Quick answer
For your face, especially brows, threading is usually best: it's precise and gentle on delicate skin. For your body, such as legs, arms and underarms, waxing is better because it covers large areas quickly and lasts longer. Many women in Abu Dhabi simply use both: eyebrow threading in Al Nahyan for the face, and waxing for the body.
Key takeaways
- Threading is best for brows, upper lip and small facial areas.
- Waxing is best for underarms, arms, legs and full body.
- Threading is often the gentler choice for sensitive skin or retinol users.
- Both last roughly 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the area and your hair growth.
- In the UAE heat, skip the sun, pools and heavy creams for 24 hours afterwards.
Many women in Abu Dhabi switch between waxing and threading without really knowing which suits which area. You might thread your brows one month and wax them the next, or wonder why your upper lip gets red after one method and not the other.
The UAE heat adds another layer. Warm, humid days and strong sun can make freshly treated skin more sensitive, so choosing the right method matters. Here's a simple guide from our team at Soul & Self, a ladies-only salon in Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi.
What Is Threading and Who Is It Best For?
Threading is a hair removal method that uses a twisted cotton thread to lift out small rows of hair from the root. It's best for the face, especially brows, because it's very precise.
Your therapist rolls the thread along the skin, catching hairs as it moves. Nothing hot or sticky touches your face, which is why so many people with sensitive skin prefer it.
Threading works well for eyebrows, upper lip, chin, forehead and the sides of the face. Results usually last around 2 to 4 weeks. It's also a good option if you use retinol or other strong skincare, as there's less risk of lifting the top layer of skin.
What Is Waxing and Who Is It Best For?
Waxing removes hair from the root by applying warm wax and lifting it away. It's best for larger body areas because it treats a lot of hair quickly.
There are two main types. Soft wax is spread thinly and removed with a strip, which makes it quick for legs and arms. Hard wax sets on the skin and is lifted off by itself, so it grips the hair rather than the skin, which makes it kinder on smaller or more sensitive spots like underarms.
Waxing is ideal for underarms, arms, legs, stomach, back and full body. Results usually last around 3 to 4 weeks, and with regular waxing many people notice the hair grows back finer.
Waxing vs Threading: Side-by-Side Comparison
Threading wins on precision for the face, while waxing wins on speed for the body. Here's how they compare at a glance.
| Method | Best for | Precision | Pain level | Results last | Good choice if… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Threading | Eyebrows, upper lip, chin, forehead, full face | Very high, hair by hair | Light tingle, quick | About 2–4 weeks | You want sharp brows, use retinol or have sensitive facial skin |
| Waxing | Underarms, arms, legs, stomach, back, full body | Good for larger areas | Short sting, fast on big areas | About 3–4 weeks | You want smooth skin on larger areas in one visit |
Is Threading or Waxing Better for Each Area?
Is threading better than waxing? For the face, usually yes; for the body, waxing is the better choice. Here's our area-by-area guide.
- Eyebrows: threading, for a clean, precise shape.
- Upper lip & chin: threading, gentle and quick on small areas.
- Full face: threading, especially for sensitive skin or retinol users.
- Underarms: waxing, ideally with hard wax for comfort.
- Arms & legs: waxing, fast and long-lasting.
- Full body: waxing, so everything is done in one visit.
Which hurts less, waxing or threading? On small facial areas threading feels like a light, quick tingle. On large areas waxing is faster, so it's usually more comfortable overall.
How to Care for Your Skin After Waxing or Threading in the UAE
The most important thing is to keep your skin cool, clean and protected for the first 24 hours. Freshly treated skin is more sensitive, especially in the UAE heat.
- Avoid direct sun, saunas and swimming pools for 24 hours.
- Skip heavy creams, perfume and makeup on the treated area right after.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing after body waxing.
- Take cool or lukewarm showers instead of very hot ones.
- Start gentle exfoliation after 2 to 3 days to help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Book your next visit in 2 to 4 weeks for threading and 3 to 4 weeks for waxing.
Pairing your appointments with a simple skincare routine keeps skin calm between visits. For timing on every treatment, see our guide on how often to book waxing and threading.
Eyebrow Threading and Waxing at Soul & Self, Al Nahyan
At Soul & Self we offer eyebrow threading in Al Nahyan alongside a full face and body waxing menu. We're a ladies-only salon with a private treatment room, and we use hygienic, single-use supplies for every client.
Here are some of our most booked treatments:
- Eyebrow Threading: AED 30
- Upper Lip Threading: AED 25
- Chin Threading: AED 25
- Full Face Threading: AED 60
- Underarms Waxing: AED 40
- Half Legs Waxing: AED 50
- Full Legs Waxing: AED 80
- Full Body Waxing (Without Bikini): AED 150
- Full Body Waxing (With Bikini): AED 200
See the full menu for waxing and threading in Al Nahyan, or combine treatments with our salon packages. For anything not listed, ask us on WhatsApp for prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is threading better than waxing for eyebrows?
For most people, yes. Threading removes hairs one line at a time, so your therapist can shape the brow very precisely, and it doesn't pull on the delicate skin around the eyes.
Which hurts less, waxing or threading?
It depends on the area. Threading feels like a quick tingle on small areas like brows and the upper lip, while waxing is faster and usually more comfortable for larger areas like legs and arms. Both get easier with regular visits.
How long does waxing last?
Waxing usually lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, because the hair is removed from the root. With regular appointments, many people find the hair grows back finer and slower.
Can I wax or thread if I use retinol or have sensitive skin?
Threading is usually the gentler choice for the face if you use retinol or have sensitive skin, because nothing sticks to the skin. Always tell your therapist what products you use. For skin conditions or medication, check with your doctor or dermatologist first.
How often should I book eyebrow threading?
Every 2 to 4 weeks works for most people. If you like a very clean, sharp shape, every 2 weeks keeps it neat; if you're growing your brows out, wait a little longer between visits.
About Soul & Self: a ladies-only beauty and wellness salon at Building 17, Al Mansouri Building, E25, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi. Open daily 11 AM–9 PM. WhatsApp +971 56 185 6609.