How Much Does Eyebrow Threading Cost?

Last Updated on September 26, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With defined, sculpted eyebrows being a must-have beauty trend, more and more people are looking into eyebrow threading. This ancient hair removal technique can shape brows with an unmatched level of precision. But before you book your threading appointment, you’re probably wondering – how much does eyebrow threading cost?

The cost can range quite a bit based on where you live, the experience level of your technician, and what extra services you add on. However, threading is generally an affordable beauty treatment, especially compared to alternatives like waxing and microblading.

Read on for a complete guide on the cost of eyebrow threading, including average prices, what impacts the rates, cost comparisons to other methods, and tips for finding deals.

How Much Does Eyebrow Threading Cost?

If your brow goals involve simple maintenance and softly defined shaping rather than overt transformations, Eyebrow threading provides affordable and flexible costs starting as low as $8 per session for standard salons, up to $25 to $60+.

The cost for eyebrow threading varies depending on where you live and the type of salon you visit. Here is an overview of typical price ranges in major regions:

Average Costs in the United States

In the United States, average costs typically fall within:

• Major Metropolitans (NYC, LA, Chicago): $25 to $30 standard, up to $60+ at luxury salons
• Mid-Size Cities (Houston, Philadelphia): $18 to $25 standard
• Suburban and Rural Areas: $8 to $15 standard

So major urban hubs like New York City and Los Angeles see rates of $25 to $30 on average for eyebrow threading services. Mid-size cities fall more in the $18 to $22 range. Small rural towns can cost just $8 to $12 for the same eyebrow session.

In NYC and LA, celebrity stylists at elite salons charge $60+ per threading appointment. But deals under $10 can also be found at beauty schools and mall kiosks if you live in a major city and hunt for deals. Overall, location has the biggest impact on US threading prices.

According to EyeAdore Threading, prices typically range from $15 to $25. In urban areas, particularly in cities like Boston, the average cost is around $17 to $25. Factors such as the salon’s prestige and the expertise of the beautician can influence these prices, with more experienced technicians often charging higher rates.

Another source, Eyebrows R Us, reports that eyebrow threading costs in the U.S. can range from $15 to $50. This broader range reflects variations in service quality and additional services offered, such as eyebrow tinting or lamination, which can increase the overall cost.

A guide on Ulike states that the average cost of eyebrow threading is around $10 to $20 per session, with higher prices in larger cities due to increased demand. For example, threading services in New York City might range from $15 to $25, while smaller towns may offer lower rates.

According to StyleSeat, the price for eyebrow threading generally falls between $10 and $42, depending on various factors such as location and technician expertise. They note that while threading is a quick process, the skill level of the technician can significantly affect pricing, with more experienced professionals commanding higher fees.

Lastly, a report on Airtasker provides a price estimate for eyebrow threading services ranging from $12 to $20 for standard services, with additional costs for combo services like tinting.

What is Eyebrow Threading?

Eyebrow threading, also known as fatlah or khite, involves using a thin cotton thread to remove hair with a twisting motion. The thread traps multiple hairs in its twist and pulls them out quickly from the follicle.

Unlike tweezing and waxing, the threading technique does not pull at the skin. This makes it a gentle option suitable for sensitive areas. Threading is precise enough to grab fine, stray hairs, leaving behind clean lines and shapely, defined eyebrows.

The origins of eyebrow threading date back thousands of years to Asia. Today it remains a popular hair removal treatment, especially for shaping eyebrows. Compared to other methods, the benefits of threading include:

• Extra precision for detail work
• Less irritation on sensitive skin
• No need for heat or chemicals
• Long lasting results
• Affordability

Factors Affecting Costs

Like any beauty service, what you pay for eyebrow threading can vary depending on your location, the provider, and any extra treatments. Key factors that impact the threading price include:

Location-Based Pricing

One of the biggest factors affecting threading cost is the location of the salon you choose. Prices tend to be highest in major metropolitan cities compared to suburban or rural areas.

Why the location-based difference in rates? Several reasons:

• Higher costs for real estate and labor in cities
• More competition driving rates up in trendy downtowns
• Nearby affluent customers willing to pay premium prices
• Hourly parking charges and congestion adding overhead in city centers

To illustrate the price difference, a 15-minute threading session might cost $15 in a small rural town. But that same 15-minute service could run you $30 or more in New York City.

You might also like our articles about the cost of eyebrow tattoos, Laseraway, and eyelash lamination.

On average, urban salons charge 30-50% higher prices compared to those in remote suburbs or rural locations. This accounts for the overhead needed to run a business in high-demand cities.

Additionally, upscale downtown neighborhoods and city centers command a premium compared to salons in low-density suburbs. For example, a threading session may be $25 in Manhattan but drop to $18 just across the bridge in New Jersey.

