The Ultimate Guide Through Eyebrow Waxing (2025)

Tired of bushy eyebrows and endless tweezing sessions? Eyebrow waxing can give you the perfect shape and definition for your arches, and the results can last for weeks.

We answer all the questions you could have about brow waxing, from the process and aftercare to the pros and cons. Read on to decide if eyebrow waxing is the right choice for you.

What Is Eyebrow Waxing?

Brow waxing is a hair removal method for eyebrows which removes unwanted brow hairs from the root by trapping them in liquid wax and pulling them out to achieve a desired arch shape.

Is It Good to Wax Your Eyebrows?

Depends on your priorities. Waxing can be a good way to promote weaker regrowth of eyebrow hair. The hair grows back thinner, softer, and less dense, which helps to keep bushy brows at bay and gives you a long-lasting, neat, and groomed look.

In comparison, eyebrow threading and tweezing may provide more control over the shape of your arches, since they target individual hairs.

However, they’re more time-consuming and the results don’t last as long. Tweezing can also be more painful and difficult, especially for coarse brow hairs.

Image source: Instagram @kv_beauty_studio_

What Happens During Eyebrow Waxing?

Before removing any hair, your beautician will start by discussing your preferences and any skin sensitivities you may have. They will also inform you of the areas they plan to remove hair from.

The esthetician will cleanse the area to remove any residue that could prevent the wax from adhering properly. They will probably draw on the desired shape with a mapping pencil.

They will also apply a pre-wax oil or powder to protect your skin.

The wax is typically heated and ready to go by the time this is all done. The esthetician will apply the wax over the hair being removed and let it set for a few seconds, before quickly removing it.

The wax is applied in the direction of your natural hair growth, and removed in the opposite direction. This minimizes discomfort and the chances of ingrown hairs.

The wax is usually removed by sticking a piece of fabric over it and pulling it off in a quick motion, but different tools can be used depending on the type of wax used. Many techs use fat wooden sticks.

This process is repeated in different areas until the eyebrows are smooth and even. After the waxing, the esthetician will use tweezers or scissors to fine-tune any remaining hair until they achieve the arch shape you agreed on.

Finally, a thick, soothing oil or cream will be applied to calm the skin and reduce post-waxing redness.

How Long Does Eyebrow Waxing Last?

Brow waxing is a quick procedure that lasts around 20 minutes on average if only waxing is done.

First, you will have a consultation with your stylist to agree on the shape of your eyebrows. Then the actual waxing is done. In the end, the beautician will apply some soothing products to the skin of your brow area.

The entire process, from start to finish, should take around 15 to 30 minutes.

However, if you’re getting several brow shaping services, it’ll be longer. Brow waxing is often done as an add-on to lamination, tinting or henna brows. In those cases, the whole treatment can take an hour or more.

How Long Do Waxed Eyebrows Last?

The results of having your eyebrows waxed typically last around 3-6 weeks, depending on your natural hair growth rate. Most people see enough hair regrowth for a new appointment after around 4 weeks.

Read this article to find out how long it takes for brows to grow back after different grooming methods.

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What Are the Advantages of Eyebrow Waxing?

Brow waxing has a few distinct advantages over other methods of eyebrow grooming.

First, the results are long-lasting. Brow waxing lifts the whole hair out of the follicle, leading to longer regrowth time.

Next, it’s efficient. Waxing removes multiple hairs at once, unlike tweezing or threading. And since the whole appointment takes half an hour or less, you get a great return on your time investment.

Also, it’s highly customizable. Your esthetician can target the area below, above, or between your eyebrows, or all of them.

Take the time to discuss your ideal brow shape and see what you can achieve.

What Are the Disadvantages of Eyebrow Waxing?

Like any other beauty treatment, eyebrow waxing has some potential disadvantages.

First, the need for regular treatments every few weeks can add up in cost if done at a salon or spa.

You should be careful not to go overboard. Over-waxing may damage hair follicles and permanently reduce, stop, or distort your eyebrow hair growth.

Next, the process can be painful if your individual tolerance is low. You might need to use numbing cream or other anesthetic products.

Additionally, temporary redness, swelling, and irritation can occur, and if the hair breaks at the follicle you might get ingrown hairs.

Eyebrow waxing can also affect your skincare routine, as you might have to temporarily stop using certain cleansers and night creams due to ingredients like retinol. The process can worsen acne, infections, rashes, and other skin conditions.

Waiting for the hair to grow out sufficiently for the wax to adhere can also be considered a downside.

Finally, if the practitioner is inexperienced or not careful, you may end up with brows that are too thin or an arch that isn’t quite right. Since hair post-wax doesn’t grow back all that quickly, you might be waiting weeks until regrowth fills in the overwaxed areas.

Image source: Instagram @mariamobilebeauty

Is Eyebrow Waxing Safe?

Eyebrow waxing is generally safe, but it’s not without its potential risks.

Allergic reactions or skin damage are rare if the waxing is done properly and the beautician performs a patch test before working. However, people with sensitive skin may still be at risk of irritation, as the procedure can disrupt their fragile skin barrier.

