Microblading vs Threading
Completely different services — here’s the key distinction
Quick answer: Microblading adds semi-permanent pigment to create fuller, hair-stroke brows (lasts 12–18 months). Threading removes unwanted hair to shape your brows (lasts 2–4 weeks). They serve completely different purposes.
Microblading
- Purpose: Add pigment, create fuller brows
- Type: Semi-permanent cosmetic makeup
- Lasts: 12–18 months
- Effect: Adds hair-like strokes, fills sparse areas
- Price: $600 initial session
Threading
- Purpose: Remove unwanted hair, shape brows
- Type: Temporary hair removal technique
- Lasts: 2–4 weeks
- Effect: Removes hair, creates clean shape
- Price: $15–30 per session
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing that creates the appearance of fuller, more defined eyebrows by depositing pigment into the skin using a handheld tool with ultra-fine needles.
How microblading works:
- Artist uses a handheld tool with ultra-fine needles
- Creates tiny incisions in the skin surface
- Deposits semi-permanent pigment into incisions
- Creates individual hair-like strokes
- Results in natural-looking, fuller brows lasting 12–18 months
Microblading is best for: sparse or thin eyebrows, gaps in brow hair, over-plucked brows that won’t grow back, uneven or asymmetrical brows, and anyone wanting low-maintenance natural-looking brows.
What is Threading?
Threading is an ancient hair removal technique that uses twisted cotton thread to quickly and precisely remove unwanted eyebrow hairs from the follicle. It shapes existing brows by removing hair — it does not add colour or fullness.
How threading works:
- Technician twists cotton thread into a double strand
- Rolls twisted thread across the skin surface
- Thread catches and pulls out unwanted hairs
- Removes multiple hairs at once quickly
- Results in a clean, precise brow shape lasting 2–4 weeks
Threading is best for: shaping and defining existing brows, removing stray hairs, creating clean brow lines, and quick ongoing maintenance.
Can You Have Both?
Yes — many clients combine microblading and threading for different purposes:
- Get microblading first to fill sparse areas and create your desired brow shape with semi-permanent pigment.
- Wait 4–6 weeks until brows are fully healed.
- Use threading for maintenance to remove stray hairs that grow outside the microbladed area. Never thread directly over the pigmented strokes.
Timing Rules: Microblading & Threading Together
- Before microblading: No threading for at least 1 week (artist needs to see your natural hair growth pattern)
- After microblading: Wait 4–6 weeks minimum before any threading
- Never: Thread on the same day as microblading
- Always: Tell your threading technician you have microbladed brows so they avoid the pigmented area
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Microblading | Threading |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Add pigment, create fullness | Remove hair, create shape |
| Service type | Semi-permanent cosmetic makeup | Temporary hair removal |
| Duration | 12–18 months | 2–4 weeks |
| Appointment time | 2–3 hours | 5–15 minutes |
| Upkeep | Occasional refresh as it fades ($350–$450) | Every 2–4 weeks ($15–30) |
| Effect | Adds hair-like strokes, fills gaps | Removes hair, cleans up shape |
| Healing time | 4–6 weeks full healing | Few hours (slight redness) |
| Pain level | 2–3/10 with numbing cream | 3–5/10 (brief, sharp) |
| Initial cost | $600 | $15–30 |
| Upkeep cost | ~$350–$450 (every 12–24 months) | $360–780 (24–26 sessions) |
Which Service Do You Need?
Choose Microblading If You:
- Have sparse, thin, or patchy brows
- Want to add colour and fullness
- Need to fill gaps or scars
- Want low-maintenance brows lasting 12–18 months
- Don’t want to fill in brows with makeup daily
Choose Threading If You:
- Have thick, full brows that need shaping
- Need to remove stray hairs
- Want quick maintenance every 2–4 weeks
- Are maintaining microbladed brows (stray hairs only)
- Prefer a temporary, affordable option
Frequently Asked Questions
Microblading and threading are completely different services. Microblading is a semi-permanent makeup technique that adds pigment to create hair-like strokes in your eyebrows, lasting 12-18 months. Threading is a temporary hair removal technique that removes unwanted eyebrow hairs using twisted thread, lasting 2-4 weeks. Microblading adds color; threading removes hair.
Wait at least 4-6 weeks after microblading before getting threading. Your microbladed brows need to fully heal first. Once healed, you can thread stray hairs outside the microbladed area, but never thread directly over the pigmented strokes as this can remove pigment and damage your results. Always inform your threading technician that you have microbladed brows.
No, do NOT thread your brows for at least 1 week before microblading. Your microblading artist needs to see your natural brow hair growth pattern to design the perfect shape. Arrive with your natural, untouched brows. If needed, your artist can clean up stray hairs after mapping your new brow design.
Threading and microblading serve completely different purposes, so neither is 'better' - they're for different needs. Threading is for removing unwanted hair and shaping natural brows (temporary, needs repeating every 2-4 weeks). Microblading is for adding color and filling sparse brows with semi-permanent makeup (lasts 12-18 months). You might need both: microblading for fullness, threading for stray hairs.
Threading over microbladed areas can damage your results by removing the superficial pigment or disrupting healed strokes. Never thread directly over your microbladed brows. You can thread stray hairs outside the pigmented area once fully healed (4-6 weeks minimum). Always tell your threading technician you have microblading so they can avoid the treated area.
Microblading lasts significantly longer. Microblading is semi-permanent, lasting 12-18 months before needing a touch-up. Threading is temporary hair removal, lasting only 2-4 weeks before hair grows back and you need another session. Microblading only needs the occasional refresh touch-up as it fades (typically every 12–24 months), while threading requires maintenance every few weeks.
Pain levels are subjective and different for each person. Threading involves pulling hairs quickly, causing brief sharp pain during hair removal. Microblading uses numbing cream and feels like light scratching during the procedure, with most clients rating it 2-3 out of 10. Threading is quicker (5-10 minutes) but more intense, while microblading takes longer (2-3 hours) but is well-numbed.
No, never get threading and microblading on the same day. If you're getting microblading, avoid threading for 1 week before your appointment. After microblading, wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks (full healing) before any threading. Getting both on the same day would compromise your microblading results and increase infection risk.
Ready for Lasting, Beautiful Brows?
If you want hair-like brows that last 12–18 months without daily makeup, microblading is what you’re looking for. Book a free consultation at our Richmond or Springvale studio.