A young woman reportedly suffered liver failure after eyebrow threading. Here’s what really happened and how to protect yourself. We all love the post-threading glow, clean brows, sharp lines, instant confidence. But what if your five-minute parlour visit comes with a hidden health risk? That’s exactly what Dr Aditij Dhamija (MBBS) warned about in a recent viral Instagram reel, where he shared a jaw-dropping case: a 28-year-old woman walked into a local salon for eyebrow threading and, days later, ended up battling acute liver failure. The likely culprit? A case of viral hepatitis, possibly transmitted through reused thread.Sounds dramatic but it’s not just internet fear-mongering. This incident has opened up a real conversation: Can you really catch a liver-damaging virus from eyebrow threading? The short answer is, yes, if the parlour doesn’t follow proper hygiene.
Can eyebrow threading give you hepatitis?
Technically, threading, in itself, doesn’t damage your liver. But when parlours reuse the same thread on multiple clients, or skip basic hygiene like sanitising tools and washing hands, things get risky. Even the tiniest cut or abrasion during threading can become an open invitation for blood-borne viruses like hepatitis B or C to enter the body. These viruses don’t always show symptoms right away, they quietly settle in, slowly harming your liver over the years.If left untreated, chronic hepatitis can lead to serious complications like liver inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), or in rare cases, full-blown liver failure. And the worst part? Many people don’t even realise they’re infected until significant damage has been done.And hepatitis isn’t your average viral fever. These viruses can silently attack your liver for months or even years, sometimes leading to:
- Jaundice
- Liver inflammation
- Chronic hepatitis
- Liver failure
- Even liver cancer in extreme cases
In rare instances, the onset can be rapid, like in the case shared by Dr Dhamija.
So how bad is the risk of getting hepatitis via threading?
Let’s be clear: we’re not saying threading is unsafe. But salons that don’t change thread between clients or skip basic hygiene steps? That’s where the danger creeps in. Threading involves minor cuts and micro-tears. If your beautician used the same thread just minutes ago on another client, who may be unknowingly carrying hepatitis, the infection could transfer to you. Even if it’s invisible to the naked eye. And hepatitis viruses are tough cookies. They survive outside the body longer than you’d think.
Parlour hygiene tips to prevent catching hepatitis through threading: More important than you realise
Next time you go for your threading or waxing appointment, keep these in mind:
- Fresh thread, every time. No excuses. If they hesitate, walk away.
- Look at the hands. Clean, sanitised, or gloved, that’s the standard.
- Take your own tools. Especially for tweezing or facial grooming.
- Hepatitis B vaccine? Get it. It’s safe, quick, and offers long-term protection.
- Listen to your body. If you feel off, fatigue, yellow eyes, dark urine, get tested.
Threading isn’t dangerous but poor hygiene absolutely is. What Dr Aditij Dhamija’s viral post really highlights is this: we trust parlour visits too easily. We rarely ask how tools are cleaned, or how many clients used that same piece of thread. And that silence can cost you more than a botched brow shape. Your salon routine shouldn’t be a gamble. So next time you’re in the chair, speak up. Your health’s worth more than a perfect arch.Also read| Walking into rooms and forgetting why? The ‘doorway effect’ explains what your brain is really doing
