Your Sweetest Selfcare Ritual
What is sugaring?
In the pursuit of smooth, hair-free skin, traditional methods like waxing have long been the norm. However, a sweet alternative has emerged – sugaring. Originating from ancient Egypt, sugaring offers a natural and gentle approach to hair removal that is garnering attention for its numerous benefits over waxing.
What Is Sugaring?
Sugaring involves the use of a simple mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice, cooked to a honey-like consistency. Unlike wax, which adheres to the live skin cells and can cause irritation or damage, sugaring paste adheres only to the hair and dead skin cells, gently removing it from the root without pulling on the skin.
This distinction is crucial, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or prone to ingrown hairs. Sugaring exfoliates the skin as it removes hair, leaving behind a smooth, silky texture without the risk of trauma associated with waxing.
Furthermore, sugaring paste is applied at body temperature, significantly reducing the risk of burns or discomfort compared to hot wax. Its water-soluble nature also makes cleanup a breeze, offering a more hygienic experience for both clients and practitioners.
Is sugaring better than waxing?
It’s incredibly rare that once one tries sugar, one goes back to waxing. Most of the time, client’s will even share that they’re never going back to waxing midway through their first sugaring appointment. Sugaring is a next-level form of hair removal that offers natural ingredients and a more comfortable experience throughout the hair removal process. This is because sugar only adheres to your hair and dead skin cells, where wax adheres to your live skin cells. That means that removing wax is more painful than sugar due to it’s attachment to the skin. Sugar is also a more efficient form of hair removal due to the hairs being removed with the direction of hair growth, where wax removes hairs against the grain, which can lead to broken hairs, ingrowns, and irritation. Since hairs are more truly removed from the root when sugaring, the new hairs that grow in will grow smoother, finer, and softer. This can eventually lead to less discomfort due to less hair growth. Why? When hairs are frequently removed from the root, this restricts blood flow from getting to the hair follicle which eventually will weaken the follicle.
Due to it being natural, more gentle, clean, and non-irritating, I’d have to say that sugar is the better option.
How long does sugaring last for?
Sugaring results last about one and a half to two weeks. At that point you will begin to see your next set of hairs growing in. Booking appointments ahead of time will get you and your hairs on a cycle of hair removal so that every appointment gets easier and easier. Whenever hair is removed from the root, the next hair that grows in is a new baby hair. This new baby hair is less attached within the follicle, therefore making it easier to come out. That’s why any hair removal expert will say “the first time is always the worst.” It’s because you have the most, thickest, and engrained hair. But once you begin your sugaring journey, the easier it gets.
Should I shave between sugaring?
Shaving between appointments is a big no no. Shaving disrupts the hair’s growth cycle and can make removal of hair much more difficult, especially if it’s too short. When sugaring on a monthly cycle, there is proper time for the hair to grow in so that it is long enough to be sugared at the next appointment. Shaving will often be the cause of not being able to remove all hairs, needing to push out or reschedule appointments, and in turn, not being on a proper cycle of hair removal.
How painful is sugaring?
It’s no secret that sugaring is still hair removal. But in comparison to waxing, it’s a much different experience. Wax resins adhere to live skin cells, where sugar only adheres to the hair and dead skin cells. This means that when wax is removed, a minuscule layer of skin is removed, but when sugar is removed, it’s actually more like a good form of exfoliation. This means that sugar is more gentle on the skin. Since wax resins adhere to live skin cells, this can leave client’s skin tender, red, and irritated. Without any minor skin lifting, sugar leaves skin gently exfoliated with little to no redness or sensitivity.
Sugar is applied to the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth, and removed with the direction of hair growth. Wax, on the other hand, is applied with the direction of hair growth, and then removed against the grain. Waxing give hairs a much larger chance of breaking, which could lead to ingrowns and irritation, elongating the ‘pain’ of your hair removal service. Since the sugar is removed with the hair growth, the hair has a much higher chance of truly being removed from the root. Therefore, sugar helps the hairs to grow in smoother, finer, and softer, which essentially diminishes pain over time.
Lastly, sugar is body temperature, so you will never get burned during your hair removal appointments.