People of color should be cautious with waxing, as it can cause skin discoloration due to the peeling off of the surface skin cell layer. This might manifest as either hypo- or hyperpigmentation.

People with eczema or other skin conditions should also be careful, since waxing can further irritate the skin.

Finally, if you’re on your period, it may be best to reschedule your waxing appointment as hormone fluctuations can make the procedure more painful.

Can You Get Your Eyebrows Waxed While Pregnant?

Waxing can safely be used as a hair removal method during pregnancy.

However, be aware that the associated hormone changes and increased blood flow to the skin can make it more painful. More intense hair growth is also common, especially on the face, which might make your brow waxing appointment more intense.

So it’s important to inform your esthetician that you’re pregnant so that they can adapt their work for your comfort. Make sure that the salon has clean equipment to avoid bacterial infections.

If you have never been waxed before, it may be better to wait until after pregnancy, when your skin sensitivity and pain tolerance levels go back to normal.

Always make a point of doing a patch test to assess the pain and your skin reactions before you commit to the full treatment. This applies whether you are getting waxed at a salon or doing it at home.

Eyebrow Waxing Side Effects & Risks

When it comes to eyebrow waxing, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include redness and mild discomfort in the area.

It’s important to disclose to your waxer if you are on any acne medication, as the wax could further irritate your sensitive skin.

Additionally, those with skin conditions such as eczema should proceed with caution, as the heated wax could be irritating and the hair removal process could make rashes worse.

If you have thin, sensitive skin, or a skin condition, tweezing or threading may be better options for you.

There are also a few more serious risks associated with eyebrow waxing, such as burning, scarring, or causing hypo- or hyperpigmentation. However, these risks are generally considered to be minimal, as long as you choose an experienced waxer.

Does Eyebrow Waxing Hurt?

It’s somewhat uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be that painful.

It’s common to experience some level of discomfort when getting your brows waxed for the first time. This is because multiple hairs are being removed from their roots at once.

However, the pain typically lasts only a few seconds and may feel more like a tingling sensation.

Of course, pain and discomfort are subjective categories. Tolerance varies from person to person, and brow waxing can be more uncomfortable for those with sensitive skin.

With repeated treatments, the pain should become less intense as the hair grows back finer and softer.

Image source: Instagram @haruka_qlicca

Eyebrow Waxing Aftercare

After waxing your eyebrows, follow your beautician’s aftercare instructions. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Avoid activities that cause bacteria buildup.
• Use antihistamines if you get bumps.
• Protect your face from UV exposure.

Image source: Instagram @ramitta_grooming_salon

Eyebrows Sore After Waxing: What to Do

If your skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, you might feel slightly sore, itchy, or otherwise uncomfortable after getting eyebrows waxed.

Here are a few things you can do to relieve that discomfort.

Avoid using too many products, especially makeup, to prevent clogged pores. Pause exfoliation for a while and moisturize the skin around your eyebrows.

If you really have to exfoliate, be very careful and avoid the brow area. Also, consider using a gentler exfoliation product than you usually do.

If your skin feels itchy or aggravated, use a moisturizing balm to soothe it. You might also consider a topical antihistamine medication, if your doctor approves. If you prefer more natural solutions, try aloe vera gel or lavender oil.

Finally, if you notice any stray hairs after waxing, don’t tweeze them straight away. You want to avoid causing breakouts to already irritated skin.

Here’s a couple of good soothing products to use after waxing:

Brow Wax Price

The average eyebrow wax cost is around $20, with a range of $12-35 in most areas.

Nail salons usually charge less than brow bars, while prices at hotels, spas, and resorts tend to be higher.

When done professionally, eyebrow wax price varies depending on several factors, including the location and type of business, the experience and rates of the technician, and the products used.

Your best bet is to ask around and look up online reviews and price listings for various businesses in your area. See what people say about the quality of the service they received.

Don’t focus just on the upfront costs – consider where you’ll get the best value for your money.

Can You Do an At Home Eyebrow Wax?

Technically you can, but we have to tell you it can be risky to wax your own eyebrows.

This is because any mistakes or adverse reactions can be plainly seen on your face. In addition, inexperienced at-home waxers may cause themselves more pain and discomfort, and may even hurt or burn their skin.

Applying too much or too little wax is also a risk. It can result in removing too much or too little hair from an area, and it’s certainly unpleasant to have to remove wax that didn’t even grasp any hairs.

Another challenge of at-home eyebrow waxing is that melted wax can run when applied in an upright position, which can cause unexpected damage, such as pulling out eyelashes.

Even if your lashes stay safe, heated wax running down the sensitive skin of your face is definitely not a pleasant experience.

And even if everything goes well from a technical stand, achieving eyebrow symmetry on yourself is a real challenge.

All in all, we recommend going to a pro.

Eyebrow Waxing – Main Takeaways

Eyebrow waxing is a fast and efficient way to achieve a well-groomed look. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes and can last 3-6 weeks.

Although it can be uncomfortable, an experienced waxer can help minimize any pain or discomfort. The benefits of eyebrow waxing include smoothness, efficiency, and long-lasting results.