Threading Before or After a Facial? A practical guide to brows, upper lip and waxing

Threading before or after a facial: the usual order

When both happen on the same visit, threading usually comes first. The thread leaves a little redness and sometimes small bumps around the brows or upper lip, and the facial's mask, serum and moisturiser help that area feel calm again.

The other reason is practical. Once your face has been cleansed, exfoliated and steamed, the skin is warmer, softer and more sensitive, and threading on top of that can sting more and leave more redness.

Some women still prefer to thread after the facial, for example when they want the facialist to see their brows in their natural state first. That is fine too. Just keep strong products away from the freshly threaded area for the rest of the day.

Why facial waxing needs a gap

Waxing works differently from threading. As the wax comes away, it lifts a thin layer of surface skin along with the hair. A facial also exfoliates that same surface layer, so doing both on one day can leave skin raw, pink and easily irritated.

That is why it is better to wax the upper lip, chin or sides of the face a day or two before your facial, or a few days after it. The skin has time to settle in between.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want a slightly longer gap. Our page on a facial for sensitive skin has more on reactive skin and gentle choices.

Quick guide: what to do when

Here is the order that works for most women. Adjust it if your skin tends to react more than usual.

If you are not sure, ask the facialist when you arrive. She can look at your skin and suggest what suits it on the day.

• Eyebrow or upper lip threading: same visit, before the facial.
• Facial waxing (upper lip, chin, sides): one to two days before the facial, or a few days after.
• Body waxing (arms, legs): no conflict with a facial, any time.
• Brow tinting or lash treatments: a day before or after, so products do not mix on fresh skin.
• Before a big event: thread two to three days before, with the facial on the same visit, and wax the face a day earlier.

The Deluxe Package: facial and threading in one visit

If you want your brows done and a full facial in one appointment, the Deluxe Package at AED 265 combines a Royal Gold Facial, manicure, pedicure, back and shoulder massage and eyebrow threading. It takes about three hours.

It is a practical choice before an event, a holiday or Eid, when you would otherwise book several separate appointments around a busy week. Ask the team about the order of each part when you book.

If you only need the facial, the Gold Facial at AED 230 gives the same kind of radiant finish in about 60 minutes.

Who should take extra care

Some skin is more likely to react to threading or waxing, especially close to a facial. Tell the facialist if any of these apply to you, and leave a longer gap between threading or waxing and a facial.

If you take acne medicine from your doctor, such as isotretinoin, waxing the face is usually not advised, as skin can be fragile. Ask your doctor first.

• You use retinol, strong acids or exfoliating serums.
• You have had a medical procedure such as a peel or laser in recent weeks.
• You have sunburn, or have spent a long day in the sun.
• You have active breakouts or irritation around the brows or upper lip.
• Your skin has become more sensitive, for example during pregnancy.

Aftercare for threaded and waxed areas

For the rest of the day, be gentle with freshly threaded skin. Avoid make-up on the area for a few hours, do not touch or scratch it, and skip strong products such as acids or retinol that evening.

Keep your face out of strong sun and away from saunas, steam rooms and hot workouts for a day. In UAE heat, sweat on freshly threaded skin can lead to small red bumps.

A light moisturiser and a clean pillowcase help. Our facial aftercare tips explain the rest of the first 48 hours.

Planning around a wedding or party

Before an event, the timing matters more, because you want both your brows and your skin looking their freshest on the day. Thread two to three days before, so any redness has gone and the shape has settled. Have your facial on the same visit, straight after threading.

If you wax the face, do it a day before that visit, not the same day and not the morning of the event. For full event timing, see our guide to a facial before an event.

Brides usually plan further ahead, with a trial run weeks before, so they know exactly how their skin reacts.

Booking your facial and threading

If you would like everything in one appointment, the Deluxe Package is the simplest option. Mention when you book if you have waxed recently or plan to.

When you are ready, book the Deluxe Package or choose a single facial and a time that suits you.