Can I sugar wax my pubic area?
Absolutely. Sugaring in the bikini area is one of the most popular hair removal services. There are multiple styles that can be done in the bikini area. First, there is the classic bikini service which includes the insides of the hip creases and above the pubic area underneath the belly button. This service removes the hairs that you would see just outside the bikini line. Another service is an extended bikini, which includes the classic bikini service, as well as the back side. Then, there is the full Brazilian, which removes all hair from front to back. If a triangle or a strip are something that you are interested in, don’t be shy, just ask! Everyone has their preference of hair removal needs.
Can I shower after sugaring?
Absolutely, but be sure not to take that boiling hot shower we crave on a cold day. Since your hair follicles are newly empty, it’s best to avoid shocking the follicle by showering it with scorching hot water. Warm water and a clean and gentle soap with no fragrance is best to use post sugaring. After 24 hours, you may carry on with whatever type of shower you please.
Which is safer waxing or sugaring?
Have you ever been waxed and wondered why its blue, pink, or even glittery? Wax is made with chemicals and can more easily irritate the skin. Sugaring is an all natural alternative to wax, that is vegan, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and in some cases organic. Sugar only adheres to the hair and dead skin cells, where wax can adhere to live skin cells, and leave your skin irritated or even lifted. Wax can also be very hot, where sugar is body temperature, so you’ll never experience getting burned with sugar. It is safe to say that sugar is a safer form of hair removal.
How common are ingrown hairs after sugaring?
Ingrown hairs are a very tricky topic. Ingrowns can come from anything between broken hairs, lack of moisture, lack of exfoliation, hormones, or type of hair. But sugaring has been known to help diminish ingrown hairs due to the way it is applied and removed. Sugar is massaged onto the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth. This bends the hairs backwards so that the sugar can seep into the follicle and get a stronger hold of the hair from the root. Then, the sugar is removed with the direction of hair growth. Since the hair is removed in it’s natural way of growth, this helps to keep the hairs in tact and truly remove them from the root.
In between appointment maintenance is a big factor when it comes to avoiding ingrowns. Exfoliating and moisturizing is your skins best friend! Exfoliation will help to slough off dead skin cells so that new hairs don’t get trapped under dead skin. But exfoliation exposes new skin cells that need hydration protection. Hydrating the exfoliated area will not only keep hairs from getting trapped under dry skin, but it will also moisturize the outer layer as well as within the follicle so the hairs have an easier time getting through the skin.
What is the truth about sugar waxing?
The truth is that sugaring is THE TRUTH. It’s true that almost everyone who tries sugaring can’t believe it took them this long to discover it, and refuses to go back to wax. Sugar is an ancient form of hair removal that originated in the middle east who’s impact on the west is growing by the day. It’s simple, it’s natural, and it works in a more efficient way than wax does.
Why is sugaring bad for you?
Almost always, sugar is clean and safe enough for all skin types. A disadvantage to sugaring could be sensitivities to the actual product made up of sugar, water, or lemon, or sensitivity to an activated hair follicle. This can result in gently raised bumps, which tend to go away by end of day with the use of a soothing and anti-inflammatory oil. Sugar is completely safe to use on clients who partake in a skincare routine, but it is best to stop using topicals such as salicylic acid, vitamin c, or retinol serums one week before any sugaring treatments are done on areas that these products are being use, to avoid any damage to the skin. Sugaring treatments should not be performed on those who are using intense oral acne medications such as accutane. Accutane causes skin to be thin, sensitive, and dry. Absolutely no waxing or sugaring can be done on those who use accutane because the skin will instantly lift, which can create a wound or cause hyperpigmentation in the area. It is recommended to wait 6 months after getting off of accutane to start any sugaring hair removal, but it is best to consult your doctor or dermatologist to get the green flag.
Ariel Lowell
Blending traditional techniques with modern finesse, Ariel is Bloom Sugaring expert sugarista and founder. Ariel's mastery as a sugarista extends beyond mere skill; her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction sets her apart. With precision and artistry, she is a masterful brow shaper, transforming brows and elevating natural beauty to new heights.
