Microblading vs ThreadingCompletely Different Services Explained
People often confuse microblading and threading, but they're completely different services! Microblading is semi-permanent eyebrow makeup that adds pigment. Threading is temporary hair removal. Learn the key differences and which service you actually need.
⚡ Quick Answer: Apples vs Oranges
Microblading ADDS pigment to create fuller brows (semi-permanent makeup). Threading REMOVES unwanted hair to shape brows (temporary hair removal). They serve completely different purposes!
At a Glance
✏️Microblading
- •Purpose: Add pigment to create fuller brows
- •Type: Semi-permanent cosmetic makeup
- •Lasts: 12-18 months
- •Effect: Adds hair-like strokes, fills sparse areas
- •Price: $600-650 initial session
🧵Threading
- •Purpose: Remove unwanted hair to 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.
How Microblading Works:
- 1. Artist uses a handheld tool with ultra-fine needles
- 2. Creates tiny incisions in the skin surface
- 3. Deposits semi-permanent pigment into incisions
- 4. Creates individual hair-like strokes
- 5. Results in natural-looking, fuller brows
Best For:
- ✓ Sparse or thin eyebrows
- ✓ Gaps in brow hair
- ✓ Over-plucked brows that won't grow back
- ✓ Uneven or asymmetrical brows
- ✓ 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.
How Threading Works:
- 1. Technician twists cotton thread into a double strand
- 2. Rolls twisted thread across skin surface
- 3. Thread catches and pulls out unwanted hairs
- 4. Removes multiple hairs at once quickly
- 5. Results in clean, precise brow shape
Best For:
- ✓ Shaping and defining existing brows
- ✓ Removing stray hairs outside brow area
- ✓ Creating clean brow lines
- ✓ Quick maintenance (5-10 minutes)
- ✓ People with thick, fast-growing brow hair
Key Differences Explained
Understanding what makes these services fundamentally different.
| 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 |
| Maintenance | Annual touch-ups ($250) | 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) |
| Aftercare | Strict 7-10 day care routine | Minimal (avoid makeup 24h) |
| Pain Level | 2-3/10 with numbing cream | 3-5/10 (brief, sharp) |
| Initial Cost | $600-650 | $15-30 |
| Annual Cost | $250 (once yearly) | $360-780 (24-26 sessions) |
Can You Have Both?
Yes! Many clients use both services for different purposes.
How Microblading & Threading Work Together:
Microblading for Fullness
Get microblading to fill sparse areas, add hair strokes where needed, and create your desired brow shape with semi-permanent pigment. This gives you the base fullness and color.
Threading for Maintenance
Once healed (4-6 weeks), use threading to remove stray hairs that grow outside your microbladed area. This keeps your brow shape clean and defined without touching the pigmented strokes.
Perfect Combination
Result: Fuller, perfectly shaped brows from microblading + clean, maintained edges from threading. Best of both worlds for flawless brows!
DO:
- ✓ Get microblading first, wait 4-6 weeks to heal
- ✓ Thread stray hairs OUTSIDE microbladed area
- ✓ Inform threading technician you have microblading
- ✓ Use threading for ongoing maintenance
- ✓ Wait 1 week before threading after microblading touch-ups
DON'T:
- ✗ Thread over microbladed strokes (damages pigment)
- ✗ Thread before brows are fully healed (4-6 weeks)
- ✗ Thread 1 week before microblading appointment
- ✗ Let threading technician work without knowing about microblading
- ✗ Use threading to "fix" microblading mistakes
Which Service Do You Need?
Choose based on what you want to achieve with your brows.
Choose Microblading If You:
- Have sparse, thin, or patchy eyebrows
- Want to add color and fullness to your brows
- Need to fill gaps or scars in your brows
- Want low-maintenance, long-lasting brows (12-18 months)
- Don't want to fill in brows with makeup daily
- Have over-plucked brows that won't grow back
- Want natural-looking, realistic hair strokes
Choose Threading If You:
- Have thick, full brows that need shaping
- Need to remove stray hairs outside brow area
- Want precise, clean brow lines and shape
- Prefer temporary, quick maintenance (every 2-4 weeks)
- Want to maintain your natural brow color
- Are maintaining microbladed brows (remove stray hairs)
- Need fast, affordable brow maintenance
Need Both?
Many clients get microblading for fullness and use threading for ongoing maintenance of stray hairs. This combination gives you the best of both worlds!
Book Microblading ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between microblading and threading?
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.
Can I get threading after microblading?
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.
Should I get threading before microblading?
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.
Is threading better than microblading?
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.
Can threading remove microblading?
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.
Which lasts longer: microblading or threading?
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 requires maintenance once a year, while threading requires maintenance every few weeks.
Does threading hurt more than microblading?
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.
Can I get microblading and threading on the same day?
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.
Microblading Services Across Melbourne
Expert microblading services available at our Richmond and Springvale locations, serving clients from all across Melbourne.
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If you want to add fullness and color to sparse brows, microblading is the solution you're looking for. Threading is for hair removal only - it won't give you fuller brows.