Is Threading
worth it?
The income math, the honest trade-offs, and who this skill actually makes sense for — before you commit to anything.
For the right person,
absolutely
Threading is a rare, in-demand skill that most licensed estheticians don't have on their menu. The barrier to entry is low. The overhead is almost zero. The income ceiling is real.
But it's not magic. It takes genuine practice, muscle memory that develops over weeks, not days. the discipline to build a client base. Threading rewards professionals who take it seriously.
This page breaks down everything honestly: the income math, who it makes the most sense for, and what the actual trade-offs are. No hype.
What Threading Actually Pays
How Threading Compares
to What You Already Offer
| Factor | Threading | Waxing | Microblading | Lash Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup cost | ✓ Under $20 | $200–$500 equipment | $3,000–$8,000 training + tools | $500–$2,000 supplies |
| Ongoing product cost | ✓ ~$3 per 50 clients | $20–$60/month wax | $50–$200/month pigments | $100–$300/month lashes |
| Works on sensitive skin | ✓ Yes. No chemicals | ✗ Redness, irritation risk | N/A (permanent makeup) | Possible adhesive reactions |
| Works on Accutane clients | ✓ Yes | ✗ Contraindicated | ✗ Contraindicated | Generally safe |
| Service time | 15–20 mins | 15–30 mins | 2–3 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| Rebooking frequency | ✓ Every 3–4 weeks | Every 3–6 weeks | Annual touch-up | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Licence requirement | ✓ Exempt in 20 states | Esthetics in most states | Specialty licence required | Varies by state |
| Learning curve | Moderate — muscle memory | Low — straightforward | High — semi-permanent | High — precision required |
| Earning potential/day | $300–$500+ | $200–$400 | $500–$1,500 | $300–$800 |
- Near-zero overhead, a spool of thread is your entire cost of goods
- No skin contact with chemicals — serves clients wax literally cannot
- Fast service time means more clients per hour
- Clients rebook every 3–4 weeks — predictable monthly income
- Scarce skill in most markets — less competition, more loyalty
- Works beautifully as a standalone service or menu add-on
- No equipment to maintain, break down, or restock
- Exempt from licensing in 20 states — lower barrier to entry
- Muscle memory takes weeks of consistent practice to develop
- 30 states still require a cosmetology or esthetics licence to perform on clients
- Salon ownership is always governed by your state's business and cosmetology laws regardless of threading-specific exemptions
- Clients with very sparse or extremely thin hair require more advanced technique
- Building a threading clientele from scratch takes 2–3 months of consistent marketing
- Not suitable as a replacement for chemical or permanent services — it's complementary
Threading Makes the Most Sense If
You're Already Doing Brows
Threading slots directly onto your existing menu. Your current clients are already a built-in market. No cold start required. You can raise your brow ticket immediately.
You're a Licensed Esthie Looking to Stand Out
Most licensed estheticians offer the exact same menu. Threading is the one gap most esthetics programs leave completely uncovered. that gap is your market advantage.
You Want Recurring Revenue Without High Overhead
If the appeal is a service that costs almost nothing to deliver, has built-in rebooking, and doesn't require expensive supplies — threading is structurally almost perfect for that.
A Note on Licensing & Salon Ownership
The Brow Goddess threading course is open to anyone who wants to learn the skill of eyebrow threading — including people who are not yet licensed. The course teaches the technique. How and where you apply it legally is governed entirely by your state.
As of 2025, 20 US states completely exempt eyebrow threading from cosmetology licensing requirements, meaning you can legally perform threading on clients without a cosmetology or esthetics licence in those states. In the remaining 30 states, a licence is required to perform threading on paying clients.
Regarding Salon Ownership
Regardless of whether threading itself is exempt in your state, operating or owning a salon or commercial beauty establishment is subject to your state's business licensing, cosmetology facility, and health department regulations — separate from your personal service licence. Salon owners must comply fully with their state's facility requirements, regardless of which services they personally hold a licence for. Always consult your state board and a local business attorney before opening a commercial establishment.
Brow Goddess Academy provides educational skill training only. We are not a legal or regulatory authority. All students are solely responsible for ensuring their practice complies with applicable state and local laws before performing threading services on clients or operating a business. See our full state-by-state requirements guide →
The Verdict: Threading Is worth it
If you're a beauty professional ready to add a rare, high-margin, low-overhead skill to your menu — threading is one of the most efficient investments you can make in your career.
