Does the art of face threading have a future in Hong Kong?
Face threading involves removing hair, dead skin cells and blackheads by rolling a twisted piece of cotton across the face. It was very popular in Hong Kong in the past, but few people still earn a living from it
Facials are a hugely popular beauty treatment, but they can be expensive. There is an alternative and traditional procedure available in Hong Kong. Chinese face threading claims the same results but costs a fraction of the price.
The concept of this ancient Chinese beauty treatment is simple. Directly translated as “threading face” (xian mian), it is a process to remove facial hair.
In most of the world, threading is usually focused on eyebrow shaping and upper lip hair removal, whereas the Chinese practice involves the use of powder, and is done on the entire face and neck. Beauticians claim that it can get rid of unwanted patches of colour and blackheads as well.
There are a few dozen face threading practitioners in Hong Kong. Ms Li’s 50 sq ft shop is inside a shopping arcade in Sham Shui Po that mainly sells electronic gadgets and video games. A neon light outside says “Ancient Face Threading”.
The process can take from 20 to 40 minutes. Li starts by applying face threading powder – a mixture of perfume, calcium carbonate and lime powder – to the client’s face. This powder makes hair more visible and is said to prevent hypersensitivity. Some regular clients keep their own personal powder at the shop with Li.