Quick answer: After eyebrow threading, leave the area alone for the rest of the day. No harsh skincare, no scrubs, no picking. Use a soothing gel, let the redness settle (about 20–30 minutes) before you put makeup near your brows, keep the skin out of direct sun, and rebook when the regrowth starts to bother you. That is the whole routine — threading needs less aftercare than most people expect.
Threading pulls hairs from the root with a twisted cotton thread. Nothing touches the skin except the thread, which is why it suits sensitive skin — but the skin around the brow is still open and slightly irritated for a few hours afterwards. Everything below is about not giving it a reason to react.
The first few hours: leave it alone
- Do not touch or rub the area. Fingers carry bacteria, and freshly threaded follicles are open. Touching is the most common cause of small bumps the next day.
- Soothing gel. We apply a soothing gel at the end of your appointment if you are happy for us to, and we recommend using one at home. A little redness straight after threading is normal and settles on its own in about 20–30 minutes, depending on your skin.
- Skip the makeup until the redness has gone. Give the skin time to settle before anything goes on it. When you do apply makeup, use a clean brush and go light around the brow.
What to skip for the rest of the day
This is the part that matters most. At Iconic we do not recommend applying harsh chemicals or scrubbing the brow area after threading.
- Harsh skincare: exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), retinol, strong toners, anything with alcohol or fragrance near the brows. Use them the next day, not the same day.
- Scrubs and exfoliators: physical scrubs on freshly threaded skin cause irritation and can push bacteria into open follicles. Leave exfoliating for a couple of days.
- Direct sun and heat: keep the area out of strong sun for the day. Saunas and very hot showers can also bring the redness back.
- Heavy sweat: sweat on freshly threaded skin can sting and clog the follicles. If you can, train before your appointment rather than straight after.
What you can do
- Wash your face as normal with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a soothing gel (aloe-based is fine) — this is what we use in the salon and what we recommend at home.
- Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturiser if the skin feels tight.
- Brush your brows into shape once the skin has settled — a clean spoolie is all you need.
If you get small bumps or pimples after threading
A few small bumps the next day are common and usually clear within a day or two. They are the follicles reacting, not an infection. We have a full guide on what to do if you get breakouts after threading, including what helps and what makes it worse.
When to book your next threading
Most people rebook around the three- to four-week mark, when the regrowth starts to show and the shape softens — it depends on how fast your hair grows. Coming back before the shape has fully grown out keeps the line clean and makes each appointment quicker.
Eyebrow threading at Westfield North Lakes
Eyebrow threading is $25 at both our locations — Iconic Brow N Lash, the kiosk near Myer, and Iconic Brow Wax N Beauty, the salon near Big W. Walk in, or book ahead. We also thread the upper lip, chin and full face — see our face threading page for prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear makeup after eyebrow threading?
Yes, once the redness has settled. Putting makeup on skin that is still pink can irritate the open follicles. When you do, use a clean brush and keep it light around the brow for the first day.
What should I avoid after eyebrow threading?
Harsh skincare (acids, retinol, strong toners), scrubs, touching the area, direct sun and heavy sweat — for the rest of the day. Use a soothing gel and go back to your normal routine the next day.
Why do I get pimples after threading?
Threading opens the follicle as the hair comes out. If bacteria gets in — usually from touching, makeup or sweat — a small bump forms. Keeping hands and products off the area for the day prevents most of it.
How long does redness last after threading?
About 20–30 minutes, depending on your skin. A soothing gel helps it settle faster. If redness lasts into the next day or gets worse, contact us.
Can I exfoliate after threading?
Not the same day. Leave scrubs and exfoliating acids for a couple of days so the skin can settle.
How often should I get my eyebrows threaded?
Around every three to four weeks, when the regrowth starts to show. Rebooking before the shape has fully grown out keeps the line clean.