Eyebrow threading weaves its way into Bloomington

With just a piece of sewing thread, Joyce Masih is able to create a perfectly arched eyebrow. This method of hair removal, known as “threading,” originated in India and is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. Masih brought threading to Bloomington two years ago with her store, Eyebrow Style.\nMasih said threading is the most popular method of hair removal in India.\n“Everyone in India uses threading,” she said. “(Indians) never wax.”\nTo remove hair, sewing thread is wound between both hands to create a special knot. It is then used to pull out unwanted hairs from the eyebrow, creating an arch. The entire process takes 5 to 7 minutes, Masih said.\nMasih, a native from India, learned to thread as part of her schooling while she lived there. She said there is no set amount of time needed to learn threading, and it depends on the amount of practice.\nThreading is cheaper and more sanitary than waxing, Masih said, who charges $8 to thread eyebrows. By pulling out only a few hairs at a time, Masih said it is also more accurate. Bloomington resident and IU alumna Jenny Gibson prefers threading because of the accuracy.\n“They are more precise,” she said. “They do a really good job.”\nGibson began threading over a year ago because she felt it was less painful.\n“I used to pluck my eyebrows, but it hurt too much,” she said. “I prefer threading because they don’t use harsh products and I don’t have any breakouts.”\nThough many prefer threading, it does not come without its downside.\n“It does hurt the first time,” Gibson said. “It felt like she was rubbing sandpaper across my face.” \nMasih said customers are frequently impressed with her work.\n“Customers are surprised,” she said. “They ask, ‘How did you do that?’” \nMasih said her business has been growing in the past two years.\n“More and more people come here because they don’t want to wax,” she said\nPain is another reason some women choose threading. IU junior Janelle Page experienced discomfort with waxing.\n“I would always get burned when I waxed my eyebrows,” Page said.\nWhile customers may experience discomfort, the results are worth it,\n“I get compliments every time,” Gibson said. “Even men notice.” \nGibson said she has been sold on threading and said she does not plan to go back to tweezing or waxing her eyebrows. \n“My life is easier,” she said. “I could never stop.”\nIn addition to eyebrows, Masih offers different types of facial hair removal ranging from $8 to $30. Masih also does temporary Henna tattoos. Eyebrow Style is located in a kiosk in the College Mall. Call 323-9885 for more details.