Experience and Expertise

An experienced threading professional with years of practice under their belt will likely charge more than someone new to the craft. However, with that experience usually comes better skill and results.

Established threading technicians at high-end salons in big cities may charge upwards of $60 for eyebrow shaping. At a local nail salon, you might pay $10-15 for a novice to thread your eyebrows.

Paying a little more for an expert technician is often worth it to get perfectly sculpted, symmetrical brows.

Salon Type and Ambience

Threading salons come in a range of shapes and sizes. The type of salon and overall ambience play a role in the rates.

Upscale, luxury salon chains like Anastasia Beverly Hills can charge almost double what independent local salons cost for the same eyebrow services. The premium pricing covers the expense of trendy decor, top locations, and brand prestige.

Small threading boutiques will be the most budget-friendly. But they may lack amenities like online booking and a wide range of services. Mall kiosks and nail salons offer middle ground with competitive rates but variable quality.

Frequency and Membership Discounts

Getting eyebrow threading done every 4-6 weeks can add up quickly. But threading salons often offer packages and memberships to lower costs for repeat customers.

Packaging multiple sessions cuts down the per-appointment price. Loyalty programs give you discounted rates in exchange for a monthly or annual fee.

For example, a salon may charge $25 per visit regularly but only $20 per session if you purchase a monthly unlimited package. Some places offer free touch-ups between sessions with a membership.

Additional Services and Extras

À la carte eyebrow threading has its base price. But you can also choose to enhance the experience with add-ons that inevitably increase the final total.

A shaping consultation, trimming long brow hairs, tweezing strays, and tinting are some of the most popular add-ons. Combination packages that include threading plus extras like a brow tint or henna coloring also cost more than a standalone session.

Getting thoughtful add-ons customized for your brows may be worth a slightly higher price. But extras should still fit your budget limitations.

Average Costs in the United Kingdom

Across the pond in the UK, pricing typically ranges:

• London: £15 to £20 standard, £25 to £30 at high-end salons
• Other Major Cities (Manchester, Birmingham): £10 to £15 standard
• Smaller Towns and Suburbs: £5 to £10 standard

As you’d expect, London threads cost the most – around £18 on average. But the sticker shock lessens once you get outside major metropolitan hubs. Manchester, Leeds and other cities see average prices of £12 to £15 per session. Further out in the suburbs and rural villages, average costs drop as low as £7 or £8.

Luxury chains like Blink Brow Bar with locations in London charge upward of £25 to £30 for threading appointments. But if you don’t mind students practicing, beauty school deals under £5 can provide dramatic savings.

Average Costs in Australia

In the land down under, here are typical Australian dollar amounts:

• Major Cities (Sydney, Melbourne): AUD $15 to $25 standard
• Smaller Metro Areas (Perth, Hobart): AUD $12 to $18 standard
• Suburbs and Rural Towns: AUD $10 to $15 standard

So major Aussie population hubs like Sydney and Melbourne see rates around AUD $20 for eyebrow threading sessions. Smaller cities like Adelaide or Darwin fall closer to AUD $15 on average. Rural salons charge starting around AUD $12 per session in remote areas.

In pricey areas like Sydney and Melbourne, high-end salons can charge over AUD $40 for elite stylists. But cheap options under AUD $10 exist around beauty schools if budget is critical. Location plays a major role in Australian threading costs.

Eyebrow Threading vs Other Methods

How does the investment for eyebrow threading compare to using alternative methods for shaping brows? Let’s look at average prices for threading versus waxing, tweezing, and microblading.

Threading vs. Waxing

Threading and waxing take different approaches but provide similar smoothing results. When it comes to pure cost comparison, threading comes out as slightly more affordable in most cases.

Here are the average prices per session:

• Eyebrow Threading: $8 to $30
• Eyebrow Waxing: $10 to $40

Factors like your pain tolerance and skin sensitivity may dictate which feels best. But for cost alone, threading prices are generally $2 to $5 cheaper per session compared to waxing.

However, waxing can treat larger areas faster for those on a time crunch. Still, for detail brow work, the precision of threading gives it the edge for cost-effectiveness for most.

Threading vs. Tweezing

Doing your eyebrows, yourself at home with tweezers seems frugal. But professional threading offers more capabilities and convenience at a small premium.

You’ll invest $5 to $15 for quality tweezers plus your time. In contrast, threading costs $8 to $30 per session in a salon but with better results.

While a drugstore tweezer DIY session may save you $5 to $10 per month, you sacrifice the precision shaping and expertise a pro provides. Most feel the comfort and results of threading make it worthwhile. Invest in the shaping for polished brows.

