Since threading is one of the most common cosmetic practices worldwide and if it truly posed a risk of Hepatitis B transmission, there would have been at least a few published cases. The complete lack of evidence, despite millions of procedures, makes the claim highly improbable.
Published Apr 07, 2025 | 12:10 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 07, 2025 | 12:10 PM
Threading procedure.
Synopsis: A recent video by an influencer doctor claims that threading, like tattooing or body piercing, could potentially transmit Hepatitis B. However, other doctors dismissed the claim citing a lack of evidence.
For millions of women across the world, threading is as routine as brushing their teeth. Whether it’s shaping eyebrows or removing facial hair, this centuries-old grooming practice is often a monthly — if not weekly — ritual. It’s quick, affordable, and widely considered safe.
However, a recent video by an influencer doctor has thrown this everyday beauty habit into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
In the viral clip, the doctor claims that threading, like tattooing or body piercing, could potentially transmit Hepatitis B — a serious liver infection. He even narrates a case where three young women, who had all visited the same threading salon, tested positive for the virus with matching strains.
“As a doctor, this was highly unusual. It felt like a medical mystery. So, I did what doctors are trained to do: I stepped back and took a detailed history, asking them about their activities in the week before symptoms began. That’s when the connection became clear: All three had visited the same threading salon,” an Internal Medicine doctor from Navi Mumbai Dr Vishal Gabale said in the video.
He claimed that, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2022 bulletin, cases of Hepatitis B transmission have been reported following tattooing, sharing razors, “and even cosmetic procedures like threading”.
“We often assume threading is harmless. However, the procedure can cause micro-abrasions in the skin, and the Hepatitis B virus can survive for days on tiny contaminated surfaces. You don’t even need visible blood — just one infected thread or unsterile tool, and the virus spreads quietly. So yes, something as routine as threading can carry a risk,” said Navi Mumbai-based social media influencer doctor.
With more than eight lakh followers this video has reached more than four lakh people within two days.
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“If there’s a wound — any cut or break in the skin — then yes. Theoretically, a virus like Hepatitis B could spread through that wound. So, if threading somehow causes a cut or micro-abrasion, transmission might be possible in theory. But in clinical practice, we’ve never seen or heard of a case where threading has directly led to Hepatitis B transmission,” a Hyderabad-based dermatologist told South First.
He pointed out that tattooing, on the other hand, is a different matter — it pierces the skin, and there are documented cases of viral transmission through tattoos. “But threading is much more superficial, and I haven’t seen any confirmed cases or research linking it to viral transmission like Hepatitis B,” he said.
He however asked that given how common threading is — nearly every woman undergoes it at some point — if it really posed such a risk, we would expect to see more evidence.
“That’s why it feels a bit like fear-mongering, especially when the comments section on the video is turned off, making it harder for experts to weigh in or correct misinformation,” said the dermatologist.
Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar pointed out that there’s a small disclaimer underneath it saying it’s ‘only for educational purposes’ and that it presents a theoretical risk. “This suggests that the doctor in the video hasn’t actually seen or treated any real cases of Hepatitis B caused by threading,” he told South First.
“The problem is, most viewers may miss that disclaimer. They might take the content at face value and become unnecessarily alarmed,” he said,
He also said that in my opinion, the video is misleading for a few key reasons. “First and foremost, there isn’t a single documented case report anywhere in the world that links threading to the transmission of Hepatitis B. That’s significant, considering how common threading is globally — practically every woman and even some men undergo it regularly,” he said.
He said that if there were any genuine risk, there would be at least one reported case. Given the widespread practice of threading and the fact that Hepatitis B has been around and well-studied for decades, the absence of any such report makes it extremely unlikely.
“That said, there are certain beauty parlour procedures that have been scientifically linked to the transmission of Hepatitis B. These include tattooing, body piercing, manicures, and even shaving — especially when hygiene protocols are not followed. One well-regarded study even showed up to an 80 percent increased risk of Hepatitis B infection among individuals who underwent these kinds of treatments,” he said.
But threading? “As of now, there’s no evidence or published research associating it with Hepatitis B transmission,” he said.
The influencer doctor in the video claimed that, according to the WHO’s 2022 bulletin, cases of Hepatitis B transmission have been reported following tattooing, sharing razors, and even cosmetic procedures like threading.
However, the video did not provide a direct link to any WHO publication. When questioned, the doctor shared a screenshot of a different article, presenting it as a WHO source.
In reality, the article was published in 2010 and does not mention threading as a mode of Hepatitis B transmission. Despite being cited as a 2022 WHO bulletin, the article neither belongs to the WHO nor supports the specific claim being made.
Since threading is one of the most common cosmetic practices worldwide and if it truly posed a risk of Hepatitis B transmission, there would have been at least a few published cases. The complete lack of evidence, despite millions of procedures, makes the claim highly improbable.
“That’s why such warnings feel like fear-mongering — or at best, clickbait. What makes it worse is when misinformation comes from doctors, not just influencers. People naturally trust medical professionals, so sensational claims — like threading causing Hepatitis B or avoiding biopsies for breast lumps — can do real harm,” said Dr Kumar.
He also pointed out that in fact, one such video was flagged by Instagram for spreading false health information. Threading typically doesn’t break the skin or cause bleeding, which is essential for Hepatitis B transmission.
“Unlike tattooing or piercings, which carry known risks, there’s no scientific evidence linking threading to the virus. We should focus on real risks — like unsafe sex, reused needles, or unhygienic medical practices — rather than alarming people over an unproven, hypothetical scenario,” he said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
