After walking around for several weeks looking like a woolly mammoth, I decided to have my eyebrows threaded.

If you’re in New York City and looking for a relaxing, clean, and comforting environment to get your eyebrows threaded, check out Eyespa in East Harlem.  It’s almost right outside the 6 train subway exit on 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue.  Owned by a woman of color, it’s a quaint spot that reminds you that it’s important to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your life.

“SSSSSHHHHHHHHH” a sign on the wall reads, asking you to refrain from using your cell phone. 

It was the first time I’d had my eyebrows threaded.   I think it’s less painful than waxing or tweezing, but more annoying since you feel a series of little pulls as the artist moves the thread over your brows.  (Think of pulling a piece of perforated notebook paper out; that’s what it reminds me of.)  Threading is pretty daggone amazing; they take this thread that’s still on the spool and somehow engage the hair to pull it out with a simple back and forth motion.  My skin around my brow was still red and irritated for about the next 24 hours, but I’m pretty sure there was a recommended soothing facial I declined.

I had my brows done by Manisha, who diagnosed immediately that the last brow technician at some walk-in nail joint (you know the ones) had made one arch higher than the other.  She’s now set to doing a repair job that will eventually even them out. 

They have a big book with pictures of different eyebrow shapes so you can sit, have a cup of coffee, and pick out your style.

You get the impression that yes, these are experienced brow artists who have 1) been with Eyespa for a while (their colorful name tags are on their stations) and 2) they take pride in shaping the brow and ask you what you want.  I wasn’t worried when I sat in Manisha’s chair.

Eyespa is inexpensive. Check out their prices for Threading:

Threading

A time-honored technique using cotton thread
and skilled hands to create perfect eyebrows.
Try it, you’ll love it!

Eyebrows …………………………..$9
Upper Lip …………………………..$5
Chin ………………………………..$6
Sideburns ………………………….$7
Full Face (no brows) - $28    (with brows) - $33
All other areas priced on a case by case basis

They also do massages, facials and waxing and will be adding manicures and pedicures in the near future.  Open 7 days a week, you can walk-in for eyebrow threading, but appointments are suggested for other services. Visit their website at www.spaharlem.com

I’m going back in two weeks to continue my arch repair.  Maybe I’ll see you there!