When it comes to beauty maintenance, it can be said that one man’s Mi Piaci is another man’s Christian Louboutin. Up until the last few years, the hair removal technique of Threading was relatively unheard of on the mainstream market but now…
When it comes to beauty maintenance, it can be said that one man’s Mi Piaci is another man’s Christian Louboutin.
For some, routine maintenance includes regular trips to an appearance medicine clinic, monthly facials and weekly blowdries. For others routine maintenance is at home mani/pedis and facial treatments reserved for birthday treats and other special occasions. When it comes to beauty regimes being high maintenance or low key really is in the eye of the beholder.
I like to think of my own beauty schedule (and yes it is a schedule) as being fairly simple and matter of fact. There are only two routine appointments that without the world would probably stop turning. Fortnightly acrylic backfills I admit are not a luxury but rather a chore and my monthly visit to my facial Threader is a date set in stone.
Up until the last few years, the hair removal technique of Threading was relatively unheard of on the mainstream market but now most beauty enthusiasts are well versed in the practice or have experienced it for themselves.
Threading is a hair removal technique used most popularly to shape and tidy the eyebrows using a double layer of cotton thread to remove the hairs from the follicle in a similar vein to waxing or plucking. The advantages over these other techniques are that multiple hairs can be pulled out at once making the process much more efficient and timely. It is also a more suitable option for the more sensitive as no chemicals or products are applied to the skin and over time the hair follicle becomes damaged and a permanent growth reduction can be achieved.
So you may or may not have heard all of this before, but what you may not know is that many women, myself included, have their entire face threaded from the top of the forehead to below the chin. Firstly let me explain that I am no Yeti, but all women have a layer of fine downy hair on their face in varying degrees of coverage. I caught on to the practice many years ago when I was working as a makeup artist and used to contract in an experienced threaded to “de fuzz” the models pre show date. The result was the foundation and powder sat more beautifully on the skin as these products seem to catch on the fine hairs and make them more visible.
Warning; once you have experienced a full face threading it becomes an integral part of your up keep. The hair does not grow back any thicker but having experienced the delight of a fuzz free face and the change in your make up finish you instantly become hooked.
The ouch factor? Well everyone will experience different levels of discomfort according to their hair thickness and pain tolerance. I have become quite acquainted with the process and almost enjoy the sensation- with exception to the lip line where I am most sensitive.
It can be hard to find a therapist well practiced in this ancient Middle Eastern technique and a good Threader will not only be able to cleanly shape your brows and remove obvious hair shafts, but will also be able to remove the finest of growth and reshape or tidy your hair line to perfect symmetry.
A recommendation from a friend is always a good way to start. Kalpana at Treat Yourself has been keeping me fuzz free for the last three years. Based from home on the North Shore she has been practicing the technique for over 30 years since learning it as a girl in India.
Treat Yourself
12 Sequoia Place Sunnynook North Shore 094792271
Full Face $20
Eyebrows $10
The cost of threading does vary greatly depending on the type of salon that offers the service. Whether you are looking for a service that is a little bit luxe or a little bit less it is important to do a bit of research. Listed below a three central Auckland salons offering the time tested technique;
Jasmine Nail and Wax Spa
1 Blake Street Ponsonby 093613676
Full Face $50
Eyebrows $25
Chagall Hair and Beauty
3 Albert Street CBD 093779030
Full Face $35
Eyebrows $10
East Day Spa
Sky City Grand Hotel
123 Albert Street 093637050
Full Face $45
Eyebrows $18
By Claire Hahn, 10 December 2010.
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