The following article was published in the largest circulated daily news paper in the RTP area: The News & Observer Raleigh – Durham - Cary, Chapel Hill

July 17, 2002

Staff Writer

Cary -- Just before Shilpa Bhalodia works her magic, she rubs baby powder on the eyebrow of her client to dry the skin. Then, with one end of an 18-inch strand of thread in her mouth, the other wrapped around her fingers, Bhalodia hovers over her client, cutting away unwanted hair with a criss-cross motion of the thread. About five minutes later, her client smiles at her arched eyebrows. "My brows look so smooth and beautiful," Sudha Dhingra said.

Women who thread say that it has three main advantages over waxing: It's easier on the skin because it doesn't pull as much; it's more precise because each hair is pulled out individually; and you don't have to wait for the hair to grow back as long to get it done again. Most beauticians don't even like their clients to tweeze between appointments -- usually every two or three weeks -- because it can cause ingrown hairs and bumps on the skin.

Once people try threading they love it,” said Bhalodia who owns Chandni's Beauty Salon in Cary . Bhalodia uses specialized thread from India , a new piece for each client. It's not exactly painless – clients say it hurts about as much as waxing does. For occasional redness or bumps, Bhalodia recommends ice or witch hazel. “When my clients thank me, I say don't thank me, thank God,” she said. 

Finding Beauty in New Home

Threading is a hair-removing technique that originated in India. The process involves twisting a piece of thread into a double strand. The double strand is used to remove a line of hair. It is a natural remedy compared to waxing,

Bhalodia said.“Waxing can rip off skin,” she said.

In 1988, Bhalodia started taking cosmetology courses at Wake Technical Community College. She also attended Mitchell’s Academy and received her N.C. State cosmetologist license and began working at Mitchell’s Styling Salon at Cary Towne Center. Bhalodia worked at Mitchell’s until she became pregnant with her daughter. Bhalodia wanted to stay at home and raise her daughter, Chandni and son, Kishan.

She decided to continue her interest in eyebrow threading by opening Chandni’s Salon, named after her daughter, from the basement of her home.“It literally means moonlight,” said Bhalodia. Her business became a success and outgrew the basement. “It was unbelievable,” said Bhalodia. Three years ago, she moved her business to Chatham Square.

Chandni’s Spa and Salon offers its signature eyebrow threading along with facials, massages, hair cuts, color and waxing. For information on Chandni’s Spa and Salon call 466-9099 or visit trianglesalon.com.