, and you won’t need to worry as much about sun exposure.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
After threading, your skin becomes extra sensitive—so it’s important to stay away from harsh chemical-based products for at least 12 to 14 hours. Anything too strong, like retinoids, chemical exfoliants, or depilatory creams, can lead to further irritation or even damage the delicate skin and hair follicles around your brows.
If needed, you can slowly reintroduce mild or natural skincare products after about 3–4 hours, but be cautious and gentle. It’s also a good idea to pause active treatments like acids or anti-aging creams for a couple of days until your skin fully calms down.
Being selective with what you apply during this healing phase helps maintain the smooth finish threading provides—without triggering any unexpected reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper aftercare following threading is essential for ensuring your skin heals effectively and remains irritation-free. By following the right steps, such as using soothing products, avoiding harsh chemicals, and protecting your skin from the sun, you can achieve the best results and enjoy smooth, irritation-free skin.
Whether it’s your eyebrows, neck, or any other area, a little care goes a long way in helping your skin recover and look its best. Follow these tips, and your threading experience will be a success!
