Eyebrow threading, which originated in India and the Middle East and is becoming a popular alternative to plucking and waxing. If you've ever seen a demonstration, you know that threading appears to occur at lightning speed, but how well does it work?

Threading is a very precise way to shape and clean up your eyebrows and only requires one tool—thread. A technician uses a tightly wound double-coiled thread often anchored in her teeth on one end. The other end is held in her hand. She’ll move this thread across your brows in a swift motion, catching and removing hair as she goes.

Because the hair is removed in a clean line, shaping the brows quickly is easier than with tweezing. Like waxing, this technique removes the hair at the follicle so hair grows back slowly. Repetitive threading may even damage the follicle enough to stop growth altogether.

You’ll probably need to return for threading every two to three weeks. Don’t expect to endure this procedure completely pain free, but know that it’s a quick procedure that generally feels more like plucking than waxing.

If you have sensitive skin or use products that make your skin more sensitive, threading may be best for you, given that it doesn’t involve putting anything on your skin.