Threading vs. Microblading

For those seeking semi-permanent eyebrows, microblading is an option. But the high upfront investment makes threading more budget-friendly.

A single microblading session runs $400 to $900 for the tattooing technique that lasts around 1-3 years when done properly. Touch-ups push the total investment higher.

In contrast, eyebrow threading shapes your existing brows for just $8 to $30 per appointment. It offers flexibility to change your brow look that permanent microblading lacks.

For those not ready to commit to long-term brow looks, inexpensive threading lets you test drive shape options before later microblading if desired. Most brows need simple maintenance threading provides affordably.

How to Find Affordable Services

Want to save money on your next eyebrow threading session? Here are some tips for finding deals and budget rates near you:

Search for Deals and Discounts

Check sites like Groupon, Livingsocial, and Spafinder for discounts on threading services. Many salons run first-time customer specials or regularly promotions through these platforms.

You can snag vouchers for 50% off, intro packages under $20, and more. But read the fine print to avoid unwanted upcharges.

Choose Beauty Schools and Training Institutes

Students at cosmetology schools often offer significantly lower rates for services like threading. Visit a reputable beauty school in your area to save 50% or more while helping students get practical training.

The results may be less consistent than with an experienced professional, so look at reviews first. But the dramatic discount can make it worthwhile.

Visit Local or Independent Salons

Smaller independent salons lacking big branding tend to offer more competitive pricing compared to chains or luxury spas. Search sites like Yelp for well-reviewed threading spots in your neighborhood.

Quality can vary, so read reviews. But an affordable neighborhood salon is often your best bet for deals.

Tips to Get the Most Value for Your Money

To maximize the return on your eyebrow threading investment, here are some tips:

• Go regularly – Frequent visits every 4-6 weeks prevent regrowth between appointments so you don’t need to start from scratch each time.
• Ask for student discounts – Many salons offer discounts for students with ID. Seniors may also qualify for reduced rates during slow hours.
• Book on slower days – Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less busy so you may score discounts.
• Combine services – Add on a tint or waxing service to get a bundle discount. Just don’t overdo it.
• Join loyalty programs – Sign up for memberships and packages that reduce the per-session cost.
• Tip for quality – Tipping your technician 15-20% helps ensure great service each visit.

Hidden Costs to Consider

When estimating what you’ll pay for threading, keep in mind a few hidden costs:

Tipping Etiquette

Unlike some spa services, tipping your threading artist 15-20% is standard practice. Some salons may include tip in the price, but confirm first or risk seeming rude by not tipping. Factor the tip into your budget.

Travel Costs

If you opt for an in-demand technician or salon across town, don’t overlook the travel costs. Gas, train/bus fare, or rideshares add up. Weigh the extra cost against closer options.

Maintenance Products

Quality tweezers and brow makeup help maintain results between visits. Investing a little more in tools upfront saves money on touch-ups down the road.

Pros and Cons

Is eyebrow threading really worth the money compared to DIY methods? Here are the key pros and cons:

Pros

• More precise than waxing or tweezing
• Gentler on skin than other hair removal
• Long lasting results
• Average cost is budget-friendly
• Can combine with other services for value

Cons

• Requires repeat appointments every 4-6 weeks
• No dramatic change – subtle enhancements only
• Potential for pain and irritation
• Must budget for tip and maintenance items
• Spotty availability in rural areas

If you want bold transformations, a semi-permanent option like microblading makes more sense. But for routine maintenance and subtle enhancements, threading offers serious value starting around just $10-15 per session.

Final Words

For precision shaping and long-lasting subtle results, threading offers serious bang for your buck. As a time-tested technique requiring skill and precision, the value is clear compared to DIY methods providing haphazard results.

While not the flashiest option, eyebrow threading remains popular globally thanks to its affordability, flexibility, and craft. With knowledge of the average costs and smart tips, you can easily find deals on threading services for beautiful brows that suit your budget.

Answers to Common Questions

What is the downside of threading?

The main downsides of eyebrow threading include the potential for pain and irritation, the need for repeat visits every 4-6 weeks, and the availability limitations in rural areas where skilled threading techs are scarce. There’s also a learning curve to achieve the best results.

How long can eyebrow thread last?

With proper maintenance like using quality tweezers between visits, the results of eyebrow threading can last 4 to 6 weeks on average. Factors like your natural hair growth rate also impact longevity. More frequent touch-ups may be needed for fast-growing hair.

What should I avoid after eyebrow threading?

After eyebrow threading, avoid getting your brows wet for 1-2 days, rubbing or picking at the area, using irritating skin products, and activities that cause heavy sweating. This prevents infection risk and helps threaded hair remain extracted for a clean finish. Gentle washing and brow gel is OK after 24 hours.