Treatment guide
Threading: how it works and who should do it
Threading removes hair by rolling twisted cotton thread across the skin, most often on brows and the upper lip, in appointments of 10–20 minutes. It sits outside England's proposed cosmetic-procedure licensing scheme and requires no legal qualification — it is a skill judged almost entirely by the practitioner's hand.
Last reviewed · How we research and check this
Is it regulated?
No licence is required to perform this anywhere in the UK. Sits outside the licensing scheme as drafted — it does not penetrate the skin or apply light, electricity, cold or heat in the way the scheme defines. Qualification and insurance still matter, and no law requires either.
Basis: Section 180, Health and Care Act 2022 and the Government's consultation response of 7 August 2025, tracked in House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10331.
What the practitioner should hold
There is no single standard qualification; many excellent threaders learned through apprenticeship. Insurance and demonstrable experience matter more here than a certificate.
Insurance
Standard treatment-risk cover.
What it costs
Guide price: we do not yet have enough member listings to publish a reliable range for threading. We publish this figure only when there is real data behind it.
Questions to ask before you book
- How long have you been threading?
- Do you use fresh thread for every client?
- Can you show me the shape you would take before you start?
Red flags
- Thread reused between clients
- No discussion of shape before starting
- Skin lifted or broken during the treatment
Common questions
Does threading hurt more than waxing?
It is sharper but briefer, and many people find it easier on sensitive skin because nothing is applied to the skin at all — no wax, no heat, no adhesive.
Is threading safe on skin using retinoids?
It is usually gentler than waxing for skin on actives because it does not grip the skin surface, but tell your practitioner what you use and let them judge.
How often will I need it?
Every two to four weeks for brows, following your own growth pattern.
Members offering threading
No members offer this yet. List your business if you do.